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.
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Discover the rich history and heritage of Victor Harbor, and marine life that encompasses the waters of Encounter Bay.Â
Join the dedicated tour guide, the Emeritus Professor Caroline Smith PhD as she takes you on an informative guided tour of our gorgeous coastal town. Victor Harbor Walking Tours offer a variety of tour options to suit your needs.Â
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Located at the beginning of the Causeway, is one of Victor Harbors newest businesses offering a range of leisure hire equipment to make your stay memorable. From bike hire to e-bikes and paddleboard hire, Venture Victor are your one stop shop in Victor Harbor.Â
Bike Hire starts at $20 – Visit Venture Victor Today!
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The Wild South Coast Way on the HeyÂsen Trail (WSCW) is a fulÂly cusÂtomisÂable, mulÂti-day walkÂing expeÂriÂence between Cape Jervis and VicÂtor HarÂbor on the Fleurieu PeninÂsuÂla, South Australia.Â
Walk the Wild South Coast Way your own way – any day, any direcÂtion, any secÂtion. From day visÂits with short loop walks to the full five-day four-night expeÂriÂence and everyÂthing in between, the WSCW allows walkÂers to choose their own adventure.Â
The walkÂing expeÂriÂence offers some of the state’s most specÂtacÂuÂlar and awe inspirÂing coastal walkÂing imagÂinÂable. The WSCW proÂvides visÂiÂtors a genÂuine sense of wilderÂness, feaÂturÂing remote beachÂes, native bushÂland, rugged cliffs, First Nations’ hisÂtoÂry, breathÂtakÂing visÂtas, deep gulÂlies and a rich diverÂsiÂty of native birds, bush and wildlife, in fact more species than anyÂwhere else on the coast.
Each day of the walk delivÂers a new expeÂriÂence and chalÂlenge, startÂing with views across to KanÂgaÂroo Island before the full nature expeÂriÂence begins, encourÂagÂing the walkÂer to ​‘tune in’ to nature and ​‘tune out’ of stress.
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This 3km self-guided heritage trail will take you on a journey to discover the stories of 38 historically significant buildings located in the town centre and how they have contributed to making Victor Harbor what it is today.
Since 2010, the City of Victor Harbor has identified many State and Local Heritage Listed Buildings and provided them with a blue heritage plaque. There are over 50 plaques, each one promoting and informing the community and visitors of our rich and diverse built heritage. Please enjoy your adventure in finding these plaques on our heritage trail and learning more about our town!
Length:Â Â 3km circuit
Grade:Â Â Easy
Start :Â Â Â Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre, 1 Esplanade.
Finish:  No. 38 Shannon’s Store, Ocean Street.
Download the map and brochure, or visit the Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre or Council office to collect a map.
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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.
The Inman River Trail takes you on a journey from the sea, inland along the river, through woodlands and past the grazing paddocks of Victor Harbor’s infamous Clydesdale Horses.
Starting at Muwerang (Kent Reserve), the last documented campground of the local Ramindjeri people, this self-guided trail is an easy stroll following the banks of the Inman River, known to the Narringdjeri people as ‘Moo-oola’ and ‘Moogoora’.
Length: | 8km return |
Difficulty: | Moderate |
Terrain: | Flat |
Start: | Kent Reserve – Muwerang |
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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.
The Hindmarsh River Trail is an easy stroll encompassing a variety of significant ecological aspects including flood plains, paperbark woodlands, sand dunes, a lagoon and estuary.
Stand and listen a while to watch the bird life and frogs croaking in the background.
On the north east side of the river take the board walk around the lagoon, filled with a mixture of salty seawater and fresh river water.
Please follow the boardwalk and trail markers on small trails that have been put in to help protect the environment.
Length: | 8km loop |
Difficulty: | Easy |
Terrain: | Flat |
Start: | Bridge Terrace or McCracken Picnic Area |
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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.
Enjoy a short walk to the lookout to see the Hindmarsh Falls, as water cascades over numerous pools.
The upper carpark is small. The lower car park is adjacent to a picnic area.
The Falls can be accessed at the end of Waterfall Road, Hindmarsh Valley (off of Hindmarsh Tiers Road).
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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.
A dog and child friendly walk, the Heritage Trail encompasses Victor Harbor’s spectacular coastline from Kent Reserve to Kings Beach Road, where it joins up with the Heysen Trail.
Also known as Kings Head Hike, the trail highlights cultural, environmental and historical points of interest. Explore the beaches and headlands between Petrel Cove and Kings Beach. Watch out for dolphins and whales off shore. Understand the landscape, geology and European and Aboriginal history through the interpretive signage along the trail. Explore the Bluff by walking the 800m Rosetta Trail to the top of the Bluff.
Length: | 5.8km linear |
Difficulty: | Easy to moderate walk |
Terrain: | Undulating |
Start/Finish: | The Bluff (Rosetta Head) Victor Harbor |
Finish/Finish: | Kings Beach |
Extend this walk by starting in central Victor Harbor, or Kent Reserve near central Victor Harbor, or walk further along the Heysen Trail to Waitpinga Cliffs. The trail sections between Waitpinga and Victor Harbor are especially scenic, much loved by walkers and photographers, with terrain varying from steep rugged cliff faces to sandy surf beaches. From Kings Beach Road, walkers can take the Heysen Trail south west to Cape Jervis (67km – 3-5 days), or head north along the Trail to the Flinders Ranges (1200km, 50-60 days). Medium fitness is required and you need to take adequate supplies of water and wear appropriate clothing.
View the trail map below, download the Heritage Trail map , or visit the Victor Harbor Information Centre or Council office to collect a map. For more detailed information please refer to the Heysen Trail booklet which is available for purchase from the Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre or visit the Heysen trial website:
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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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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.
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