Heritage Discovery Trail Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor has a rich and diverse history, with stories told through many of our built heritage places.
A number of places of historical interest have been identified, and their stories told for people to enjoy, within the City of Victor Harbor’s heritage plaque project.
The project, which commenced in 2010, has resulted in the stories of over 50 sites of heritage significance translated onto the iconic blue plaques.
A map provides the location and a brief overview of sites outside of the Victor Harbor Town Centre.
The vision for this trail is that you can choose to complete it all at once or, see the sites over a number of visits, whatever suits you best.
Enjoy learning more about these buildings and sites, soaking up Victor Harbor’s rich history, and rediscovering the stunning architecture of our past.
There is another walking Heritage Trail available around our town centre that you may also enjoy – pick up a ‘Victor Harbor Town Centre Heritage Trail’ brochure from the Visitor Information Centre on your next historic journey.
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Watch as the Digital Art installation Comes alive
In 2016 Victor Harbor installed South Australia’s first permanent architectural projection system with the expertise of illuminart and Mosaic AV, which illuminates digital art pieces on to the historic facade of the art deco Victa Cinema.
As Victor Harbor has a close relationship with whales, primarily Southern Right whales, also Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Sperm Whales and Orca are known to visit the Harbor annually to give birth, and are central to the town’s tourist industry, illuminart was commissioned to create the first digital art piece around the whale theme.
The result……a stunning, colourful and mesmorising piece called ‘Cosmic Whale Song’.
As illuminart describes it…..“In a seamless shift of context and location, atmospheric effervescence and covert costume changes, the whales in familiar waters appear to evolve into cosmic space-whales blazing through the stars in a psychedelic swirl of mind bending majesty!”
The second piece ‘The Ripple Effect’ was created by local artist Margaret Worth.
“I am interested in energy – from gravitational waves through the cosmos to the micro vibrations in nerve endings through the body. For the project I wanted to give shape to the energies of this place, my home – Victor Harbor. By sharing the work, I believe it will connect with people, and become a ripple of energy that makes life more interesting.” says Margaret in describing her work.
Check out a short snippet of ‘The Ripple Effect’.
The public are invited to watch the different digital art pieces that are on show every night after the sun goes down.
Come watch the different digital art pieces that are on show every night after the sun goes down.
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- Monday - SundayDusk
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Victor Harbor Regional Art Gallery
Set in the Old Bakery building in Victor Harbor’s historic Railway Station precinct, the gallery showcases all local artisans work.
Paintings of local landscapes, wildlife, still life and modern images are done in all mediums. Glass items showing slumped and formed glass into useful items in coastal colours.
Unusual and one off felted garments and other fabric crafts to delight.
Timber carving and beautiful natural timber tables with tactile creatures carved into the wood.
Jewellery and other delights await the visitor. Entry is free.
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- Monday - Sunday11.00am - 4.00pm
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South Australian Whale Centre - Victor Harbor
Located within the Historic Railway Goods in the heart of Victor Harbor, the South Australian Whale Centre is situated in the basement of the newly opened Victor Harbor Visitor Centre.
Originally opened in 1994, the South Australian Whale Centre has since evolved and in 2021, it merged with the Visitor Centre. Now a museum, visitors can learn, experience and play in Victor Harbor’s marine hub.
Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the deep, explore the world heritage listed railway building, and gain further knowledge about Victor Harbor’s marine treasures. Offering displays and interactive exhibits, as well as education programs, the museum is a must on your next visit to the Fleurieu Peninsula.
School, coach and tour groups are welcome. For whale sighting information between May and October follow South Australian Whale Centre on socials or visit the website for details.
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- Monday - Sunday10AM - 4PM
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Off the Bluff Abseiling experience
Off the Bluff! The newest adventure to hit Victor Harbor.
Surf & Sun have proudly launched the abseiling adventure at Rosetta Head (otherwise known as the Bluff) and it is available daily.
The Bluff is 97 metres above sea level and once you have suited up in a harness and helmet, you will be provided with instruction and head over the edge of a magnificent boulder down toward the ocean below.
Off the Bluff is a safe, exciting experience that will get the adrenalin flowing. The views are spectacular and it is suitable for 7 year olds and above.
Minimum 3 people to run. If there is only 2 people a higher price person may apply to operate.
Off the Bluff is adrenalin packed, fun and very safe. Conquer your fears!
Also available as a package deal with surf lessons too!
Tour Details;
Duration: 2 hours
Style: Adventure | Abseiling
No. of participants: 1 instructor to 6 participants (minimum of 3 people required)
Location: Victor Harbor – Bluff
When: Daily on demand
Time: Morning or Afternoon
Inclusions: All equipment, helmets, harness, ropes etc and instructor
Price: From $99
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- Open DailyOn demand
- (24 hours notice required)
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Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.
Kula-Tind-Jeri or Kool Tours
Kula-Tind-Jeri or Kool Tours is an authentic tribal experience through Southern SA. We are the original inhabitants of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.
We bring the ways of the ancient into a new world to allow visitors to experience a day in the life of our people.
Our whole company comprises local Indigenous peoples, who have a host of various experiences and knowledges and who are willing to guide you through the eyes of the old ways.
Our Country awaits to be shared in a cultural setting.
Come along with us and gain an understanding of the history and knowledge of the local Tribes of southern South Australia.
Tours
Deep Listening
Port Elliot (Ratalang) Tour
Walking on Country: Yundi Tour
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- Tuesday-SundayFlexible
- MondayClosed
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Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.
