Victor Harbor

Victor Harbor SA 5211 (Pop 12 530)
Pic: by Ian W. Fieggen

Victor Harbor is a popular tourist destination located on the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula 83 km south of Adelaide. This thriving modern centre is the Peninsula’s largest city with its economy mainly based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. Following early whalers and sealers in the area, a settlement was established in 1830s and Victor Harbor subsequently became SA’s main coastal port. Named after a ship, the ‘harbor’ seems to have been misspelled by an early surveyor. Its importance as a port diminished in 1890s when the railway arrived. Regional Art Show (Jan), Triathlon (Mar), Whale Season Launch (June).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
South Australian Whale Centre, Railway Tce excellent indoor displays of whales, seals, dolphins and penguins. Open (9am-5pm) daily. National Trust Museum, Flinders Pde is located in the beautiful Old Customs and Station Master’s House and has interesting and historic memorabilia of the town and region. Historic Victor Harbor includes Customs House (1865), St Augustine’s Church (1869), early whaling stations and Reads Wool Mill (1868).

Nearby:
The Bluff (Rosetta Head), (5 km s-w) 100 m granite outcrop offering excellent Encounter Bay views and whale watching (in season). Granite Island Recreation Park (linked to mainland by a 630 m causeway) comprises 26 ha with exceptional coastal scenery. This former whaling station is today home to the Below Decks Oceanarium (great marine life viewing), Kaiki Trail (1.5 km historic island walk) and guided penguin tours. The Horsedrawn Tram to Granite Island is Australia’s only one of its kind. Established in 1896 until 1954 and again in 1986, this causeway trip is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. Newland Head Conservation Park (17 km s-w) 1 000 ha park protecting areas of coastal vegetation, rocky headlands and  Parsons and Waitpinga beaches which are popular with experienced surfers and fishermen. Due to hazardous currents, swimming is not recommended. The Heysen Trail runs through the park offering superb coastal views. Hindmarsh River Estuary (1 km n-e) scenic coastal scrub bushwalks and good fishing. Inman Valley (19 km n-w) home to Glacier Rock thought to be Australia’s first glaciation discovery.

Accommodation:
Victor Harbor has 8 motels, 3 hotels, 6 holiday apartments/lodges, 3 B&Bs and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Causeway Building, Esplanade. Tel (08) 8552 5738.

Airport:
Adelaide Airport (ADL), 1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport. Tel (08) 8308 9211. (85 km north).

Hospital:
South Coast Community Hospital, Bay Rd, Victor Harbor. Tel (08) 8552 0500.