Picture this: you’ve arrived at Victor Harbor. Rays of warm sunshine are poking out from behind a cloud, the coastal breeze is sweeping through your hair, and you’re ready for a new experience.
Perhaps you’re ready for adventure, or maybe you’re looking for ways to relax, embrace the natural world or soak up the rich history of the local area with the kids. Lucky for you, there’s something for everyone at Victor Harbor.
Victor Harbor Bucket List
There’s an endless array of things to do in Victor Harbor, but here are our top must-dos to cross off your list, especially if you’re only here for a short visit.
Spend an afternoon on Granite Island
Ride the iconic horse-drawn tram across to Granite Island, where you can hike the rugged cliffs and watch the waves crashing against the remarkable granite boulders. Keep an eye out for the frisky dolphins playing amongst the waves and sea lions basking on the rocks. If you visit from May to October, you can also spot majestic whales cruising through the cool Southern Ocean.
Spend sunset at The Bluff
Take in a spectacular sunset at The Bluff lookout. Take a picnic blanket and some fish and chips to the lookout. Watch as flaming orange skies fade to mellow pink and out into deep midnight shades of blue. Once the sun fades, you’ll be dazzled by all the stars twinkling out at you from deep space.
See the jaw-dropping views from the oldest steel railway in Australia
You can’t leave Victor Harbor without jumping on board the Cockle Train. It’s the perfect way to experience the nearby towns, as you’ll experience unforgettable views that are inaccessible by car. Visit historic Goolwa or browse the boutiques in Port Elliot for an afternoon. The historic Cockle Train operates every Wednesday and Sunday, and every day during the school holidays.
Cycle the coast on Encounter Bikeway
Hire a bike from Victor Harbor and explore the coastal bike trails. You can walk, cycle, or roll your way along the water on the Encounter Bikeway. The path winds its way around the waterline, all the way from Victor Harbor to Goolwa. Of course, you only have to go as far as you like, and adding a couple of stops for coffee and lunch is essential.
Go whale spotting by boat
Everything looks better by boat. If you’re looking for a magical ocean adventure, take The Big Duck boat tour out in search of playful dolphins and sea lions frolicking amongst the waves. You might even spot a few whales if you’re visiting over the winter months. Take in the breathtaking Waitpinga Cliffs and the solitary cliffs of The Bluff from the ocean and breathe in the fresh coastal breeze.
Have lunch at Whaler’s at The Bluff
Lunch or dinner at Whaler’s is essential while you’re staying at Victor Harbor. Sample fresh local seafood or locally sourced cheeses and wines as you absorb the divine ocean views from the terrace.
Make friends with the alpacas at Softfoot Farm
There are few problems that hanging out with an alpaca won’t fix. Kids and adults alike will love getting up close and personal with the adorable alpacas at Softfoot Farm. Feed the alpacas and learn all about these cuddly creatures with experienced and engaging guides. You can also spot plenty of other Australian native wildlife here, from kangaroos to echidnas and koalas.
Try authentic modern cuisine in style at Lost Phoenix Farm
Savour one of the delicious dishes featuring fresh seafood or locally-sourced meats at Lost Phoenix Farm while sipping on a cocktail or a smooth glass of local wine. This restaurant is the perfect spot for a long lunch with friends in the sun, or a special lunch date for two.
A month-long festival of fun and thought provoking events, celebrating the annual migration of whales to the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Victor Harbor Art Show: Australia’s largest outdoor art exhibition
Phosphorescence: A dazzling light sculpture in the heart of Victor Harbor
A mural for the building that reflects the character of Victor Harbor
Discover ‘Connection’ – A captivating public artwork in Railway Terrace
Crafted from layered Corten steel with stainless steel accents, the sculptures play with depth, contrast, and abstraction.
Kondoli the whale has always been important for the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people.
Experience the Spirit of Ngurunderi at Granite Island’s the Causeway
Victor Harbor is more than just a picturesque holiday destination on the Fleurieu Peninsula; it’s an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Every sip of Moo gin is infused with the warmth and charm of the countryside. Gather round the fire, enjoy some local nibbles, and let handcrafted spirits transport you to the heart of country comfort.
