The Fleurieu Peninsula is a treasure trove of creativity, where public art meets cultural storytelling in stunning fashion. From dazzling light sculptures to meaningful Indigenous artworks, Victor Harbor is bursting with installations that captivate, inspire, and celebrate community spirit.
Kondoli the Whale Mosaic – Kleinigs Hill Lookout
At Kleinig’s Hill Lookout, art meets cultural storytelling with Kondoli the Whale, a breathtaking mosaic sculpture symbolising reconciliation with the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people. Created by Lyn Walsh and First Nations artists, this piece brings Kondoli’s Dreaming story to life in stunning detail.
Visitors can admire the shimmering tiles, take in panoramic views of Encounter Bay, and reflect on the deep connections between land, people, and history.
Phosphorescence: A Dazzling Light Sculpture in Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor’s town centre glows with Phosphorescence, a striking light sculpture by Marijana Tadic. Crafted from vibrant plexiglass and stainless steel, this stunning piece transforms from a daytime spectacle to a mesmerising light display at night. Inspired by bioluminescent sea creatures and the magic of illumination, it echoes the joy of light installations, reminiscent of the Illuminate Festival. Its name also pays tribute to Julia Baird’s book Phosphorescence, which explores inner light and resilience.
More than just an artwork, Phosphorescence is a beacon of positivity and wonder, inviting reflection and awe all year round.
A Splash of Art and Culture: The Telstra Mural by Nicole Black
Victor Harbor’s art scene continues to flourish with the addition of the Telstra Mural by South Australian artist Nicole Black. This large-scale masterpiece, a collaboration between the City of Victor Harbor, Telstra, and Bunnings, transforms the northern end of Ocean Street into a vibrant visual experience.
Drawing inspiration from community input and her own childhood memories, Nicole blends seaside hues and native botanical colours to capture the essence of Victor Harbor. Her passion for large-scale murals, developed in Adelaide and Melbourne, shines through in this dynamic piece that celebrates place, memory, and culture.
All Aboard for Connection – Railway Terrace’s Must-See Artwork
Victor Harbor’s art scene gets an industrial twist with Connection, a striking public artwork by local sculptor Matt Turley. Inspired by locomotive mechanics, this sculpture symbolises how people, history, and community interconnect to create something greater.
Connection is a true conversation starter—offering fresh perspectives with every shift of light. Whether you’re an art buff, train enthusiast, or simply looking for a great Instagram moment, make sure to visit Railway Plaza.
Experience the Spirit of Ngurunderi at Granite Island
A magnificent 3.6-metre sculpture of Ngurunderi, a key ancestral being in Ngarrindjeri Dreaming, now stands beside the Granite Island Causeway. Designed by Ngarrindjeri artist Kevin Kropinyeri and sculpted by Karl Meyer, this cultural landmark pays tribute to the Ngurunderi Creation story, which shaped Victor Harbor (Pultung), Granite Island (Kaiki), and The Bluff (Longkuwa).
Visitors can explore First Nations culture through interpretive signage, artworks, and storytelling along the Causeway. This stunning tribute to Ngarrindjeri heritage is a must-visit.
Art Meets History at Encounter Bay
Local artist Matt Turley has brought Victor Harbor’s rich whaling past to life with a striking Corten steel installation at The Bluff Boat Ramp carpark. Surrounding the historic Whaler’s Well, the artwork features abstract sculptures of a whale, whalers, and a try pot, paying tribute to the region’s early European settlement and whaling heritage. The layered steel design, with stainless steel accents, creates depth and contrast, inviting viewers to reflect on the industry that once thrived along these shores.
