Things to Do in Victor Harbor
Things to do in for families, friends, & couples
Best things to do in Victor Harbor for families, friends & couples
Victor Harbor is a coastal gem known for its natural beauty, rich wildlife, and endless activities suited for families, group of friends and adults, all within easy reach of Naiko at the Bluff. From nature walks and wildlife encounters to food markets, scenic trails, golf courses, and water-based adventures, Victor Harbor has something for everyone.
Are you travelling as a family with kids, a group of friends, or as a couple? We have categorised 35 things to do in Victor Harbor to help you plan your perfect holiday.
Nature & Wildlife
Scenic Walks & Trails
Playgrounds, Parks & Reserve
Trams & Train Rides
Surfing
Food & Coffee
Markets
Golf Courses
Bowling Club
Nature & wildlife
Explore Granite Island
A short ride from Victor Harbor, Granite Island offers a scenic escape with stunning coastal views. You can explore the island on foot or take the iconic horse-drawn tram across the causeway. The island is home to fascinating wildlife, including Little Penguins, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Urimbirra Wildlife Park
At Urimbirra Wildlife Park, you can get close and personal with Australia’s most iconic animals. This interactive wildlife park allows families to hand-feed kangaroos and enjoy the company of koalas, emus, and more, all in a beautiful open-range setting.
Whale Watching
From June to September, Victor Harbor becomes a prime location for spotting southern right whales along the coast. This is a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, offering unforgettable memories for the whole family.
South Australian Whale Centre
Experience the world of marine life at the South Australian Whale Centre. Engaging exhibits and interactive displays allow visitors to learn about the whales, dolphins, and marine ecosystems that thrive in the region’s waters.
Phone: (08) 8551 0750
Dolphins, Seals, and Whales Tours
Get ready for an unforgettable ocean adventure with Big Duck Boat Tours. During the right season, you can explore the coastline and watch for dolphins, seals, and whales. It’s an exciting way to experience the ocean’s wonders.
Phone: 0405 125 312
Penguin Tours on Granite Island (Seasonal)
For a magical evening, join the Penguin Tours on Granite Island, where you’ll see Little Penguins in their natural habitat. This guided tour offers fascinating insights into the lives of these adorable creatures.
Phone: 0403 378 459
Softfoot Farm Alpaca & Wildlife Tours
Softfoot Farm offers private Alpaca and wildlife Safaris, providing an immersive experience on its 600-acre property in Hindmarsh Valley. Visitors can interact with a herd of alpacas, hand-feed them, and learn about the farm’s conservation efforts. The tour includes a guided ATV buggy ride with opportunities to spot wild kangaroos and other native wildlife.
Phone: 0400 983 922
Scenic Walks, Trails & Biking
The Bluff (Rosetta Head)
A short drive or hike up The Bluff rewards visitors with spectacular views over the Southern Ocean. This easy but scenic walk offers a panoramic lookout and is perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful outing.
Inman River Walk
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Inman River, ideal for families with young children. Spot local birdlife as you take in the tranquil scenery, which provides a calming balance to the area’s coastal excitement.
Victor Harbor Heritage Trail
Explore the scenic and educational Victor Harbor Heritage Trail. This coastal path is perfect for a relaxed walk, with informative signs highlighting the area’s rich history, making it enjoyable and informative for families.
Encounter Bikeway
Hop on a bike and cruise along the Encounter Bikeway, a picturesque path that runs along the coastline from Victor Harbor to Goolwa. It’s an excellent way for families to explore the area while staying active.
Playgrounds, Parks & Reserve
George T. Fisher Playground
Located by the foreshore, George T. Fisher Playground—also known as the Train Park—is a success with children of all ages. It’s a fun, safe place to play with ocean views that parents can enjoy while relaxing nearby.
Victor Harbor Skate Park
Active kids and teens will love the Victor Harbor Skate Park, where they can practice their skateboarding skills. Located near Warland Reserve, it’s a popular spot for energetic youngsters.
Warland Reserve
Warland Reserve is the ideal spot for a family picnic. It features a carousel, wide-open spaces, and stunning harbour views. It’s a central hub where you can relax while enjoying the water’s edge.
Trams & Train Rides
Ride the Horse-Drawn Tram
Experience a charming piece of history with a ride on the Horse-Drawn Tram. Watch as a Clydesdale horse pulls the tram across the causeway to Granite Island, making for a memorable outing.
Phone: (08) 8551 0720
Cockle Train Ride
Travel back in time on the Cockle Train, a historic steam train that runs between Victor Harbor and Goolwa. Families will love the stunning coastal views and the nostalgic ride.
Phone: (08) 8552 2782
Surfing
Surfing Lessons at Middleton Beach
Middleton Beach is the perfect spot for a family surfing lesson. With its gentle waves and experienced instructors, even beginners can learn the art of surfing in a safe and fun environment.
Phone: 1800 786 386
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island Day Trip
A short ferry ride from Cape Jervis will take you to Kangaroo Island, Australia’s premier wildlife destination. It’s a fantastic day trip for families, couples or a group of friends who want to explore pristine beaches and see unique wildlife.
