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Nangawooka Flora Reserve - HIndmarsh Valley

Nangawooka is a 5 acre reserve North of Victor Harbor on the corner of Waterport Rd and the Adelaide – Victor Harbor Rd. It was started in 1982 and the first plantings occurred in 1983.The plantings range from WA species at the Northern end of the reserve to a mix of general native species in the centre and species specific to the Fleurieu Peninsula nearer the Southern entrance. Flowering starts in mid winter and is at its peak early Spring. There is still a good display right through into late Summer. Most (90%) of the plants are named.

Nangawooka is open to the public and is an ideal venue for small outdoor weddings or functions.

We hope you can visit Nangawooka soon.

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Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday
9.00am - 5.00pm

Important note here if needed

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the smart lock.

Great location

95% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Free cancellation

48H prior to arrival

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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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Key Facilities

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Sunday
Flexible
Monday
Closed

Important note here if needed

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the smart lock.

Great location

95% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Free cancellation

48H prior to arrival

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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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Sculpture Encounters Granite Island Moore 1024x798 (1)

Key Facilities

Opening Hours

Important note here if needed

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the smart lock.

Great location

95% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Free cancellation

48H prior to arrival

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Hindmarsh Falls - Hidden Treasure amongst the rolling hills

The picturesque Hindmarsh Falls are best viewed in winter and spring and after heavy rainfall. The falls are located approximately 18km from Victor Harbor, off Myponga Road.

The falls are fed by the Hindmarsh River catchment area between Mt Cone and Spring Mount, and flows down through Victor Harbor and out to sea via the Hindmarsh Estuary.

Length:	0.2 km return
Difficulty:	Easy
Terrain:	Undulating with some stairs

Getting there

To get to the falls from Victor Harbor, take the Victor Harbor to Adelaide Road, travel 8km from the Victor Harbor town centre and turn left onto Hindmarsh Valley Road (Myponga turn off), then travel a further 9km and you will come to the turn off on the left to the falls.

You then travel 1km along a dirt road until you reach the picnic area. You can park here and walk on the concrete path to view the falls which is approximately 600 metres from the picnic area.

There is another parking area 300 metres up the road from the picnic area which can accommodate around three cars, access to the falls is then via a cement walkway and a series of steps, which descend a further 300 metres to the falls viewing area.

A trail map can be picked up from the Victor Harbor Information Centre or Council office.

Bird watching

The open string bark forest with closed scrub land under-story is a popular area for bird watching and species such as:

Scrub Wren
Bassian Thrush
White Browed Scrubwren
Eastern Spinebill
White Throated Treecreeper
Laughing Kookaburra

The picnic area is grassed and the Hindmarsh River meanders through with plenty of shady trees along the banks. Surrounding trails venture deeper into the valley and follow the river’s edge.

Please remember:

Leave behind only footprints
Take plenty of water and wear good enclosed walking shoes
Respect the flora and fauna around you so that others may also enjoy the pleasure
Beware of snakes, especially in warmer months

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Key Facilities

Opening Hours

Important note here if needed

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the smart lock.

Great location

95% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Free cancellation

48H prior to arrival

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Encounter Bikeway

The Bikeway is an on-road and shared trail that links the coastal city of Victor Harbor and the river port town of Goolwa, via the coastal towns of Port Elliot and Middleton. The total distance of the bikeway is 30km. However, a range of riding distances is available, making it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. The Bikeway can be used by cyclists, walkers, skaters, rollerbladers and is wheelchair accessible.

The trail is located on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula, approximately one hours drive from South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide. The region has plenty to offer the visitor: great options for accommodation, fantastic food and wine, surf beaches, bushwalking and much more. Contact our local Visitor Information Centres to obtain further information.

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SHARING THE BIKEWAY

Cyclists and handcyclists: Please give way to other path users and use your bell when approaching others from behind.

Two abreast & keeping to the left:

While it is legal to ride two abreast, please respect users and allow plenty of room for others to pass. Wherever possible keep to the left hand side of the pathway or road.

Helmets:

All cyclists, including handcyclists, are required to wear a helmet that meets the approval of Standards Australia. Please ensure it is secured properly prior to setting off on your ride.

Pedestrians:

Please keep to the left and be aware of safety in respect to other users of the pathway

Water

Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of drinking water.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Respect the fragile dune systems by staying on designated pathways and boardwalks at all times. • Do not disturb plants and animals. • Do not leave any rubbish behind. Either place it in the bins provided or take it home with you.

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Spot whales from this coastal walk.

This self-guided walk takes you along the coastal Encounter Bikeway Trails from Victor Harbor to the whale sanctuary at Basham Beach where whales may be spotted from shore between May and October.

