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.

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.

The Wild South Coast Way on the Hey­sen Trail (WSCW) is a ful­ly cus­tomis­able, mul­ti-day walk­ing expe­ri­ence between Cape Jervis and Vic­tor Har­bor on the Fleurieu Penin­su­la, South Australia. 

Walk the Wild South Coast Way your own way – any day, any direc­tion, any sec­tion. From day vis­its with short loop walks to the full five-day four-night expe­ri­ence and every­thing in between, the WSCW allows walk­ers to choose their own adventure. 

The walk­ing expe­ri­ence offers some of the state’s most spec­tac­u­lar and awe inspir­ing coastal walk­ing imag­in­able. The WSCW pro­vides vis­i­tors a gen­uine sense of wilder­ness, fea­tur­ing remote beach­es, native bush­land, rugged cliffs, First Nations’ his­to­ry, breath­tak­ing vis­tas, deep gul­lies and a rich diver­si­ty of native birds, bush and wildlife, in fact more species than any­where else on the coast.

Each day of the walk deliv­ers a new expe­ri­ence and chal­lenge, start­ing with views across to Kan­ga­roo Island before the full nature expe­ri­ence begins, encour­ag­ing the walk­er to ​‘tune in’ to nature and ​‘tune out’ of stress.

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.