Attractions

Victor Harbor is only 80km South of Adelaide, South Australia and takes approximately 75 minutes by car. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate. During Summer, Victor Harbor is a popular coastal paradise due to its cool sea breezes and it also experiences a milder Winter than Adelaide.

Visitors to Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor have a unique privilege of experiencing the history of the first white settlement of South Australia. It was originally chosen by Governor Hindmarsh as the site of the State Capital because of its closeness to the River Murray. The predominant industry in the new colony was whaling. The whales by products were lamp oil, soaps, ointments, medicines and whale bones which were all in high demand.

Today the South Australian Whale Centre at Victor Harbor has 3 huge floors of displays and historical memorabilia. Our Whale watching season is June to September each year. Whale, Dolphin and Seal cruises depart daily from the screwpile jetty on Granite Island so that you can experience a "Close Encounter" yourself with our amazing coastal scenery and sealife.

The Encounter Coast Discovery Centre also helps you to step back in time to experience the magic of Dreamtime and the struggles of the early settlers up to current times.

Come and enjoy a ride on the Victor Harbor Clydesdale Horse Drawn Tram originally established in 1854. It is the only Horse Drawn Tram in the Southern Hemisphere and it goes across the 630m Causeway from the mainland to Granite Island.

Granite Island is a Nature Park with 15 bird species recorded and 78 native plant specimens.

The Island's most well known attraction is the resident Little Penguin colony. It is the world's smallest penguin and Australia's only breeding colony. Viewing the Little Penguin is a popular ecotourism experience especially as they come ashore each evening and guided tours are available.

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

• The Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre has a comprehensive range of brochures, information etc and is located in the Causeway Building, Esplanade, just before going across to Granite Island.
• Greenhills Adventure Park [Fun, Food and Adventure for the whole day]
• Urimbirra Wildlife Park [ Open-range Wildlife Park - 400 Australian native animals]
• Rose Cottage and Minature Village [ Meals and miniature village with beautiful gardens to explore]
• Spirit of the Coorong Eco-Cruise [Adventure cruise into the Coorong National Park from the historic River Murray port of Goolwa]
• Whale cruises (June - September) [Look for Southern Right Whales]
• Dolphin and Seal Cruises - approx 2 hours - departs from Granite Island
• Horse Drawn Tram across the Causeway to Granite Island [Operates every day of the year]]
• Guided Penguin Tours [see penguins coming home at night to rest]
• Steam Ranger Heritage Railway [Cockle Train - Operates Sundays and School Holidays]
• SA Whale Centre [3 levels of unique exhibits - Open every day except Christmas Day] - temporarily closed for renovations
• Encounter Coast Discovery Centre [ Learn about the history of Encounter Bay and Victor Harbor]
• Signal Point Goolwa [ River Murray Interpretive Centre]
• Kangaroo Island - all types of tours and sightseeing
• Two Championship Golf courses within 5 kms

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