Winter Whale Fest – A month-long celebration of nature, conservation, and community

Each year, the Victor Harbor region welcomes one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—the migration of Southern Right Whales to the stunning waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Winter Whale Fest is a month-long celebration dedicated to these majestic marine visitors, offering a memorable opportunity to connect with the ocean, learn from leading conservationists, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable program of cultural, educational, and nature-based experiences.

Experience the Magic of the Marine World

Throughout June, the festival hosts more than 25 carefully curated events designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. Whether you’re a passionate environmentalist, a family looking for fun-filled activities, or a curious adventurer eager to witness these gentle giants up close, the Winter Whale Fest has something for everyone.

  • Guided Whale Watching Tours – Join expert guides and marine biologists as they take you to the best vantage points to observe the whales in their natural habitat.

  • Conservation Talks & Workshops – Engage with thought leaders in marine conservation, learn about the challenges facing our oceans, and discover how we can all play a role in protecting our marine life.

  • Indigenous Cultural Experiences – Gain insight into the rich cultural history and traditions of the First Nations people, who have long held deep spiritual connections with the whales and the ocean.

  • Art & Photography Exhibitions – Explore breathtaking artwork and photography capturing the beauty of the ocean and its incredible marine life.

  • Family-Friendly Activities – From beach treasure hunts to interactive marine science exhibits, there are plenty of engaging experiences for kids of all ages.

More Than a Festival—A Commitment to Sustainability

The Winter Whale Fest is more than just a celebration; it is a platform for advocacy and action. The festival aligns with South Australia’s strategic goals for sustainable tourism, showcasing the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible travel. Through partnerships with local businesses, conservation organisations, and cultural groups, the festival strengthens the connection between the community and the natural world.

Discover Victor Harbor & the Fleurieu Peninsula

Beyond the festival, visitors are encouraged to explore the breathtaking coastal landscapes, charming seaside towns, and world-class food and wine experiences that make the Fleurieu Peninsula a premier travel destination. Whether it’s strolling along the iconic Bluff, indulging in fresh seafood at a waterfront café, or exploring the rugged beauty of the Heysen Trail, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had.

Plan Your Visit

The Winter Whale Fest is a must-see event for anyone who loves nature, conservation, and community spirit. Mark your calendar for June and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Australia’s coastal wonderland.

For event details, ticketing, visit www.winterwhalefest.com.au

Join us as we celebrate the magic of the whales and our shared commitment to protecting our oceans!

Combining art and history

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.

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Kondoli the whale Mosiac - Kleinigs Hill LookOut

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.

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The Bluff (Longkuwar – A Must-Visit Icon of Victor Harbor

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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Sparking curiosity of the maritime world through exciting and engaging educational programs

Fleurieu Marine Education provides programs that aim to create stewards of the ocean in each young heart.

Our team put on fun and exciting educational marine programs that cover Australian curriculum content. By getting children outside we show them the wonders of the sea around the Fleurieu Peninsula: what marine life is found here, and how can we help them survive. We want all children to develop a love for our planet.

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Explore one of South Australia's most stunning multi-day hikes.

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.

 

Wild South Coast Way Map

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Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail

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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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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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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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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