Top 30 Things to Do in Victor Harbor

Published
16 Jun 2025
Image credit
Benjamin Goode - South Australian Tourism Commission

 

It’s no surprise Victor Harbor is one of South Australia’s top tourist towns, because the place is overflowing with charm. No more than two hours from Adelaide, Victor Harbor promises a great experience for families and nomads alike making the trip down the coast. It doesn’t matter whether you’re visiting in the sunny summer school holidays or enjoying a mid-winter break—the beautiful scenery of Encounter Bay and the wider Fleurieu Peninsula region is always striking.

Read on for our suggestions about things to do in Victor Harbor, and where to stay with G’day Parks!

UNIQUELY VICTOR HARBOR

Horse-Drawn Tram to Granite Island

 

The Victor Harbor Tramway travels along the Granite Island causeway. Enjoy a picturesque journey accompanied by the gentle clip clop of Clydesdale horses on Australia’s only horse-drawn tramway.

The Bluff

Image Credit: Jesse Ehlers - South Australian Tourism Commission

Rosetta Head – known locally as ‘The Bluff’ – is accessible via a short walk from the car park. There are a few steep sections, but once you reach the summit, you’ll be blown away by the views (if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or dolphin).

South Australia Whale Centre

Image Credit: KOA Photography - South Australian Tourism Commission

Victor Harbor is a renowned location for getting a glimpse of southern right whales from the shore. Delve deeper into these magnificent wild creatures and local marine life by visiting the South Australia Whale Centre. This educational attraction has displays, interactive exhibits, and guided tours.

Cockle Train

 

Climb aboard the oldest steel railed railway in Australia, operating between Victor Harbor and Goolwa with amazing coastal views. Named after the cockles that residents used to collect, the Cockle Train is a delightful half-hour trip in each direction.

The National Trust Museum and Customs' House

 

A few steps from the foreshore, this interactive museum tells the story of Encounter Bay and the south coast. In Customs’ House, which dates back to 1866, learn about the area’s Aboriginal history, maritime and whaling past, European settlers, and how Victor Harbor came to be a modern tourist destination.

Victor Harbor Walking Tours

 

Learn what makes the town unique on a walking tour in central Victor Harbor, from its history and heritage features to spectacular coastal scenery.

Abseiling

 

If walking The Bluff isn’t thrilling enough, why not strap in for an abseiling experience? This two-hour session will fly by as you abseil over the boulder and onto the sand with spectacular views of the sea.

Coral Street Art Space

Explore Victor Harbor's creative talents at Coral Street Art Space. Admire exhibitions featuring local artists or sign up for a workshop to create your own piece.

Festivals and Events

Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Your visit might just coincide with one of the events that call Victor Harbor home each year. These include Tour Down Under cycling stages, New Year’s Eve fireworks, fun runs, the SA Viking Festival, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival. 

Chop It Axe Throwing Alley and Escape Room

Image Credit: KOA Photography - South Australian Tourism Commission

For an activity that really hits the mark, have a crack at axe throwing. Pair your visit with an Escape It challenge, where you’ll get one hour to solve clues and challenges to figure your way out.

ENCOUNTER BAY ANIMALS

Urimbirra Wildlife Park

 

Urimbirra Wildlife Park is the ultimate place to visit with kids, grandies, or animal lovers. Twice a day, this open-range wildlife park hosts a koala encounter – included in admission – or if you’re feeling brave, there’s also a daily opportunity to hold a snake. While you're there, you can purchase a bag of food to hand-feed kangaroos.

Softfoot Alpaca and Wildlife Park

Image Credit: Jon Wah - South Australian Tourism Commission

An Alpaca and Wildlife Tour at Softfoot Alpaca and Wildlife Park combines adventure with gorgeous animals, as you get up close to the namesake alpacas behind the wheels of an ATV buggy. Alternately, on a Wildlife Feed Tour, you’ll feed and pat animals including koalas, kangaroos, bettongs, parrots, quolls, gliders, and alpacas.

Goolwa Animal Farm

Hit the road to visit Goolwa Animal Farm, home to lambs, ducklings, guinea pigs, and more farm animals. Plus, there are trailer rides, picnic and play areas, and a farm-themed mini golf course that’s included in your admission.

GET ACTIVE IN THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Hindmarsh Falls

 

The 200-metre return trip to Hindmarsh Falls is a winner, whether you’re there to see the cascades or go birdwatching. The falls are especially beautiful after generous rainfall, so definitely plan a visit to Hindmarsh Valley if you’re travelling during winter and spring.

Encounter Bikeway

Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

The Encounter Bikeway is one of the best shared cycling paths in South Australia, hands down! This 30-kilometre trail links Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Middleton, and Goolwa with stunning coastal views. Bring or hire your bike, put on your helmet, and start pedalling.

Coorong National Park

Image Credit: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission

Step into the world of Storm Boy at Coorong National Park. Whether you’re bushwalking through nature, four-wheel driving along allocated tracks, or kayaking past pelicans in still, serene ocean waters, this park is mesmerising.