Sparking curiosity of the maritime world through exciting and engaging educational programs
Discover Victor Harbor on foot with an interactive and informative tour.
Bike and Paddleboard hire right on the Causeway.
Explore one of South Australia’s most stunning multi-day hilkes
Fresh locally caught seafood in Victor Harbor.
Picturesque Golf course minutes from Victor Harbor.
Cut Hill Distillery is committed to exploring our Australian whisky roots, tapping into the history books, and evolving the traditions of old.
A marketplace of makers, designers, doers and dreamers
Expert local knowledge at your fingertips.
Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.
Amazing views of the Victor Harbor coastline from Granite Island.
Victor Harbor has a rich and diverse history, with stories told through many of our built heritage places.
Digital art installation on Victa Cinema
Beach Volleyball in Victor Harbor.
Convenient Bike Hire taking you places you want to go.
Fine Art in Victor Harbor
At Victor Harbor Golf Club your round begins with one of Australia’s most exhilarating tee shots.
SA Whale Centre, the one stop shop for whale discovery.
Private Boat Charters around the Encounter Bay area.
The iconic ‘Adare’ provides a unique mix of traditional camp and tent style accommodation, cabins and caravan sites
See The Bluff from a different angle.
Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.
Kool Tours is an authentic tribal experience through Southern SA.
Amazing views of the Victor Harbor coastline from Granite Island.
Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.
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.
Providing Bus tours and hire options for the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Modern swimming and fitness centre on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Spot whales from the shore on this self-guided walk along the coast.
Bicycle and E-Bike hire in Victor Harbor
Encounter breathtaking coastal views, fertile farmland and the rich cultural history in the vibrant heart of the Fleurieu; Victor Harbor.
Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.
Discover the spectacular views of Encounter Bay or book a tour of the spectacular local area.
The Stables is a behind-the-scenes experience offering people an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of the renowned Victor Harbor Horse Tram.
Relive the whaling, shipping and railway days of early Victor Harbor. Visit the Victor Harbor branch of the National Trust SA’s museum and see how the early settlers lived and how the visitors holidayed.
Explore inaccessible areas of coastline and islands around Victor Harbor.
Ride the historic 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.
A unique opportunity to get up close with Alpaca’s and enjoy this Australian farm lifestyle.
Walk or cycle every inch of the rugged coastline of Victor Harbor and or venture further afield and explore the surrounding area.
Sample the best food and wine South Australia has to offer with fresh local produce and award-winning wines.
Watch the gentle Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks as they glide through our glimmering waters on their annual migration.
Disconnect from the world on secluded beaches, traverse bushland trails or try your luck spotting our rich local flora and fauna.
Live like a local at the farmers’ market with in-season local farm-fresh produce and delicious artisan foods.
Embark on a transformative journey to enhance your resilience and mental strength.
The spa offers a diverse range of treatments, from rejuvenating facials, indulgent massages, floatation therapy and Japanese Scalp Spa.
Offering waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, spray tans, back treatments and scrubs.
Showcasing a range of products created by Artisans, Makers and Creators from across the Fleurieu and Hills.
Take a step back in time and experience Victor Harbor’s rich First Nations culture and 200-year-old European history.
Pick up a paintbrush and unleash your creativity at an artist’s workshop, or wander the local galleries and marvel at the diversity of our local artists.
The Coral Street Art Space encourages the development of a creative cultural industry in Victor Harbor.
From mini-golf and bike riding to laid-back beaches that will keep the kids entertained for hours, discover South Australia’s favourite family holiday destination.
Quality Hand Carved Wooden toys
Be entertained in true seaside fashion by the Girdler Family with their range of family amusements; located at the end of the causeway, Victor Harbor.
Hands on family friendly animal experience.
Challenge yourself and your friends with chopping good fun while axe throwing.
All the sweets and treats one could dream of.
Ride the Heritage Railway along the picturesque coast.
Absolute beachfront holiday park in Victor Harbor.
Stay at the Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park in the picturesque seaside town of Victor Harbor, South Australia, and make your next holiday a memory to last forever.
