Bringing a radiant glow to Victor Harbor’s town centre, Phosphorescence is a striking artwork by artist Marijana Tadic. Crafted from vibrant plexiglass and stainless steel, this captivating sculpture offers a visual feast during the day, while its computerised lighting transforms it into a mesmerising spectacle at night.

Inspired by nature’s most enchanting light displays—think glowing jellyfish and bioluminescent sea creatures—Phosphorescence celebrates the magic of illumination. The artist was deeply influenced by the Illuminate Festival, where she witnessed firsthand the joy, optimism, and wonder that light installations bring to people of all ages. Now, Victor Harbor has its own permanent light display, ready to be admired year-round by both locals and visitors.

The artwork’s title is drawn from journalist Julia Baird’s bestselling book, Phosphorescence, which explores the idea of finding an inner light that sustains us through life’s challenges. In the same way, this stunning sculpture invites onlookers to pause, reflect, and discover their own sense of awe and inspiration.

Standing proudly in a prominent location within Victor Harbor, Phosphorescence is more than just an artwork—it’s a beacon of light, positivity, and wonder for all who visit.

Victor Harbor’s charm isn’t just in its stunning coastline and relaxed atmosphere—it’s also in the vibrant art scene that continues to breathe new life into the town. One of the latest artistic additions to the landscape is the Telstra mural, a large-scale masterpiece by South Australian artist Nicole Black. This striking work of art, made possible through a collaboration between the City of Victor Harbor, Telstra, and Bunnings, has transformed the northern end of Ocean Street into a visual delight.

The mural is more than just a splash of colour—it’s a reflection of Victor Harbor’s unique character. The journey to its creation began in November 2019, when the community was invited to share their thoughts on what should adorn the wall. After extensive public consultation and a competitive selection process, Nicole Black was chosen to bring her vision to life.

Nicole, a trained visual artist and graphic designer, honed her craft in Adelaide before further developing her skills in Melbourne. It was there that she discovered her passion for large-scale mural work, inspired by the way street art could completely transform urban spaces. Upon returning to South Australia, she expanded her practice to include murals that blend seamlessly into their surroundings, enhancing both indoor and outdoor environments.

Victor Harbor holds a special place in Nicole’s heart. Having spent childhood summers in the region, she drew on both nostalgia and fresh inspiration to craft a mural that resonates with locals and visitors alike. Her design incorporates the fluidity of nature, with seaside hues and native botanical colours creating a dynamic interplay of motion and stillness. The result is a contemporary and original artwork that engages passersby with spatial play and an element of surprise.

This mural is more than just a piece of art—it’s a celebration of place, memory, and culture. Whether you’re strolling down Ocean Street or stopping by to take in its details up close, Nicole Black’s work invites you to see Victor Harbor through a fresh, artistic lens.

Victor Harbor’s commissioned acclaimed local artist Matt Turley to craft Connection, a captivating public art installation.

Turley, whose work has graced public spaces across South Australia—including the Brighton Jetty Sculptures and City of Holdfast Bay—brings his distinctive vision to this latest commission. Drawing inspiration from the intricate mechanics of steam locomotives, Connection symbolises individual elements uniting to create something greater—much like the history, people, and spirit of Victor Harbor itself.

Selected through a competitive commissioning process by the City of Victor Harbor’s Arts and Culture Advisory Group, Connection is designed to captivate a diverse audience.

Its impressive scale, dynamic interplay of light and shadow, and thoughtful composition invite exploration from every angle—offering ever-changing perspectives throughout the day and evening.

Whether you’re an art lover, or train enthusiast, Connection provides an interactive and immersive experience. Come and witness how Turley’s vision transforms Railway Plaza into a place of artistic wonder, where history and creativity merge in perfect harmony.

Local artist Matt Turley has brought Victor Harbor’s rich whaling past to life with a striking art installation at The Bluff Boat Ramp carpark, in front of Whaler’s Seaside Dining.

Encircling the historic Whaler’s Well, Turley’s work features three dramatic Corten steel sculptures—a majestic whale, a group of whalers, and a try pot—paying homage to the region’s early European settlement and whaling heritage.

