Whale Watching in Victor Harbor

Nothing compares to seeing the largest mammals on earth breaching through the shimmering ocean and crashing back down through the waves. These gentle giants are found all over the world, but whale watching in Victor Harbor is truly a magical experience because the whales come to the protected bays of our shores to raise their calves in safety.

Victor Harbor is a breeding ground for Southern Right Whales, and a stop-in for passing Humpback Whales. It’s also a home for New Zealand Fur Seals, Australian Sea Lions, and Bottlenose Dolphins. Southern Right Whales are classified as endangered – in fact, there are only 3,500 of these majestic mammals left in the world, and South Australia is one of the only places in the world where they can be spotted regularly.

SATC

Best Spots for Whale Sightings in Victor Harbor

There are many reasons why watching in Victor Harbor is popular. During whale season there are several ways to see the whales passing by or basking in our turquoise waters.

To spot whales from the land, here are the best whale-watching vantage points:

You can also stop by the South Australia Whale Centre or jump on their Facebook Page to check the most recent sightings in the area. Check out their interactive exhibits and activities while you’re visiting.

If you haven’t had any luck spotting whales from the shore, don’t worry. The best whale sightings in Victor Harbor happen from the sea! Hop on board The Big Duck Boat Tours and go on The Southern Ocean Adventure, departing at the end of the causeway on Granite Island. The tour takes you to inaccessible islands and areas of coastline where you can admire the spectacular views and spot seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales in the wild. Keen bird watchers can also spot sea birds fishing the surrounding waters. The tour operators will also give you valuable insights into these wonderful marine creatures.

Whale Watching Victor Harbor Marian Chuck Petrol Cove 28 6 22
Marian Chuck - Petrol Cove 2022

Whale Season in Victor Harbor

Typically, whale season in Victor Harbor runs from late May to October when the whales migrate to the warmer, sheltered waters of Encounter Bay to socialise, court, and raise their calves before heading back down south to Antarctica. This creates the perfect excuse for a winter getaway to the region.

Looking to feel rejuvenated?
Get close to nature at Victor Harbor.
Winter Whale Fest
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    A month-long festival of fun and thought provoking events, celebrating the annual migration of whales to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

    Victor Harbor Art Show
      Victor Harbor Art Show Flip Card

      Victor Harbor Art Show: Australia’s largest outdoor art exhibition

      Phosphorescence by Marijana Tadic
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      Phosphorescence Flip Card

      Phosphorescence: A dazzling light sculpture in the heart of Victor Harbor

      Telstra Exchange Building Mural by Nicole Black
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      Telstra Mural Flip Card

      A mural for the building that reflects the character of Victor Harbor

      Connection Sculpture
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      Connection Flip Card

      Discover ‘Connection’ – A captivating public artwork in Railway Terrace

      Whaler’s Well Sculpture
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      Crafted from layered Corten steel with stainless steel accents, the sculptures play with depth, contrast, and abstraction.

      Kondoli the Whale Mosaic
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      Kondoli Flip Card

      Kondoli the whale has always been important for the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people.

      Ngurunderi Sculpture
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      Ngurunderi Flip Card

      Experience the Spirit of Ngurunderi at Granite Island’s the Causeway

      The Bluff
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      See & Do
      See & Do

      The Bluff (Longkuwar) is a must-visit icon of Victor Harbor

      Health & Wellness
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      Health And Wellness

      Victor Harbor is more than just a picturesque holiday destination on the Fleurieu Peninsula; it’s an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.

      Moos Distillery
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        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.

        Harbor Book Nook
          Harbor Book Nook
          Victor Harbor Farmers’ Markets
            Victor Harbor Farmers Market
            Charlie and Jack
              Charlie And Jack
              Fleurieu Marine Education
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              Fleurieu Marine Education Flip Card

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

              Victor Harbor Walking Tours
                Victor Harbor Walking Tours

                Discover Victor Harbor on foot with an interactive and informative tour.

                Venture Victor
                  Venture Victor

                  Bike and Paddleboard hire right on the Causeway.

                  Canoe the Coorong
                    Canoe Feature
                    Glacier Rock
                      Glacier Feature
                      Spirit of the Coorong Cruises
                        Coorongcruises Feature
                        Wild South Coast Way
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                        Wild South Coast Way The Bluff Flip Card

                        Explore one of South Australia’s most stunning multi-day hilkes

                        Tudor Homewares & The Coffee Palace
                          Tudor Feature
                          The Pirate’s Seachest
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                            Fresh locally caught seafood in Victor Harbor.

                            Lake Breeze Winery
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                              Bremerton Wines
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                                Ocean Living Surf School
                                  Oceanliving Feature
                                  One Paddock Currency Creek
                                    One Paddock Feature
                                    Mount Compass Golf Course
                                      Compass Golf

                                      Picturesque Golf course minutes from Victor Harbor.

