Plan The Ultimate Coastal Holiday
As a region boasting spectacular landscapes and coastlines, from the busy arts and cultural hub ofVictor Harbor to the surrounding areas of Port Elliot, Middleton and Goolwa, you’ll need to allow a few days to immerse yourself in the vibrant mix of artworks along the South Coast.
Victor Harbor and the greater Fleurieu Peninsula has inspired the art and cultural traditions of the Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people who have called this great land home for thousands of years.
Local indigenous artists have formed their distinctive sculptures, paintings, weavings, and performances through their deep connection to the land and country.
In recent years the South Coast has emerged as a thriving art scene for traditional and modern indigenous art works.This three-day itinerary is just the beginning of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s art and culture scene, if you have more time on your hands, you may wish to visit further afield from your Victor Harbor base.
Start your three days away by treating yourself to an early minute and make your way to, Swagman Country Dining at Hindmarsh Valley to taste the contemporary flavours of the Australian bush. Cooked over red gum wood, this slow-food experience set on a stunning alpaca farm introduces you to a variety of native bush foods sourced from the farm’s native gardens. Paired with local Fleurieu and South Australian wines–your three days away has the perfect start.
Softfoot Retreats – Hindmarsh Valley
Drive the short distance from Softfoot’s restaurant to their overnight accommodation among their 600 picturesque areas in Hindmarsh Valley. Nestled among the gums, you’ll be secluded but not cutoff with the heart ship of Victor Harbor a mere 12 minutes away. Relax in the on-deck bath, tour the native animal sanctuaries, or completely turn off and enjoy the view of native animals and stunning landscapes from the comfort of the retreat.
Seascape Retreat – Hindmarsh Valley
With stunning views of rolling hills right to the ocean, Seascape Retreat’s eco villa’s will tick all your boxes with a fusion of modern eco accommodation with a distinction Australian style. Built in the natural setting of Hindmarsh Valley, every feature has constructed with attention-to-detail and maximum environmental sustainability. Let the artist within you shine and take advantage of the spectacular location or discover its surrounding 75-acres of bushland, creeks, and native flora and fauna.
Anchorage Hotel–Victor Harbor
Honour the rich the local history of Victor Harbor and stay in one of the last remaining traditional guesthouses built in 1905. Extensively renovated for those in search of escape and relaxation, the Anchorage Hotel offers heritage-style accommodation and heritage suites with four-poster beds in the heart of Victor Harbor.
Dreams of Azar – Victor Harbor
Inspired by the southern coast of France, this beach front cottage is every artists’ dream. Fall to sleep after soaking in the clawfoot bath and wake to ocean views in what feels like a blissful French country getaway. Be transported to the alleyways of France with Dreams of Azar’s private European style courtyard, all within a five-minute walk to Victor Harbor’s main street attractions.
Whether you wake up to the sounds of the bush, waves lapping the shore or, the hum of the bustling streets coming alive, you’ve got oodles of choices to start the day right with a local breakfast. Eat in, visit Victor’s main street cafes, or head out of town to Belicious in Inman Valley for speciality Belgian waffles or crepes and learn about the remarkable geological site of Glacier Rock, a 500-million-year old boulder brought inland 250-million-years ago by glacier movement.
Walk off breakfast by exploring some of Victor Harbor’s most culturally valued landscapes – The Bluff and Granite Island. Made up of granite formed millions of years ago, both The Bluff or ‘Longkuwar’ and Granite Island or ‘Kaiki’ as called by the Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri people, play a significant cultural and heritage role for both our local First Nations’ and European history.
Just a ten-minute walk from Granite Island’s causeway or a short drive from The Bluff, you’ll find Victor Harbor’s much-loved Coral Street Art Space. Located in a stunning heritage-listed building that opened in 1878 as the town’s original institute, the space now plays hosts to local artists and craftspeople. Ngarrindjeri–Ramindjeri cultural practices feature heavily in the space, with permanent and pop-up exhibitions as well as workshops taught by local indigenous artists, the space is also known as the Living Arts Centre or ‘Tumbi Tjil-urmi Titi’ in Ngarrindjeri.
Turn right out of Coral Street and you’ll come to the Ocean Street, Victor Harbor’s hub of cafes and shops. Have a light lunch in the bakery or one of the cafes or, walk a minute further to Albert Place where you take the time to sit and relax in one of the small restaurants or hotels.
Parallel to Ocean Street, or a short walk through Warland Reserve from Albert Place you’ll find the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery with its doors open seven-days a week. Located in the historic railway precinct opposite the Victor Harbor Railway Station, the home to the Steam Ranger’s Cockle Train, this gallery is run by a co-operative of local artists. The gallery once housed the town’s historic bakery and the original oven can still be seen within the space.
Stop in at Lost Phoenix Farm, located next door to Cut Hill Distillery for a late afternoon drink or a delicious culinary treat. With sweeping views over the Hindmarsh Valley, Victor Harbor’s newest hot spot will have you hooked with their colour-coordinated wines and spirits, arched church-like doors, recycled antique furniture, and hanging ladders strewn with draping indoor plants.
End the day with relaxing nibbles and drinks at your accommodation or add some vibrant colours and a fiesta of flavours to your evening with dinner at Loco Mexican. Located upstairs along Victor Harbor’s main street precinct, your senses will come alive with the radiating warm and lively colours, energetic music, and zesty flavours to tingle the tongue.
