Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is a coastal town in South Australia. From the waterfront, horse-drawn trams cross the causeway to Granite Island, home to a wild penguin colony. Steam locomotives pull the Cockle Train to nearby Goolwa, a gateway to the wetlands of the Murray River Mouth. Offshore, southern right whales frequent the waters of Encounter Bay. The Heysen Trail runs across the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis.
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Victor Harbor Trip Planner
Victor Harbor Trip Planner
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Top attractions in Victor Harbor
1. Granite Island
4.7
(242)
Island
Nature & Parks
Small island with a rocky coastline accessed by causeway known for its penguins & whale sightings.
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Had the pleasure of visiting Granite Island early one morning, on a beautiful, sunny day.
We crossed the bridge onto the island, before undertaking the full walk around the island. The place was relatively deserted, allowing us to only cross paths with others on a couple of occasions.
The walk itself, which reaches impressive heights in parts, offers grand views of the open ocean and surrounding islands and mainland. The island itself is also pretty cool, displaying some impressively sized boulders, relics of ancient times, as well as an array of flora and fauna.
Overall, the walk is clearly marked and reasonably easy to navigate. There is obviously uneven ground and some climbing/descending, so care needs to be taken, even though the walk isn't excessively challenging.
Additionally, this is open terrain with cliff faces aplenty. Make sure to keep any children under close watch, as there's ample opportunity to venture into dangerous areas.
Overall, we really enjoyed our wander around Granite Island and, if we were locals, would utilise this space on a regular basis.
Beautiful island to explore. Easy walk over to the island or catch a horse drawn tram for a fee. The walking tracks are not to difficult.
I’ve been to Granite Island more times than I can count but it never grows old. It’s often windy. The walk around the island is a decent workout. Beautiful views to be seen all around. It’s a nice walk getting over from Victor harbour or there’s the option of sitting on the horse drawn cart which is $15 per person one way. Haven’t spotted a penguin here in many years. Used to see them a lot around 30 years ago.
Loved it. Great for a spot of dolphin watching and a lovely quiet walk. The horse drawn carriage across the causeway is a treat, or you can walk.
The walk around Granite Island is invigorating. Some of the views are so picturesque! The walk might be long for some, but there are places to sit on the way. There are also signs and stops where you can take in the views.
Gotta love the walk to the island and the tram ride (horse) back to the harbour. It's a solid walk and the view of the island from the top and the view from the island are both amazing
Beautiful Island just across Victor Harbour. Took about 1 hour to round the Island. Beautiful and nice scroll. Highly recommended if visiting Adelaide or Victor Harbour
Great place to walk around on..there is a cafe there for drinks and bite to eat also toilets..stairs in places and walking trails..great views.access by walking across jetty or horse drawn carriage ride ($25.00 adult return)..pretty expensive but it's fun..
A beautiful island with great views down on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The short walk around the island is perfect for all people of all ages.
Lovely little island that is accessible from Victor Harbor town on foot. The walk on the bridge towards the island is enjoyable. The horse-cart is a fun attraction that goes on most days, if not everyday. The small trails around the island are nice and easy to get through. There are some amazing structures to look at during the walk and scenic views for photos. Visiting the island is a must when going to Victor Harbor!
Beautiful island. The walk was reasonable. Some stairs and rocky paths but mostly a fairly easy walk. Nice walk across the bridge to get to the island. Cafe and toilets at the bottom. Island is apparently home to penguins, and also suggests to look out for sea lions, dolphins and whales. We saw none of these animals but still worth the visit.
A lovely walk over on the walk way or you could go by carriage - pulled by Albert!
Beautiful views.
The breakwater was built from granite quarried from the island. There are boulders on display showing the large feldspar crystals and the different xenoliths embedded in the 503 million year old coarse granite.
For entertainment, we watched thrill seeking visitors stepping on the flat rock on the breakwater to get drenched (pictured)
While visiting Victor harbour went for my morning walk to Granite island.
2. Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tramway
4.5
(3263)
Transportation
Tramways
One of the last horse-drawn routes in the world, this tram offers open-air seating & scenic views.
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I went there around 6pm which is late evening during the autumn. I didn’t see the horse driven cart at all. But you can access this tram path and walk all the way to the island on the next side. A lot of people were doing this. After 5pm, the gate at the bridge is adsived to be kept. So you can open it and go through the bridge even if you find it closed. The bridge is good for some scenic photos.