Crafted from layered Corten steel with stainless steel accents, the sculptures play with depth, contrast, and abstraction, inviting viewers to engage with the history in a more immersive way. Rather than direct representations, the abstract forms encourage contemplation of the industry that once thrived along these shores.

Did you know? The Whaler’s Well, around which this installation is centered, was rediscovered in 2017 during excavation work for the carpark. Thought to be linked to the Rosetta Harbor Whaling Station, established in early 1837, the well was carefully restored after archaeological investigations, offering a rare glimpse into Victor Harbor’s early maritime past.

Kleinigs Hill Lookout is a cultural and artistic gem, offering breathtaking views over the stunning Encounter Bay. More than just a scenic stop, it’s a place of storytelling and connection. Here, you’ll find Kondoli the whale, a powerful symbol of reconciliation with the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people of Victor Harbor. The striking mosaic-covered sculpture, created by principal artist Lyn Walsh in collaboration with a team of First Nations artists, brings Kondoli’s Dreaming story to life in vibrant color and intricate detail.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in the art, tracing the shimmering tiles that reflect the land, sea, and sky. Use the telescope to take in the sweeping views of Granite Island, The Bluff, and the vast waters of Encounter Bay. Whether you’re here for the culture, the art, or the landscape, Kleinigs Hill Lookout is a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the deep connections between land, people, and story.

A stunning sculpture of Ngurunderi, one of the great Creation ancestral beings of the Ngarrindjeri Dreaming stories, stands proudly beside the Granite Island Causeway—an unmissable cultural landmark on South Australia’s breathtaking Fleurieu Peninsula.

Standing 3.6 metres tall atop a locally sourced granite boulder, this magnificent sculpture was designed by renowned Ngarrindjeri artist Kevin Kropinyeri and brought to life by Adelaide artist Karl Meyer. It was commissioned as part of the Granite Island Causeway Project, celebrating the deep cultural significance of this area.

The sculpture tells the Ngurunderi Creation story, which shapes the landscape of Victor Harbor (Pultung), Granite Island (Kaiki), and The Bluff (Longkuwa). As Ngurunderi traveled through Ramindjeri country, he created these iconic natural landmarks in pursuit of his wives. His club, thrown in anger, formed The Bluff, while his spear, cast into the sea, became Granite Island.

Visitors can now immerse themselves in Ngarrindjeri–Ramindjeri culture through a range of meaningful First Nations art and storytelling elements along the Causeway, including interpretive signage, unique artworks, and cultural wayfinding markers.

Make sure you stop to admire this stunning piece and explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of Granite Island.

The Bluff (Longkuwar), or Rosetta Head, stands 97 metres above sea level and is one of Victor Harbor’s most iconic natural landmarks. Located 4 km southwest of town, it offers spectacular 360-degree views, with Granite Island to the east and the rugged southern coastline stretching beyond.

A one-way scenic loop road provides access for walkers and cyclists. A 600-metre loop walk from the carpark leads to the summit, where visitors can take in panoramic coastal views. From June to October, migrating whales can often be seen offshore.

On the western side of The Bluff lies Petrel Cove, a picturesque spot that marks the starting point of the famous Heysen Trail, one of Australia’s great long-distance walks.

The Ramindjeri people, the Traditional Custodians of this land, called The Bluff “Longkuwar.” They lived in the Victor Harbor area for thousands of years, drawn by the abundant sea life, including whales.

From 1837 to the 1860s, one of the region’s earliest whaling stations operated at the base of The Bluff.

The headland has a history of mining, with copper and gold discovered in the area. The Coolanine Mine was established in 1863 and briefly reopened in 1882 when lead was found, though mining was short-lived. The Bluff itself is a geological wonder, shaped by glaciers, volcanic activity, and shifting sea levels over 500 million years.

With its dramatic coastal scenery, rich Indigenous and European history, and opportunities for whale watching and hiking, The Bluff is one of Victor Harbor’s most memorable destinations.