View then up-to-date map below or download the PDF version here.

Length:	10km linear
Difficulty:	Grade 1, Easy Walk
Terrain:	Sealed pathway
Start:	The Bluff, Encounter Bay
Finish:	Basham Beach, Middleton

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.

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Key Facilities

Opening Hours

Important note here if needed

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the smart lock.

Great location

95% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Free cancellation

48H prior to arrival

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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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Granite Island By Trent John Martin Small

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Big Duck Boat Tours in Victor Harbor

Big Duck Boat Tours is Victor Harbor’s spectacular ocean adventure experience…

See seals, dolphins, seabirds and whales
Explore inaccessible areas of coastline and islands in our 12m expedition-style rigid inflatable boat (RIB)
Purpose built for Southern Ocean conditions
Seats 24 passengers
Spray jackets provided
Departing from Granite Island Causeway landing (walk 200m from mainland)

Tours …

Seal Island Tour (45 minutes)
Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour (90 minutes)
Or contact The Big Duck Boat Tours to organise a custom Private Charter – POA.

Adults/Kids/Family – please visit our website for prices, tour times and availability

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Affiliates

Cruise the Coorong and Spirit of the Coorong

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The Big Duck Boat Tours Whale By The Big Duck Boat Tours

Waitpinga Cliffs, The Big Duck Boat Tour

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Softfoot alpaca farm in the beautiful Hindmarsh Valley, near Victor Harbor

Softfoot Wildlife Park

Softfoot Wildlife Park is a family-owned and a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife lovers, young and old.

See wild animals in their native habitats.
Hand-feed free-roaming Kangaroos and Pademelons.
Chat to ‘Chappy’ the cockatoo.
Get the chance to see a Freshwater Crocodile, Carpet Python, Kookaburra, Emus, Koalas, Tawny Frogmouth Owls and plenty of wild birds.
Enjoy a light lunch in the fully licensed restaurant, overlooking the rolling hills and billabong.

Bags of animal food are available for purchase on entry.

Fees

Free entry free for children, adults $10 per person
Complementary entry for restaurant and retreat guests
Complementary entry with any meal for restaurant guests.

Private Alpaca & Wildlife Tour

Experience the Aussie countryside with a private tour of Softfoot Wildlife Park

Explore our stunning 600-acre property nestled in picturesque Hindmarsh Valley and enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with our herd of world class alpacas. Learn about these beautiful creatures, hand feed them some delicious treats, and enjoy getting close to nature. Keep your eyes peeled for resident wild kangaroos and other wonderful wildlife as your driver shows you all Softfoot has to offer in one of our ATV buggies.

Throughout the tour you will learn about Softfoot’s on- and off-site native wildlife conservation projects and see sustainable farming in action. A stop-off at Softfoot Hall offers insight into alpaca showing and, at the conclusion of the tour, you will have the chance to peruse our Australiana Gift Shop.

During the Summer months, tours operate every day except December 24-26.

During the winter months, Alpaca Tours operate Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays may be booked by negotiation depending on guide availability by contacting us on 0499 631 654.

Duration: Approx 90 mins

Cost: $250 per buggy (up to 5 people)

Departing 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm daily

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Urimbirra Wildlife Park Victor Harbor

One of South Australia’s most exciting tourist attractions. Urimbirra Wildlife Park is located in Hindmarsh Valley just 5 minutes from Victor Harbor, a favoured holiday destination. We have a range of Australian animals and a wonderful park for you to explore every day (including Public Holidays). Pet a kangaroo, pat a koala, feed an emu and watch a professional snake handler! Our exciting list of activities will ensure you have a fantastic day in Victor Harbor, South Australia.

Situated five kilometres north of popular Victor Harbor, the Urimbirra Wildlife Park is a 40-acre open-range wildlife park which includes 16 acres of wetland bird sanctuary.

Open Every Day of the year from 10am
All weather exhibits and pathways
Children’s Farmyard
Picnic, Rest & BBQ Areas
Easy parking for cars & coaches

Urimbirra is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘to preserve’ or ‘to take care of’. The site has evidence of canoe and shield trees of Aboriginal tribal activity many hundreds of years ago. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Urimbirra Wildlife Park stands and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Urimbirra gives you the chance to see more than 70 species of Australian fauna in their natural surroundings. Amidst giant old gum trees, native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, dingoes and wombats may be viewed. Whilst on the lake, pelicans, spoonbills, black swans, egrets and Cape Barren geese may be readily seen. The paths through the park allow you to see the animals at close range, and a leisurely walk through the 16-hectare site is a photographer’s delight.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to feed the kangaroos, allowing for an interactive and memorable experience with these iconic Australian marsupials.