                                      Cut Hill Distillery
                                        Cuthill Feature

                                        Cut Hill Distillery is committed to exploring our Australian whisky roots, tapping into the history books, and evolving the traditions of old.

                                        Victor Harbor Artisan Markets
                                          Victor Harbor Artisan Markets Feature

                                          A marketplace of makers, designers, doers and dreamers

                                          Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures
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                                            Victor Harbor Visitor Centre
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                                              Expert local knowledge at your fingertips.

                                              Victor Harbor Beachside Markets
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                                                Town Centre Heritage Trail
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                                                  Inman River Trail
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                                                    Hindmarsh River Trail
                                                      Hindmarsh River Trail
                                                      Hindmarsh Falls Walk
                                                        Hindmarsh Falls Victor Harbor

                                                        Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.

                                                        Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail
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                                                        Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail

                                                        Amazing views of the Victor Harbor coastline from Granite Island.

                                                        Heritage Discovery Trail
                                                          The Causeway

                                                          Victor Harbor has a rich and diverse history, with stories told through many of our built heritage places.

                                                          Victor Harbor Digital Art Projector
                                                            Digital Art Projector Victor Cinema.3

                                                            Digital art installation on Victa Cinema

                                                            Fleurieu Beach Volleyball
                                                              Sp Volley

                                                              Beach Volleyball in Victor Harbor.

                                                              Spinway Bike Hire
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                                                                Convenient Bike Hire taking you places you want to go.

                                                                Victor Harbor Regional Gallery
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                                                                Regionalgallery
                                                                Victor Harbor Golf Club
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                                                                  At Victor Harbor Golf Club your round begins with one of Australia’s most exhilarating tee shots.

                                                                  South Australian Whale Centre
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                                                                  Whale Centre 058

                                                                  SA Whale Centre, the one stop shop for whale discovery.

                                                                  Pirate’s Sea Charters
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                                                                  Pirate Sea Charters

                                                                  Private Boat Charters around the Encounter Bay area.

                                                                  Adare Camp and Caravan Park
                                                                    Adare 1

                                                                    The iconic ‘Adare’ provides a unique mix of traditional camp and tent style accommodation, cabins and caravan sites

                                                                    Off the Bluff Abseiling
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                                                                      See The Bluff from a different angle.

                                                                      Nangawooka Flora Reserve
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                                                                      Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.

                                                                      Kool Tours
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                                                                      See & Do
                                                                      See & Do

                                                                      Kool Tours is an authentic tribal experience through Southern SA.

                                                                      Kaiki Trail Granite Island
                                                                        Granite Island

                                                                        Amazing views of the Victor Harbor coastline from Granite Island.

                                                                        Hindmarsh Falls
                                                                          Hindmarsh Falls Victor Harbor

                                                                          Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.

                                                                          Encounter Bikeway
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                                                                          Encounter Bikeway

                                                                          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.

                                                                          Genesis Tour & Charter
                                                                            Genesis

                                                                            Providing Bus tours and hire options for the Fleurieu Peninsula.

                                                                            Fleurieu Aquatic Centre
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                                                                            Aquatic02

                                                                            Modern swimming and fitness centre on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

                                                                            Whale Walk – Encounter Bikeway
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                                                                            Explore How To Get Encounter Bay@2x

                                                                            Spot whales from the shore on this self-guided walk along the coast.

                                                                            The Joyful Path
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                                                                            The Joyful Path Feature Image

                                                                            Victor Harbor’s yoga and wellness studio.

                                                                            Bicycles Victor Harbor
                                                                              Bicycle Victor Harbor

                                                                              Bicycle and E-Bike hire in Victor Harbor

                                                                              Victor Harbor’s Must Do
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                                                                              Wright Island Big Duck Boat Tours Victor Harbor

                                                                              Encounter breathtaking coastal views, fertile farmland and the rich cultural history in the vibrant heart of the Fleurieu; Victor Harbor.

                                                                              Granite Island Recreation Park
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                                                                              Granite Island

                                                                              Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.

                                                                              Tours & Attractions
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                                                                              Big Duck Boat Tour Waitpinga Cliffs, Victor Harbor

                                                                              Discover the spectacular views of Encounter Bay or book a tour of the spectacular local area.

                                                                              The Stables – Behind the scenes of the Horse Tram
                                                                                The Stables Flip Card

                                                                                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.

                                                                                Victor Harbor National Trust Museum
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                                                                                Encounter Discovery

                                                                                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.

                                                                                Victa Cinema
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                                                                                Victa Cinema2
                                                                                See & Do
                                                                                See & Do

                                                                                The beautiful, historic Art-deco Victa Cinema.

                                                                                Big Duck Boat Tours
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                                                                                  Explore inaccessible areas of coastline and islands around Victor Harbor.

                                                                                  Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram
                                                                                    The Causeway, 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.

                                                                                    Softfoot Alpacas and Wildlife Park
                                                                                      Softfoot Alpaca Farm By Jon Wah

                                                                                      A unique opportunity to get up close with Alpaca’s and enjoy this Australian farm lifestyle.