Beautiful place. We visited on Easter. There were rides and lots of food stalls available. We had a good time. It’s very close to market place. Nice parks with enough sitting arrangements with water and barbecues. We couldn’t do the boat tour or horse tramway, May plan on next visit. A good place to spend time with gamy and friends ❤️❤️
Amazing tourist spot. I would say its a must-go spot for victor harbor. The clydesdale only needs to pull around 80kg weight to get the tram going with the help with the rollers on the rails. They do the job fantastically and the attendants take really good care of them when they are resting. Enjoy the view while you are on the tram and i would recommend walking back, its not far and the view makes it a very enjoyable walk.
The Horse Drawn Tram in Victor Harbor is definitely a must-try experience. The tram is pulled by horses and you can ride it to Granite Island. It's a unique and special experience where you can choose to sit inside the tram or on the open-air top deck and enjoy the seaside views. Tickets are available for one-way or round-trip options, and you can purchase them directly at the ticket center.
What a view. Make sure to put on hiking boots or a good pair of sneakers as best part of the place is 45 min hike around the island. Try to experience the horse cart on the island. The 🍩 place at the front has the best dounuts in the town. Parking might be a problem during the weekend, but there are plenty of off-street parking spaces 360° senic view from the island is the best park.
This is an awesome tram that has been running for a long time. You can go on a return trip to Granite Island or just one way. We decided to walk out over the causeway, have a look around the island and then get the Tram back. It was a lovely ride and we were lucky enough to see a stingray in the waters as we travelled back. The horses are beautiful and they display the names of the horses working each day. Well worth the $15 one way price.
A very unique experience sitting on a double decker tram power by a horse! Amazed to see how strong the horses are and the view from the upper deck was enjoyable. The tram would take you from Victor Harbour to cross over to Granite Island, beyond the end of the bridge. Definitely worth the price and kudos to the hardworking horses!
When in Victor Harbor, take a trip on the horse drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island. You can purchase tickets to travel one-way or return. There are good pathways around the island suitable for prams or wheelchairs and other foot trails branching off this main route. The island is a great destination for anyone and particularly families with lots of areas for children to explore.
What a lovely way to take a relaxing ride on transport from yesteryear. You buy tickets from the driver. $20 for a return $15 for one way. We walked along the pier, then caught the tram back. Beautiful horses and the drivers absolutely love them. Talking to them throughout the journey and when they were being moved.
First tram is generally at 10:30 from main land. They depart every 40-45 mins (no set timetable as such) up until approx. 3:30pm. purchase tickets from driver (cash and eftpos available)
A must-do if you're in the area if not done before. If you manage to get a tram top seat, you'll enjoy the views out over the ocean as you go over the causeway. Many people taking photos as they walk by. Two of the several horses take turns with shifts during day and they appear well kept.
Gorgeous place to explore in South Australia. It’s 76km away from Adelaide city and 1 hr 20min drive. You will enjoy the scenic beauty on way 😍this place has play area for kids and bbq stand and park for family. There are many restaurants and food stalls. You can cross the bridge and explore the whole place by walk or by horse train . Overall I would say it’s a must visit place with your loved ones 😍
Great little trip but felt extremely sorry for the horse today as temp was 36 degrees. Thankfully they only did two return trips for the morning before giving the horses the rest of the day off. We walked one way onto island and then got team back, very easy walk...
Well worth it, certainly something the kids will enjoy. I recommend going in the morning as in the afternoon it is very busy. Also you can beat the line by walking over to the island and catching the tram back. Tickets are $15 for adults which includes two kids in the price. Staff are friendly.
Clean and tidy town with a horse drawn tram which takes you over to Granite Island. Dogs can go on the beach here but not over to the island. My dogs met the draft horses that pull the tram.
Nice place to visit, you can take a ride, but some days it doesn't work, so call in advance if it is a game changer for you. If not, you can simply walk around, the most important thing is not to hurry up. Overall really nice place.
Victor harbour is a lovely scenic area and you can either take horse tram or walk.
Nice place to spend the day. There will be paid parking. Toilets facilities and cafeterias available
Tram ride was great. You can sit up top or inside the carriage if required. If you have children with a pram you can even get it put on board. The tram comes around every 30 minutes or you can walk back from the island if you want too. You get taken to granite island where you can take a walk around the whole island. Some people were fishing. There is also a cafe which serves great coffee.
