Victor Harbor

Victor Harbor is one of the Fleurieu Peninsula's best-known coastal towns, around an hour south of Adelaide. Set on Encounter Bay, it combines long-standing seaside traditions with marine wildlife, coastal walks, beaches, dining and easy access to some of the southern Fleurieu's biggest natural attractions. Walk or take the historic Horse Drawn Tram across The Causeway to Granite Island, where the 2.9-kilometre Kaiki Trail circles granite outcrops and coastal lookouts. The tramway began operating in 1894 and remains one of only a small number of horse-drawn tram services still operating daily worldwide. From late May to October, southern right whales and other species migrate through the waters around Encounter Bay, making Victor Harbor one of South Australia's key whale-watching destinations. Sightings are possible from shore, while boat tours explore the surrounding coastline and marine parks. Back in town, cafés, restaurants, shops and galleries sit close to the foreshore, while the heritage Cockle Train links Victor Harbor with Port Elliot and Goolwa. It's a place that works just as well for a day trip as it does for a few slower days by the coast.