Located on one of Australia’s most dramatic stretches of coastline, Victor Harbor is a former whaling town now renowned for whale spotting. It’s home to beautiful beaches and a historic main street and is a stone’s throw from the wine-growing region of McLaren Vale.

Things to do

If you’re visiting between May and September, jump aboard a boat to spot southern right, humpback and sperm whales migrating along the coast of Victor Harbor. Dolphins can also be seen playing offshore, with the option to visit colonies of seals and sea lions on the outlying islands.

Travel along Australia’s only horse-drawn tramway to Granite Island, connected to Victor Harbor by a 630-metre-long causeway. It’s distinguished by its large granite boulders covered in bright orange lichen and is home to a colony of penguins that can be seen marching to shore each evening.

Victor Harbor boasts an attractive selection of beaches, including the long strip of sand that curves around the town and is backed by gourmet cafes and restaurants. Head to the sheltered beach in the charming town of Port Elliot or surf the waves at nearby Waitpinga Beach.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the wineries and cellar doors of McLaren Vale, one of South Australia’s most famous wine-growing regions. For a local wine experience, stop in at the boutique Victor Harbor Winery, which creates cool-climate wines, including Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Getting around

Victor Harbor is just over one hour’s drive from Adelaide and 45 minutes from Cape Jervis where the ferry departs for Kangaroo Island. The town is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, but having your own vehicle is convenient for accessing the surrounding beaches.