3. Urimbirra Wildlife Park
4.6
(1532)
Wildlife park
Zoos & Aquariums
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Great day out with family, friends, or even just on your own! Super easy to get to if you're staying in Victor Harbor or surrounding areas. We loved all the Australian animals! The kangaroos are super friendly and we could have spent the whole day feeding them, and a friend from the UK was very excited to pat a koala for the first time. Gorgeous little gift shop too. All around a good day out.
We enjoyed our visit here. Kangaroos are everywhere, they just roam around freely and can buy pellets from the shop to feed them. Koala experience is included in the entry fee which is great. Highly recommended for families with kids. The staff were also polite and friendly.
We visited the park on Easter Sunday, had really good time. It was nice watching reptiles specially crocodiles and feeding kangaroos. The kangaroos are big but quite friendly. You can pat the koala and hold the snakes too. Nice shop and toilet facilities and hand washing spots.
Such an incredible experience! You get to get up close to so many animals! The kangaroos and emus roam the place freely and will come ask for food. All animals looked well cared for. The chance to pet the koala and python with the Handler's instruction and supervision was amazing. All staff were very friendly and professional. It was the most amazing day!
Love, love, loved this place. Super cute animals. Lovely staff. Fabulous fun patting the koala. All proceeds go towards upkeep of the animals. Fabulous austealian gift shop inside with bits and pieces you won't find elsewhere. I got a lovely soap dish whose design was from a local man
There were many students when we visited this zoo. It's a medium size private zoo. Quite a number of animals in the enclosures. It's one of the nicest and rather a clean zoo with kangaroos, ducks, roaming around freely. The souvenir store sells many beautiful Aborigines artwork like bowl, plates, trays and many more. Ample parking area.
Very impressed with this privately owned park.
Very well priced and presented. Wonderful, friendly kangaroos and good presentation of other Australian animals.
I took my japanese visitors and they loved it too.
Definitely worth visiting, especially with overseas visitors.
Incredible experience with the opportunity to feed kangaroos (many of them) and touch/pet koalas (no holding, in spite of what your cruise your days). Nice, spread out and seems like a very comfortable environment for all the animals and birds. Not at all a "zoo" or captive feel.
Well priced, family fun and a nice park to walk through. Kid friendly and lots of opportunities to feed Kangaroos and other animals. Well worth a visit if you are down in the region.
Had a great experience at Urimbirra wildlife park during my 2nd weekend Victor Harbour trip. Had close encounter with many Australian wild animals. Animals are treated and taken care very well by the staff. Prices are very reasonable at the shop and entrance fees too. welcoming and friendly staff. Definitely visiting back again.
Great wildlife parks especially if you have young children. Kangaroos are very tame and small children have ease feeding them, my 4yr old loved it.
Also get up close and pat a Koala. You can easily spend 2-4 hours here
Nice little wildlife park with a wide range of native Australian animals. Its more of a couple of hours rather than a day trip. Staff are very friendly and allow you to touch alot of the animals.
Oh my we loved our experience here😍 The kangaroos were overwhelmingly hospitable haha! Very few parks offer experiences to feed animals like it does here. The birds are lovely too especially the macaws, they enjoyed playing with us🥹. Entry was cheap compared to other parks too. Definitely worth a visit in Victoria Harbor!
We loved Urimbirra wildlife park. A little hidden gem. Definitely worth the visit.
Price to go in is great! And interaction with animals is amazing. Grounds and enclosures are lush and well looked after for all animals and reptiles.
I love animals and after being to this wildlife park my love for these cute animals increased a lot. It was super fun! Petting a koala, feeding a kangaroo and then holding a snake all were so incredible. Would love to visit again!
One of the best animal experiences in SA. Always a great time here and awesome value for money.
Weekdays outside of school holidays are very quiet and perfect for young ones. Grab two bags of feed just in case.
Urimbirra was a great place for the kids to feed the kangaroos! We missed the koala feeding unfortunately but had a good time with the Roos and looking at the limited other animals. Would like to see the return of more animals but was a good day out for the kids. Gift shop had a great range of souvenirs and toys for the kids.
It's a lot bigger than I thought it maybe.
Lots of animals and birds to see.
You can feed the Kangaroos.
You need a good half day to get round and see it all.
Good value.
Nice staff.
What a wonderful wildlife park. Took my mum who's visiting Australia and I'm pretty sure she won't stop smiling for her whole trip. Not loads to see but the roaming kangaroos and the koala encounter keep you occupied for hours. The price is also great for an adult ticket!
4. Victor Harbor Visitor Centre
4.5
(98)
Tourist information center
Visitor center
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So very impressed with the knowledge and great advice given by the Visitor Information Centre team.