                                                                                      Walking Trails & Biking Trails
                                                                                        People on Victor Harbor walking trail

                                                                                        Walk or cycle every inch of the rugged coastline of Victor Harbor and or venture further afield and explore the surrounding area.

                                                                                        Wineries & Local Produce
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                                                                                        Food & Wineries In Victor Harbor (1)

                                                                                        Sample the best food and wine South Australia has to offer with fresh local produce and award-winning wines.

                                                                                        Whale Watching
                                                                                          Whale Tail By The Big Duck Boat Tours (1)

                                                                                          Watch the gentle Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks as they glide through our glimmering waters on their annual migration.

                                                                                          Camping
                                                                                            See And Do Camping Card@2x
                                                                                            See & Do
                                                                                            See & Do

                                                                                            Switch off your devices and reconnect with the great outdoors. Discover some of the most beautiful camping spots in our great region.

                                                                                            Nature & Wildlife
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                                                                                            Disconnect from the world on secluded beaches, traverse bushland trails or try your luck spotting our rich local flora and fauna.

                                                                                            Markets & Shopping
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                                                                                              Live like a local at the farmers’ market with in-season local farm-fresh produce and delicious artisan foods.

                                                                                              Mind Over Matter Practice
                                                                                                Mind Over Matter Flip Cards

                                                                                                Embark on a transformative journey to enhance your resilience and mental strength.

                                                                                                Sanctuary Day Spa
                                                                                                  Health And Wellness

                                                                                                  The spa offers a diverse range of treatments, from rejuvenating facials, indulgent massages, floatation therapy and Japanese Scalp Spa.

                                                                                                  SOMA Health & Beauty
                                                                                                    Soma Health And Beauty Feature Image

                                                                                                    Offering waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, spray tans, back treatments and scrubs.

                                                                                                    Harbor Collective on the Fleurieu
                                                                                                      Harbor Collective 8

                                                                                                      Showcasing a range of products created by Artisans, Makers and Creators from across the Fleurieu and Hills.

                                                                                                      History & Heritage
                                                                                                        Victor Harbor (1)

                                                                                                        Take a step back in time and experience Victor Harbor’s rich First Nations culture and 200-year-old European history.

                                                                                                        Arts & Culture
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                                                                                                          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.

                                                                                                          Coral Street Art Space
                                                                                                          • Wheelchair Access – Coral Street Art Space – 1
                                                                                                          Coral Street Art Space

                                                                                                          The Coral Street Art Space encourages the development of a creative cultural industry in Victor Harbor.

                                                                                                          Family Fun
                                                                                                            See And Do Family Fun Card@2x
                                                                                                            See & Do
                                                                                                            See & Do

                                                                                                            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.

                                                                                                            Escape It
                                                                                                            • Wheelchair Access – Escape It – 1
                                                                                                            Escapeit Flip Card
                                                                                                            See & Do
                                                                                                            See & Do

                                                                                                            Challenge yourself and your friends with an immersive Escape It experience.

                                                                                                            Encounter Centre Wooden Toy Factory
                                                                                                              Encounter Centre
                                                                                                              Dunes Mini Golf
                                                                                                                Dunes Mini

                                                                                                                Picturesque Mini Golf by the beach.

                                                                                                                Girdler Family Amusements
                                                                                                                  Girdler Family Amusements

                                                                                                                  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.

                                                                                                                  Urimbirra Wildlife Park
                                                                                                                  • Wheelchair Access – Urimbirra Wildlife Park – 1
                                                                                                                  Urimbirra Card

                                                                                                                  Hands on family friendly animal experience.

                                                                                                                  Chop It Axe Throwing
                                                                                                                  • Wheelchair Access – Chop It Axe Throwing – 1
                                                                                                                  Chopit1

                                                                                                                  Challenge yourself and your friends with chopping good fun while axe throwing.

                                                                                                                  All Sweets and Treats
                                                                                                                    All Sweets

                                                                                                                    All the sweets and treats one could dream of.

                                                                                                                    SteamRanger Heritage Railway
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                                                                                                                    Cockle Train 0023

                                                                                                                    Ride the Heritage Railway along the picturesque coast.

                                                                                                                    Adventure
                                                                                                                      See And Do Adventure Card@2x
                                                                                                                      See & Do
                                                                                                                      See & Do

                                                                                                                      Embark upon a daring adventure, like a hair-raising abseil down the cliff at The Bluff or a wild quad biking escapade.

                                                                                                                      Des’s Peninsula Taxi Service
                                                                                                                        Des's Peninsula Taxi Service
                                                                                                                        Lost Phoenix Farm
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                                                                                                                          NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park
                                                                                                                          • NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park – caravan-camping
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                                                                                                                          Victor Harbor Holiday Park
                                                                                                                          • Victor Harbor Holiday Park – self-contained
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                                                                                                                          Victor Harbor Holiday Park Waterpark And Waterslides

                                                                                                                          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.

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