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.
Fleurieu Marine Education
  • Wheelchair Access – Fleurieu Marine Education – 1
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
            • Wheelchair Access – Wild South Coast Way – 1
            Granite Island

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

            Tudor Homewares & The Coffee Palace
              Tudor Feature
              The Pirate’s Seachest
                Pirate's Seachest Feature Image

                Fresh locally caught seafood in Victor Harbor.

                Lake Breeze Winery
                  Lake Breeze Winery Card
                  Bremerton Wines
                    Bremertonwines Feature
                    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.

                            Artisan Markets Victor Harbor
                              Artisan Markets Feature

                              A Marketplace of Makers, Designers, Doers and Dreamers

                              Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures
                                Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures Card
                                Victor Harbor Visitor Centre
                                  Feature Image

                                  Expert local knowledge at your fingertips.

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

                                            Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.

                                            Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail
                                            • Dog Friendly – Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail – 1
                                            • Wheelchair Access – Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail – 1
                                            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
                                                    Spinway1

                                                    Convenient Bike Hire taking you places you want to go.

                                                    Victor Harbor Regional Gallery
                                                    • Wheelchair Access – Victor Harbor Regional Gallery – 1
                                                    Regionalgallery
                                                    Victor Harbor Golf Club
                                                      Vh Golf Tee Off (medium)

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

                                                      South Australian Whale Centre
                                                      • Wheelchair Access – South Australian Whale Centre – 1
                                                      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
                                                          Abseling Bluff2

                                                          See The Bluff from a different angle.

                                                          Nangawooka Flora Reserve
                                                          • Wheelchair Access – Nangawooka Flora Reserve – 1
                                                          Nangawooka6

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

                                                          Kool Tours
                                                          • Wheelchair Access – Kool Tours – 1
                                                          Untitled Design (14)
                                                          See & Do
                                                          See & Do

                                                          Kula-Tind-Jeri or Kool Tours is an authentic tribal experience through Southern SA.

                                                          Boho Farm
                                                            Boho 4
                                                            See & Do
                                                            See & Do

                                                            You can expect natural wines, grapes left on skins (skin contact wines), wild ferments and new and refined approaches to the classic wines Australians know and love.

                                                            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
                                                                • Dog Friendly – Encounter Bikeway – 1
                                                                • Wheelchair Access – Encounter Bikeway – 1
                                                                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
                                                                  • Wheelchair Access – Fleurieu Aquatic Centre – 1
                                                                  Aquatic02

                                                                  Modern swimming and fitness centre on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

                                                                  Whale Walk – Encounter Bikeway
                                                                  • Wheelchair Access – Whale Walk – Encounter Bikeway – 1
                                                                  Explore How To Get Encounter Bay@2x

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

                                                                  The Joyful Path
                                                                  • Wheelchair Access – The Joyful Path – 1
                                                                  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
                                                                    • Victor Harbor’s Must Do – licensed
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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
                                                                    • Wheelchair Access – Granite Island Recreation Park – 1
                                                                    Granite Island

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

                                                                    Tours & Attractions
                                                                    • Dog Friendly – Tours & Attractions – 1
                                                                    Big Duck Boat Tour Waitpinga Cliffs, Victor Harbor

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

                                                                    Victor Harbor National Trust Museum
                                                                    • Wheelchair Access – Victor Harbor National Trust Museum – 1
                                                                    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
                                                                    • Wheelchair Access – Victa Cinema – 1
                                                                    Victa Cinema2
                                                                    See & Do
                                                                    See & Do

                                                                    The beautiful, historic Art-deco Victa Cinema.

                                                                    Big Duck Boat Tours
                                                                      Big Duck Feature Image

                                                                      Explore inaccessible areas of coastline and islands around Victor Harbor.

                                                                      Victor Harbor Farmers Market
                                                                        Victor Harbor Farmers Market Bread

                                                                        Showcases regional produce from across the Fleurieu Peninsula.

                                                                        Horsedrawn 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 Farm Tours
                                                                            Softfoot Alpaca Farm By Jon Wah

                                                                            A unique opportunity to get up close with Alpaca’s and enjoy our 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
                                                                              • Wineries & Local Produce – licensed
                                                                              • Wheelchair Access – Wineries & Local Produce – 1
                                                                              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
                                                                                  • Nature & Wildlife – licensed
                                                                                  • Dog Friendly – Nature & Wildlife – 1
                                                                                  See And Do Natures And Wildlife Card@2x

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

                                                                                  Markets & Shopping
                                                                                    See And Do Marketing And Shopping Card@2x

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

                                                                                    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
                                                                                            See And Do Arts And Culture Card@2x

                                                                                            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.

                                                                                              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
                                                                                                      • Dog Friendly – SteamRanger Heritage Railway – 1
                                                                                                      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.

                                                                                                        Peninsula Taxi Service
                                                                                                          Des's Peninsula Taxi Service
                                                                                                          Lost Phoenix Farm
                                                                                                            Lost Pheonix Farm Card
                                                                                                            NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park
                                                                                                            • NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park – caravan-camping
                                                                                                            Nrma Feature Image
                                                                                                            Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park
                                                                                                            • Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park – self-contained
                                                                                                            • Wheelchair Access – Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park – 1
                                                                                                            Victor Harbor Holiday Park Waterpark And Waterslides 5

                                                                                                            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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