Been there today: Sue was very helpful regarding the Heysen trail. Lynn was so knowledgeable about the "whale fur balls" 😉.....
Thanks ladies! You are great!
Jeff was such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable ambassador for the area. He was super helpful to us and gave us lots of information. Not only for Victor Harbor but other places around including Kangaroo Island. What an asset he is to the Visitor centre. Well done Jeff!
Info centre is only small but the lady on duty was knowledgeable and enthusiastic at answering our questions
Very well laid out visitor centre with really friendly and helpful staff. It's also in close proximity to some lovely parks, beaches, cafes and granite island
Victor Harbor is stunning there’s so much to do. The beaches are beautiful. The food is magnificent and the people very helpful a place you must see
An absolutely amazing place to discover the events taking place in the area, and to get information about the attractions of the area. Staffed by wonderfully friendly, polite and knowledgeable people. There is also a charming little art gallery located on the same premises, displaying artwork by talented, young, local artists,school students.
Excellent facility and great service with efficient staff
We were greeted with enthusiasm and awesome knowledge of the area. So positive. Thank you, Jeff
Fantastic customer service, great souvenirs and everything you need to start your exploration of this beautiful part of the world.
What a great set up! Kids loved the archological dig and the whale exhibition.
So very impressed with the knowledge and great advice given by the Visitor Information Centre team.
Very pleasant customer service. Can get more information.
Very helpful nice people ...will give all the information and loads to see and buy.
Worth a visit..toilets are over near the tram not here ..
5. South Australian Whale Centre
4.1
(36)
Museums
Children's museum
Interactive exhibits on whaling history & whale biology, plus a 3D theater, in a heritage building.
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Not big but great for young children to explore. Every corner fills with surprise and interesting knowledge. Anyway,we really enjoy the time there.
Located inside visitor info centre. Not a huge amount to keep you engaged unless you are really "into" it. There's a small dig area for young kids to find fossils and some tables to do some colouring in. We were there for approx 30 mins.
Super friendly staff and a good place to visit in Victor Harbour. There's lots to see, touch, read and watch on whales, sharks and dolphins.
Definitely a fun educational way to spend a bit of time with the kids. Or without kids as we did 😊
Parts seem a little dated and some of the interactive displays weren't working. Hence the 4/5.
The staff here were very friendly, helpful and quick with a joke.
Lots of information for all age groups on the history of the whaling industry and more contemporary information about all things maritime.
There are 'hands on' displays for a more tactile experience or for younger visitors to experience some of the displays more intimately. The sand pit in the basement would be a lot of fun for the younger generation.
There are a few audio visual displays to enjoy and especially the 3D pisplay in the basement theatre is worthwhile.
The $9 entry fee is well worthwhile and goes to a good cause.
Love it. The building itself it incredible with its old architecture and structure. The museum itself it good considering its free. We really enjoyed it.
Brilliant to investigate underground where the information centre is situated near the railway station as it features variations of sharks, whales and dolphins
Third visit and first time since the revamp. The interior of first floor and stylish tiled toilets have been added but displays and educational kids activities have been downsized. It used to be 3 levels and had lots activities to do and information to read for all walks of life. They kept the basement display though.
First floor is free but the basement is ticketed display which is pretty much a selfie spot, watching short docos, whale facts wall and a discovery sand pit for a couple mock remains plus a model bunk bed of a ship. Personally I loved better the old whale centre that offered whale and marine life information to all ages.
Great rainy day activity for anyone - no kids required (although they would also really enjoy it)! A lot to look at, understand and learn from. Would recommend to every visitor to our beautiful town.
Recently reopened but far from ready for the return of eager kids. Upstairs areas that used to house fun activity rooms are now private offices and an off limits lunch room?! Yet no signage or controls were considered to slow down kids who have been here before racing upstairs to the old activities. Downstairs the basement seems to have suffered water damage and is quite dank and musty, needs ventilation ASAP, feels clammy and damp. We appreciated the Gold coin entry fee as none of the exhibits appear to be working. Was expecting much more from the almost 2 year revamp, such an iconic building.
I went in here to make enquiries, all the the Japanese tourists stood up and started taking photos of me.
6. Victor Harbor Visitor Centre
4.5
(98)
Tourist information center
Visitor center
Slide 1 of 14
So very impressed with the knowledge and great advice given by the Visitor Information Centre team.
