Do me a favour and close your eyes for a moment, and picture Victor Harbor for me. What do you see? Long beach days, wholesome family time and endless beauty?
WRONG!
Image credit :: Visit Victor Harbor
Well, you’re not entirely wrong… for so many people, Victor Harbor evokes a lifetime of memories centered around this seaside town just 50 minutes from Adelaide. But it’s oh-so-much more than a sleepy town — I’m here to tell you that Victor Harbor is wide awake, and it’s calling your name.
Alive with culture, amazing restaurants, luxe and boutique accommodation, natural beauty and wildlife, and thriving small businesses, Victor Harbor is the vibrant heart of the Fleurieu. Not to mention the ultimate place for gentle relaxation, adventurous pursuits, breathtaking natural wonders and unique history. And with neighbours like Port Elliot, Middleton, Goolwa, epic wine regions of McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, and with the world-renowned Kangaroo Island just a 40-minute drive and ferry away, Victor Harbor is perfectly positioned on the Fleurieu Peninsula for a week-long getaway.
Because there’s simply no way to truly experience this ever-evolving destination in just a day or two, I’m going to give you a million and one different things to see, do, feel, smell, adventure, shop, eat and drink. And at the end of all that, you still won’t be through everything that Victor Harbor has to offer!
Get wild
Take a stroll down the streets of Victor Harbor and chances are, you’ll have an encounter with the local wildlife. It’s everywhere! And the opportunities to get out amongst all the action is endless.
Hit the road, Jack
Victor Harbor is a haven full of unspoiled walking trails, sandy coastal walks, and challenging hikes that wind their way around the cliffs looking out over the glorious Southern Ocean. Whether you’re wandering with the fam or taking on the moderate cliff-top hikes and challenging overnight adventures, one think is for certain — you’ll have views for days to keep you company! There’s truly a walking trail to suit every age, accessibility, and skill level. And if you’d prefer two wheels to two feet, why not grab some bikes and cycle through pristine parkland, historic towns, and open fields with the wind in your hair?
Great old Granite
Ride the iconic horse-drawn tram across to Granite Island, where you can watch the waves crashing against the remarkable granite boulders. Keep an eye out for the dolphins that hang out amongst the waves, or the sea lions basking on the rocks. And for an extra special surprise — if you visit from May to October, you can sometimes spot the majestic whales cruising through the Southern Ocean.
Get romantic
Take in a spectacular sunset at The Bluff lookout. Take a picnic blanket and some fish and chips, then sit back and watch as flaming orange skies fade to mellow pink and out into the night. Once the sun fades, you’ll be dazzled by all the stars twinkling out at you from deep space.
Image credit :: Rianna’s Photography (via IG)
All aboard!
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 friendly whales if you’re visiting over the winter months! Take in the breathtaking Waitpinga Cliffs and the cliffs of The Bluff from the ocean and breathe in that fresh coastal breeze. Life doesn’t get much better!
Alpaca the bags, let’s go!
There are few problems that hanging out with an alpaca won’t fix, and the alpacas at Softfoot Farm are extra friendly! 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.
Next level adventure
Need a bit more of a thrill to get your blood pumping? Embrace your adventurous side with a quad-biking adventure, abseiling tour, or even a bout of axe throwing. And if these skills are brand new to you, never fear — you can dip a toe in at any skill level, and learn along the way.
Eat the day away
What if I told you that visitors were flocking to Victor Harbor to stay for a few days, just so they had the time to try out all the fabulous eateries? That’s a FACT!
The places to eat in Victor Harbor have one thing in common — they all focus on fresh, high-quality, local produce and genuine, friendly service. Whether you’re looking for takeaway fish and chips to devour on the beach, booking a long lunch with a view, or searching for a fine dining experience, the food in Victor Harbor won’t disappoint. Here’s a few faves…
Cut Hill Distillery: Cut Hill Distillery offers a gin and whisky tasking experience just 6 minutes outside Victor Harbor in Hindmarsh Valley in a rustic and scenic location. Located next to Lost Phoenix Farm, Cut Hill builds on the foundation of classic Australian whisky.
Image credit :: Cut Hill Distillery
Lost Pheonix Farm: Head on an adventure to Lost Phoenix farm in Hindmarsh Valley. Lost Phoenix farm features delicious food accompanied by beverages from the best local wineries and breweries with spectacular views over the rolling hills of Hindmarsh Valley.
Loco Mexican: Consume a fiesta of flavours at Loco Mexican, a vibrant hot spot to see and be seen in Victor Harbor. Try a taco (or three) and sip on margaritas in this colourful, lively restaurant right in the heart of Victor Harbor. Amazing cocktails too!
Image credit :: Loco Mexican Victor Harbor
Swagman’s Country Dining at Softfoot Farm: The Swagman Chargrill at Softfoot Farm offers a lavish dining experience incorporating distinctive Australian flavours. Try fresh meats and seafood with herbs and seasonings plucked fresh from the farm’s gardens.
Image credit :: Softfoot Farm
Culture up
Well known for its rich First Nations and European history and thriving art scene, Victor Harbor was originally home to Ramindjeri people, and they called the region ‘Wirramulla’. The culture is shared with locals and visitors through dream time stories, local tours and an abundance of street art and murals scattered throughout the township.
The Causeway Indigenous artwork: Created by a collaboration of Indigenous artists including Cedric Varcoe, Amanda Westley, Kyla McHughes, Kevin Kropinyeri and Jamaya Branson – who are all cousins – designs along the new Granite Island Causeway depicting the stories of Kondoli, the powerful giant and keeper of fire, and Ngurunderi, the ancestral creation being, have been sandblasted on the concrete structure of the 620m-long causeway.
Image credit :: Visit Victor Harbor
Sculpture of Ngurunderi: A sculpture of Ngurunderi, one of the great Creation ancestral beings of the Ngarrindjeri Nation, stands at the beginning of the new Causeway to Granite Island. The sculpture, titled ‘Ngurunderi the Creator’, was designed by Ngarrindjeri artist Kevin Kropinyeri, and built by Adelaide artist Karl Meyer. Ngurunderi is the great Dreamtime ancestral being of the Ngarrindjeri Nation. The sculpture features Ngurunderi holding his Kaiki (Spear) and Plonggi (Club). Here at Pultung (Victor Harbor) is where Ngurunderi threw his spear (Kaiki) into the sea and created Kaiki (Granite Island). Ngurunderi walked over to Kaiki and made a shelter from granite boulders. This place is called Panggari Marti (Umbrella Rock).
Image credit :: City of Victor Harbor
Coral Street Art Space: Coral Street Art Space is the home of the creative cultural industry in Victor Harbor, providing a venue for local artists and community members to meet, work, exhibit, share, collaborate, and learn. Coral Street Art Space is the first permanent dedicated First Nations gallery and the home gallery for the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri creatives, as well as a place for both locals and visitors alike to connect with culture and language.
Stay (way more than) a day
It’s a fact — there is absolutely no way to cram all this incredible fun into a day or two in Victor Harbor. Hellllll no! Book a few nights in one of the fantastic accommodation options in the region and create a home base, so you can come and go as you please — taking in all the wonders as you go. Here’s just a few of the local accommodation that we’ve either tried and loved, or can’t wait to book into!
Boutique Accommodation
Image credit: dreams_of_azur
Image credit :: Wren House
Image Credit :: ESCA
Luxe Accommodation
Image credit :: Maridaallah Retreat
Image credit :: Seascape Retreat
It doesn’t matter if you go once, twice, or ten times! You’ll always find something new to discover in the ever-evolving town that is Victor Harbor. Pack your bags!