Hindmarsh Island

Image Credit: Graham Scheer - South Australian Tourism Commission

Featuring grassland, forest, mangroves, and beautiful beaches, Hindmarsh Island is on the boundary of Coorong National Park. It’s the only place in the Southern Hemisphere where you’ll find an island within an island within an island—Lonely Island, which sits in the centre of a dried up salt lake on Hindmarsh Island in Australia!

Deep Creek National Park

 

Only a 40-minute drive away, Deep Creek National Park has ample bushwalking opportunities. Beginners can take the two-hour return, Grade 2 Goondooloo Ridge Walk, while experienced bushwalkers can explore the steeper Deep Creek Waterfall Hike towards the seasonal waterfall. Mountain biking is allowed on the public roads and Spring Wildflower Walk, and four-wheel driving is permitted on the Boat Harbour and Blowhole Beach tracks.

COASTAL ADVENTURES

Kaiki Walk – Granite Island

Image Credit: Megan Crabb - South Australian Tourism Commission

Visitors can reach Granite Island – ‘Nulcoowarra’ to the Ramindjeri people – by foot or the horse-drawn tram for bushwalking, birdwatching, canoeing, and more! A highlight is the Kaiki Trail, a nine-kilometre-long, Grade 1 loop with undulating terrain and some stairs, which means it’s achievable for most visitors. This walking trail passes most points of interest, local wildlife and plants, and stunning views.

Big Duck Boat Tour

 

Explore the Southern Ocean, thanks to a Big Duck Boat Tour. Catch a 90-minute Southern Ocean Adventure Cruise, keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, boulders, and cliffs, or keep it short and sweet with a 45-minute Seal Island Cruise past the Historic Screwpile Jetty and Granite Island.

Sun, Sea, and Sand

Image Credit: Graham Scheer - South Australian Tourism Commission

There’s no shortage of stunning beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Normanville Beach, Sellicks Beach, and Horseshoe Bay provide great spots for swimming and relaxing with an ice cream, plus who could forget the surfing haven of Middleton Beach?

Surf

Image Credit: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission

Middleton is one of the best places to learn to surf, while the breaks at Waitpinga Beach, Parsons Beach, Dump Beach, and Shark Alley are irresistible for experienced surfers.

Port Elliot

Image Credit: Ryan Formosa Photography - South Australian Tourism Commission

Only ten minutes away from Victor Harbor, Port Elliot is a perfect day trip. Horseshoe Bay is safe for ocean swimming, while the Port Elliot Bakery – with its monthly donut and pie creations – is worth lining up for.

Fishing

Image Credit: Tash Mohring - South Australian Tourism Commission

There are plenty of spots for land fishing on beaches, jetties, and offshore reefs. Otherwise, book a fishing charter to combine fishing with sightseeing.

Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures

 

Drive an ATV across 400 acres of farmland on a thrilling Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures tour. You’ll see ocean and river views while you cross rugged creeks, sandy tracks, bushy trails, and rolling hills.

Kayaking

Image Credit: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission

Hire a kayak for your own self-guided tour or join a guided Sunset Tour, for three hours of bliss and coastal views.

FOOD AND DRINK

Local Markets

 

If your ideal weekend involves a market, you’re in luck. Victor Harbor Farmers Market opens every Saturday at Grosvenor Gardens for fresh produce, yummy food, and live music. Victor Harbor Beachside Market arrives at The Esplanade every second and fourth Sunday, while the Victor Harbor Artisan Market is generally held on the third Sunday of the month (along with Saturdays during summer and long weekends) at Railway Plaza.

McLaren Vale

Image Credit: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission

Why not spend a day popping in and out of cellar doors in McLaren Vale, one of South Australia’s premier wine regions? It’s only 40 minutes away to explore vineyards, fill up on gourmet food, and savour local flavours.

Distilleries

Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Enjoy tasting flights at Moo's Distillery or sign up for a Mozzarella-Making & Tasting experience at Cut Hill Distillery. While you’re there, drop into Lost Phoenix Spirits next door for delightful limoncello.

Swagman Country Dining

Swagman Country Dining was crowned Best Tourism Restaurant in South Australia in 2024. Boasting exquisite meals, the menu is influenced by native plants such as lemon myrtle and wattle.

Here’s Where to Stay in Victor Harbor!

These two awesome parks are just a short drive from Victor Harbor's best attractions and surfing spots.

Victor Harbor Holiday Park

 

At Victor Harbor Holiday Park, the kids will have a blast with the trifecta of a water park, water slides, and pools, plus a playground, pump track, and mini golf. An Inman Cabin fits up to eight people across three bedrooms, plus a sheltered deck with outdoor seating, full kitchen, bathroom and ensuite, and modern living and dining area.

Discovery Parks - Goolwa

 

Keep the fun coming all day long at Discovery Parks - Goolwa, with a pool, water park, seasonal campfire, bouncing pillow, sports facilities, playground, and hire equipment. Choose a Deluxe Three-Bedroom House for a lavish holiday park stay, sleeping as many as eight people. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, open plan living and dining, bathroom and ensuite, and an outdoor entertaining area with a BBQ.

 

Book your visit to Victor Harbor today!