Kaiki Trail Granite Island
This walking trail takes you on a journey around Granite Island Recreation Park. Granite Island is around 62 acres and is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor due to its unusual granite formations with crashing white waves, elevated views, flora and fauna, and walking trails that provide outstanding panoramic coastal views.
| Length: | 9km loop |
| Time: | 45 minutes |
| Grade: | Grade 1, Easy Walk |
| Terrain: | Undulating with some stairs |
| Start: | Victor Harbor Information Centre |
View the trail map below or download the Kaiki Trail map.
Points of Interest
- The Causeway from the mainland is around 630 metres in length. Construction commenced in 1862, and the Victoria Pier was completed in 1864. The Causeway did not extend all the way to the island until 1875. It was built to provide a port and safe anchorage for trading ships. In 1899 swimming baths were located off the Victoria Pier, they were both demolished in 1955 after being damaged by a storm.
- Site of the Harbour Masters Cottage which was established in 1867 and demolished in 1959.
- Site of the Penguin Interpretive Centre which was operated from 1996 until 2017.
- Screwpile Jetty was first used in 1881 by the coastal steamer Penola. 260 bales of wool were loaded.
- Breakwater which was started in 1878 and completed in 1882. It is 1,000 ft long, 30 ft wide at the top and 200 ft wide on seabed. It was created from 250,000 tons of granite taken from the northern side of Granite Island, no granite block used weighed less than 20 tons.
- Lighthouse erected in 1892 run on kerosene, this was replaced by a continuous gas operated light in November 1951.
- Sculptured granite Seal, completed by sculptor Sylvio Apponyi in 1992 who also constructed the famous Warland Reserve Whale Tail fountain.
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Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.
Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.
Granite Island is around 62 acres and is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor due to its unusual granite formations with crashing white waves, elevated views, flora and fauna, and walking trails that provide outstanding panoramic coastal views.
Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram
Ride the historic Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram across The Causeway to Granite Island. The Tramway commenced operation in 1894 and is one of two remaining in the world that operate a daily service.
Kaiki walking trail
This 2.9 kilometre walking trail takes you on a journey around Granite Island Recreation Park. Follow the link to find our more about the Kaiki Walking Trail, including map and key points of interest.
Dolphin and whale watching
Granite Island is situated in the Encounter Marine Park and full of marine life including dolphins, penguins, leafy sea dragons, seals and an abundance of marine life.
From May to October you may spot a Southern Right Whale or Humpback Whale while on their annual migration.
Big Duck Boat Tours offer daily tours departing from the Causeway, where can spot dolphins, seals and whales (during whale season).
Find out more on the Encounter Marine Park website, Big Duck Boat Tours, or visit the SA Whale Centre Facebook page for the latest whale sightings.
big duck boat tours
South Australia’s unique ocean adventure experience. Take our boat tour to see seals, dolphins and whales, as well as spectacular islands, cliffs and beaches. Bookings essential.
Find out more on the Big Duck Boat Tours page
Granite island
You can find out more about Granite Island Recreation Park on the National Parks website.
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Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.
Have you ridden the historic Horse Drawn Tram across The Causeway to Granite Island and are eager to experience more?
The Stables is the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram’s new state-of-the-art stables where you can book a behind-the-scenes experience.
Home to the Tram’s Clydesdale horses, The Stables is a meticulously crafted and constructed dwelling, dedicated to ensuring the horses contentment, training, and welfare.
Beyond serving as a home base for the much loved Clydesdales, these stables also function as an inviting environment for community involvement. The Stables exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences allow individuals to interact with the horses, providing a distinctive chance to meet and greet these majestic creatures while getting an insider’s view into the operations of the acclaimed Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram.
Don’t miss your opportunity to get up close and personal with these beloved horses and learn all about the rich history and heritage of the Tram.
Immerse yourself in the world of horsemanship as you explore the stables and interact with the Clydesdales.
So whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience during your visit to Victor Harbor, The Stables is a must-visit destination. Come see for yourself why these magnificent animals have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike for over 150 years.
Book your behind-the-scenes experience today!
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Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.
Ride the historic Horse Drawn Tram across The Causeway to Granite Island. The Tramway commenced operation in 1894 and is one of two remaining in the world that operate a daily service.
Meet our beautiful Clydesdales at their day yard and at the station for a great photo opportunity. Each of our six working horses share working shifts of four or five return trips each or approximately two and a half to three hours after which they are given a feed of chaff and grain then spend the time dozing under the pines or being petted by admirers.
You can learn some of the history of the Tramway, The Causeway and the region from the photo displays inside the trams. The replica trams were built in 1986, based on the original design, but extended by two windows and given extra headroom. They weigh 4.8 tonnes each and use roller bearings to minimise rolling effort. A single tram driver can roll one out of the barn on their own! A working Clydesdale weighs between 800 to 1000kg, but only needs to use 80kg of weight to start the tram rolling.
You may purchase a return ticket (return on any tram throughout the day) or ride oneway and make a leisurely stroll the other.
Climb the boardwalk stairs to the highest point on the island for spectacular views of Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay. Explore the scenery and many other vantage points on the walking trail around the island.
The Tramway operates every day, except for Christmas Day (weather permitting). Visit www.horsedrawntram.com.au for information about fares and running times.
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Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.
Acknowledgment Of Country
Visit Victor Harbor acknowledge that the Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people are the Traditional Owners of our beautiful lands and surrounding waters. We recognise and respect the cultural connections the past, present and future Traditional Custodians have. We are committed to working with the Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people, supporting their role as custodians of their lands and helping ensure the future prosperity and cultural enrichment of the community.
This website was produced and managed by the City of Victor Harbor.
