If you are from South Australia, it is probably no secret at all. But to the rest of Australia, Victor Harbor is an absolute gem. Find Victor Harbor in the deep south of this very special state.
Nestled at the very start of the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbor is also tantalisingly close to a few of SA’s other wonders. This list includes McLaren Vale wine region, the wild Coorong (home of Storm Boy), and the incomparable Kangaroo Island too. This makes the entire Fleurieu region a fantastic place to visit on a driving holiday.
Victor Harbor Australia – How to?
If travelling from interstate, spending around 2 weeks in the Fleurieu Peninsula would be ideal. The usual Australian domestic carriers land at Adelaide airport from major centres. From there it is easy to hire a car or campervan to explore the area at your own pace.
How Far is it from Adelaide to Victor Harbour?
Victor Harbor is only 82 km or just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide. This means you can even go for a day trip or small group tour if you prefer.
Is Victor Harbour Worth Visiting?
Don’t miss Victor Harbor. The charm and beauty of this area will be sure to impress you. There is so much to see and do in this gorgeous little town. From strolling the palm-lined streets to checking out some of the world-class tourist operations. While taking in the relaxed atmosphere, Victor is the best.
We visited as part of our Around Australia trip. So we were lucky to spend as much time as we wanted in Victor Harbor. We came for a night, and stayed for 5! It was ample time. It enabled us to do a lot of exploring, restock our fridges and charge our batteries before relocating to remote campsite at Deep Creek National Park around the corner.
Victor Harbor Things to Do
Victor Harbor for History Buffs
Cruise the cool city centre on foot or by bicycle and enjoy awesome seafood cafes overlooking the bay. We recommend the Causeway Cafe. It’s a perfect spot to watch Victor Harbor go by and it even has a kid’s corner.
Victor Harbor Tramway is one of the last remaining horse-drawn trams in the world. Enjoy spectacular views from the top deck as the carriage is pulled by majestic Clydesdale horses. The ride crosses the original causeway to Granite Island in the Harbor. There is an option to do a one-way trip and walk the way back, which is what we did. This was a wonderful way to get a real feel for the bay and peer into the shallow waters. We were always looking for the elusive leafy sea dragons (we didn’t see any, but they are there!). Tickets are available at the causeway office here.
Jump all aboard The Cockle Train and cruise under the power of steam along the oldest steeled railway in Australia. Heritage steam trains leave Victor Harbor Station and head along some of South Australia’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The train stops in at Port Elliot and Goolwa before making the return journey. We stopped at Port Elliot for an amazing seafood lunch. It takes about half an hour between each station and is a definite ‘must-do’ here. Grab your ticket at the Victor Harbor Station. It’s only $32 return. Totally worth it.
Victor Harbor for Nature Enthusiasts
Enjoy a 45 minute Granite Island seal spotting cruise with the chance to see wildlife in their natural pristine environment.
Visit the unique Oceanic Victor – This is an in-sea aquarium where you can swim with Southern Bluefin Tuna. Get super close and personal with the fastest fish in the ocean.
Find the little penguin colony on Granite Island on a twilight tour. Book at the Visitor Information Centre.
Whale watching tours are available from May to October with the best time being July and August. The Southern Right Whales love the shallow waters around Victor Harbor and are often seen in large numbers here. Check out
Spinway Adelaide offers automated bicycle hire around town. Check out the pretty foreshore on dedicated bike paths. Find out more.
Day Trips from Victor Harbor
Drive over to the west coast of the Fleurieu. Jump off the jetty into the clearest water on earth at Rapid Bay and Second Valley.
Kangaroo Island and McLaren Vale Wine region is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Victor Harbor. Both easily accessible as part of a tour or self-drive.
Victor Harbor Accommodation
We absolutely recommend spending a while in Victor Harbor. As a favourite destination for South Australians and a growing hotspot for the rest of us Aussies, Victor Harbor has a wide range of accommodation choices.
We loved staying close to the town centre, just a short bike ride away from the fun and action.
Victor Harbor Caravan Park
If you are self-driving with your own rig, or a have hired a motorhome from Adelaide and driven down, your best bet is to stay at one of the following well-established tourist parks.
NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park
This one is a little bit closer to town and enjoys a beachfront setting. Self-contained one, two and three-bedroom cabins and studios, as well as ensuite, powered and unpowered sites are available. Access friendly. Enjoy excellent facilities such as a waterpark, pump track, jumping pillow, heated pool, two camp kitchens, playground, TV and games room, kiosk and free WiFi.
Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park
Likewise, the holiday and cabin park has fantastic amenities. Swimming pool (heated September to April) with a new double-tower waterslide, brand new pump track and playground, jumping pillow, go-karts, games room, mini-golf and much more.
Victor Harbor Hotels
Beachfront
City Centre
Countryside
Best Place to Stay in Victor Harbor For Families
Pet Friendly Accommodation in Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor Population
In 2019, the resident population of Victor Harbor was 15,465. But over the summer holiday season the population almost triples. This is thanks to the South Australian’s love affair with this incredible section of the coast. I guarantee you will fall in love with Victor Harbor too!
When you are booking your stay, perhaps consider your dates. Visit outside of the popular periods if you can. This will ensure you have a very pleasurable stay.
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