Been there today: Sue was very helpful regarding the Heysen trail. Lynn was so knowledgeable about the "whale fur balls" 😉.....
Thanks ladies! You are great!
Jeff was such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable ambassador for the area. He was super helpful to us and gave us lots of information. Not only for Victor Harbor but other places around including Kangaroo Island. What an asset he is to the Visitor centre. Well done Jeff!
Info centre is only small but the lady on duty was knowledgeable and enthusiastic at answering our questions
Very well laid out visitor centre with really friendly and helpful staff. It's also in close proximity to some lovely parks, beaches, cafes and granite island
Victor Harbor is stunning there’s so much to do. The beaches are beautiful. The food is magnificent and the people very helpful a place you must see
An absolutely amazing place to discover the events taking place in the area, and to get information about the attractions of the area. Staffed by wonderfully friendly, polite and knowledgeable people. There is also a charming little art gallery located on the same premises, displaying artwork by talented, young, local artists,school students.
Excellent facility and great service with efficient staff
We were greeted with enthusiasm and awesome knowledge of the area. So positive. Thank you, Jeff
Fantastic customer service, great souvenirs and everything you need to start your exploration of this beautiful part of the world.
What a great set up! Kids loved the archological dig and the whale exhibition.
So very impressed with the knowledge and great advice given by the Visitor Information Centre team.
Very pleasant customer service. Can get more information.
Very helpful nice people ...will give all the information and loads to see and buy.
Worth a visit..toilets are over near the tram not here ..
I'll never travel to Victor Harbor without this trip planner again
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Other notable attractions
Oceanic Victor
Zoos & Aquariums
Aquariums
Granite Island Recreation Park
State park
Sights & Landmarks
64-acre protected area since 1999, with picnicking, fishing, walking trails & guided wildlife tours.
Waitpinga Beach
Beach
Nature & Parks
Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tramway
Transportation
Tramways
One of the last horse-drawn routes in the world, this tram offers open-air seating & scenic views.
Swagman Country Dining @ Softfoot
Sights & Landmarks
Lodging
Encounter Bay
Bay
Nature & Parks
Hindmarsh Falls
Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
Nangawooka Flora Reserve
Park
Nature & Parks
Victor Harbor Heritage Trail
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Victor Harbor Farmers Market
Farmers' market
Shopping
Best-of categories in Victor Harbor
Popular road trips from Victor Harbor
All road trips from Victor Harbor
- Victor Harbor to Melbourne drive
- Victor Harbor to Canberra drive
- Victor Harbor to Mount Gambier drive
- Victor Harbor to Pokolbin drive
- Victor Harbor to Halls Gap drive
- Victor Harbor to Warrnambool drive
- Victor Harbor to Clare drive
- Victor Harbor to Mildura drive
- Victor Harbor to Robe drive
- Victor Harbor to Naracoorte drive
Explore nearby places
- Victor Harbor
- Port Elliot
- Middleton
- Goolwa
- Currency Creek
- Bald Hills
- Myponga
- Mount Compass
- Yankalilla
- Mount Magnificent
- Normanville
- Hope Forest
- Carrickalinga
- Dingabledinga
- Willunga
- Wirrina Cove
- the Second Valley
- Milang
- Port Willunga
- McLaren Flat
- Delamere
- McLaren Vale
- Maslin Beach
- Kuitpo
- Rapid Bay
- Belvidere
- Willyaroo
- Onkaparinga
- Strathalbyn
- Moana
- Meadows
All related maps of Victor Harbor
- Map of Victor Harbor
- Map of Port Elliot
- Map of Middleton
- Map of Goolwa
- Map of Currency Creek
- Map of Bald Hills
- Map of Myponga
- Map of Mount Compass
- Map of Yankalilla
- Map of Mount Magnificent
- Map of Normanville
- Map of Hope Forest
- Map of Carrickalinga
- Map of Dingabledinga
- Map of Willunga
- Map of Wirrina Cove
- Map of the Second Valley
- Map of Milang
- Map of Port Willunga
- Map of McLaren Flat
- Map of Delamere
- Map of McLaren Vale
- Map of Maslin Beach
- Map of Kuitpo
- Map of Rapid Bay
- Map of Belvidere
- Map of Willyaroo
- Map of Onkaparinga
- Map of Strathalbyn
- Map of Moana
- Map of Meadows
Victor Harbor throughout the year
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Weather in Victor Harbor
Here's the historical average temperature in Victor Harbor over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Victor Harbor in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Victor Harbor
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Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play
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