Pick your pozzie
Victor Harbor is a magical canvas of seascapes, bushland and cultural nooks.
Whether you’re in the mood for a splash in calm waters, a tranquil bush hideaway, or a soul-stirring coastal panorama, a hamper filled with local goodies will taste all the sweeter against these scenic picnic-spot backdrops.
Whichever of our suggestions resonates with you, be it close to town or a meandering drive away, you’ll find the spirit of the Fleurieu in every rustling pine, lapping wave or rumble of fresh waterfall.
So, pick a spot, pack your hamper, and enjoy the magic of dining al fresco in Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula, one of South Australia’s most scenic destinations.
There’s no strict schedule – just a wealth of memorable experiences and flavours waiting to be savoured in the open air.
Safe travels and happy picnicking!
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Pack your picnic at the Victor Harbor Farmers’ Markets
Your idyllic picnic begins bright and early on a Saturday morning at the Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market, held at Grosvenor Gardens.
It’s a small market where local growers and makers converge to share the freshest produce and artisanal treats the Fleurieu has to offer. There’s a buzz in the air and the stalls brim with organic vegetables, free-range eggs and gourmet jams.
Don’t leave without a punnet of Gina’s amazing strawberries – locals claim they’re the best in South Australia. For something hearty and comforting, grab a bacon and cheese scroll from Hey Baker – soft, savory and utterly satisfying.
You’ll also want to fuel up with a coffee from Slow Mover: their beans are ethically sourced, and each cup is brewed with careful precision. Bring your own insulated mug to keep it steamy for your travels.
If you need a few more snackable goodies, stroll into Raw’s shop located next door to Grosvenor Gardens. Think chilli cashews, local cheeses or perhaps a refreshing cold-pressed juice if you’re feeling extra health-conscious.
By the time you leave, you’ll have a picnic hamper brimming with eclectic local treasures that perfectly capture the flavour of Victor Harbor.
Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens
For a laid-back, seaside vibe with all the essential amenities, head to the Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens along Flinders Parade.
Rows of iconic, heritage-listed Norfolk Island Pines line the foreshore, offering dappled shade. Spread out your picnic blanket on the lawn and soak in the lively ambiance – especially if you visit in summer, when Girdler Family Amusements give carnivals vibes and light up the scene nearby.
There’s a fabulous playground for the little ones, a skate park  up the street for the bigger kids, public BBQs, and the backdrop of pristine blue ocean waves rolling in on soft yellow sands.
Once you’re ready to pack up lunch, take a stroll along the beach or venture across the Granite Island Causeway – by foot or via the iconic horse-drawn tram.
It’s a grounded, effortlessly fun spot that captures the essence of Victor Harbor.
CM Thorpe Park at Encounter Lakes
If calm waters and water sports are more your speed, CM Thorpe Park at Encounter Lakes delivers a perfect mix of leisure and light adventure.
The lake is human-made saltwater with an urban beach, resulting in gentle, warm shallows ideal for young swimmers or first-time stand-up paddleboarders. Spread your picnic blanket on the grassy banks, then let the kids wade about while you lounge with a coffee or nibble on snacks.
Feeling a friendly rivalry brewing? Bring a bat and ball for a backyard cricket match on the lawn.
If you need a thirst-quencher, the Boulevard Café on the Lake is just steps away, offering old-school milkshakes and homemade bubble tea – an eclectic treat that pairs well with the scenic waterscape.
This is a spot for young families, beginners testing out a new kayak, or anyone who wants a more serene, sheltered off-beach alternative on a sunny day.
The Bluff (Rosetta Head)
Yearning for panoramic vistas that deliver a proper wow-factor? Look no further than the Bluff, or Longkuwar in the Ngarrindjeri language.
Towering 97 meters above sea level, this wild headland boasts sweeping views of Granite Island, Encounter Bay and the dramatic southern coastline.
There’s a dedicated picnic area near the carpark – ideal for spreading out your banquet and enjoying the salty fresh air while the waves crash in the background. Once you’re ready for a wriggle, a 600-metre loop walk will take you to the summit. From June to October, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales.
The Bluff’s rich Indigenous history, combined with its majestic seascapes, makes it one of Victor Harbor’s most memorable natural landmarks. You’ll leave feeling both invigorated by the breeze and grounded by the timeless beauty of the rugged terrain.
Hindmarsh Falls
When you’re craving the cool, earthy allure of the bush, set your sights on Hindmarsh Falls, roughly 18 km from Victor Harbor.
The falls are most impressive in winter and spring after a good dose of rain, when water thunders down craggy layers into a sparkling basin, enjoyed from picnic tables conveniently scattered near the base.
If you fancy a post-lunch amble, follow the bushwalking trail under a canopy of stringybark forest. Birds abound, from laughing kookaburras to wrens and honeyeaters, making it a delight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Let the burbling falls recalibrate your senses, breathe in the fresh understory scents, and let your spirit roam free amid the ferns and mossy rocks.
It’s a grounded, nature-centric option that feels world’s away from the township – even though it’s only a quarter-hour’s drive.
Port Elliot Soldiers’ Memorial Garden
Just a short trip from Victor Harbor – reachable by a breezy ride along the Encounter Bikeway or Cockle Train – lies Port Elliot, home to another lovely Soldiers’ Memorial Garden.
Tucked along tranquil terraces overlooking Horseshoe Bay, it’s a quieter, more contemplative picnic backdrop compared to Victor Harbor’s bustling foreshore.
The garden dates back to 1918, when volunteers united to commemorate lives lost in World War I, planting trees and crafting an oasis of peace and calm for returning soldiers.
Today, these gently sloping lawns and mature shade trees create a soothing space to unwind.
Feeling peckish for something hot? Grab fish and chips from the Flying Fish Kiosk nearby – then enjoy your bounty while gazing over Horseshoe Bay’s turquoise waters.
It’s a scene that feels both timeless and comforting, reminding you that nature and history can beautifully coexist.
Myponga Reservoir Reserve
For a peaceful slice of South Australia, journey 30 minutes north-west to Myponga Reservoir Reserve.
Newly built walking trails loop around the reservoir’s edge, offering a vantage point of rolling hills and reflective waters – perfect for those looking to stretch their legs before settling in for a lakeside picnic.
Be sure to stop at the western lookout above the dam wall. From there, you’ll get a stunning view of the spillway and, when water levels allow, you can follow the Heron Loop out to a deck near the reservoir’s edge.
The serenity is undeniable: it’s an ideal retreat for couples seeking a quieter getaway or families wanting an easy-going stroll.
Second Valley Forest
Finally, if you’re hankering for an eclectic blend of pine plantations, native flora and a chance to channel your inner hippie, set your course to Second Valley Forest.
Sprawling across about 2,000 hectares of pines and 250 hectares of native bushland, this area delivers a surprising array of habitats and the opportunity for some series forest bathing – and all just half an hour from Victor Harbor.
Anywhere you fancy setting up a picnic blanket works. In autumn, keep your eyes peeled for mushrooms – especially the iconic red-capped white-spotted Amanita muscaria. Remember, these vibrant funghi are poisonous, so admire them purely for their whimsical appearance, or if planning to pick, go with an experienced foraging guide.
If you happen to visit in summer, take the adventure a little further to Second Valley Beach – celebrated for its Instagrammable rock formations and brilliantly blue waters.
Wherever your wanderlust leads around Victor Harbor, these picnic gems promise the perfect blend of wild beauty and enduring charm. Load up on local goodies, find your ideal patch of grass or sandy shore, and let the region’s magic bring your day outdoors to life.