Food & Coffee
Whalers Seaside Dining
Whalers Seaside Dining, located at 121 Franklin Parade in Encounter Bay, offers a relaxed dining experience with stunning ocean views of Granite Island, Victor Harbor, and The Bluff. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, the restaurant features a bistro-style menu that emphasises fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local growers and suppliers.
Nino’s Café
Nino’s Cafe, located in the heart of Victor Harbor, is a renowned family-friendly restaurant with over 45 years of history. It offers a diverse menu that includes award-winning pizzas, pasta, and a variety of main courses. Nino’s caters to both adults and children.
Phone: 08 8552 3501
Port Elliot Bakery
No trip to Victor Harbor is complete without a visit to Port Elliot Bakery. Famous for its delicious pastries and ‘Donut of the Month’, this bakery is a family favourite and a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Phone: (08) 8554 2475
Siam Seaside
In Victor Harbor’s town centre, Siam Seaside offers authentic Thai cuisine in a charming, train station-inspired setting. The menu features traditional dishes with fresh ingredients, perfect for a seaside lunch or dinner.
Phone: (08) 8528 8555
Qahwa Espresso Bar and Coffee Roasters
In Victor Harbor’s historic red brick tennis club building, Qahwa Espresso Bar and Coffee Roasters offers a cosy atmosphere where customers can enjoy freshly roasted coffee and a diverse menu. Open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, the café provides both dine-in and takeaway options, featuring healthy meals and snacks.
Phone: (08) 8552 2538
The Larder Kitchen
Situated at 1/2-3 Esplanade in Victor Harbor, The Larder Kitchen serves modern Australian cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), the restaurant offers breakfast from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner from 5 pm to 8 pm (8:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). The menu features chargrilled steaks, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, zesty salads, and sustainable seafood, catering to various tastes.
Phone: (08) 7509 2005
Lost Phoenix Farm
Just outside Victor Harbor in Hindmarsh Valley, Lost Phoenix Farm serves seasonal, share-style dishes made with local ingredients amidst stunning rolling hills. The scenic setting is ideal for family and friends who want a relaxed dining experience in an idyllic location.
Phone: 0423 822 177
Swagman Country Dining at Softfoot Farm
Swagman Country Dining, located within Softfoot Farm in Hindmarsh Valley, offers a rustic Australian dining experience in a converted shearing shed with beautiful views. The restaurant specialises in chargrilled dishes infused with native flavours, utilising ingredients sourced from the farm’s on-site gardens.
Phone: 0400 983 922
Markets
Victor Harbor Farmers Market
To taste local flavours, visit the Victor Harbor Farmers Market, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely morning with the family.
Phone: 0438 858 667
Victor Harbor Beachside Market
Held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, the Victor Harbor Beachside Market offers various stalls, including bric-a-brac, fashion, tools, beauty products, jewellery, candles, soaps, glassware, plants, hot food, and coffee. During January, the market operates every Sunday, providing a vibrant community atmosphere for visitors and locals.
Phone: 0428 568 222
Victor Harbor Artisan Market
The Victor Harbor Artisan Market is a vibrant gathering of local artisans, small businesses, food vendors, and musicians, held monthly at Railway Plaza under the Moreton Bay fig trees. Visitors can explore a diverse range of handcrafted goods, enjoy live music, and savour delicious food and beverages in a picturesque setting. The market typically takes place on the third Sunday of each month, with additional events during long weekends and the summer season.
Phone: 0401 956 546
Golf Courses
Victor Harbor Golf Club
Victor Harbor Golf Club is an 18-hole course offering panoramic coastal and hinterland views, providing a scenic and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Located at 16 Ambrose View, Victor Harbor, the course is renowned for its well-maintained fairways and greens, making it a favourite among locals and visitors. The club also features an all-weather driving range, which is undercover and open at night after regular hours, and a pro shop catering to all golfing needs.
Phone: (08) 8552 2030
McCracken Golf Club
Situated in Victor Harbor, McCracken Golf Club boasts a championship 18-hole links/lakes course designed by Tony Cashmore. The course features over 85 bunkers and 14 lakes that challenge golfers of all abilities. It offers spectacular views of the Hindmarsh Valley and is complemented by a pro shop and accommodation options, making it ideal for both day trips and extended stays.
Phone: (08) 8551 0200
Wirrina Cove Golf Course
Located in Wirrina Cove, this 18-hole championship course is set amidst picturesque surroundings with scenic views of the Gulf of St Vincent and the Fleurieu Peninsula hills. The course design offers a challenging layout suitable for golfers of all abilities, with natural watercourses and gentle slopes enhancing the playing experience.
Phone: (08) 8598 2400
Mount Compass Golf Course
Voted among Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses in 2022, Mount Compass Golf Course is an 18-hole layout located in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula, approximately 50 minutes from Adelaide. The course features a challenging design with well-maintained fairways and greens, offering a rewarding experience for golfers. The club also provides dining facilities and hosts various events throughout the year.
Phone: (08) 8556 8022
The Links Lady Bay Golf Resort
Situated in Normanville, The Links Lady Bay Golf Resort is a championship 18-hole course designed by golfing legends Jack Newton, Graeme Grant, and John Spencer. The course features subtle bent greens and a true St Andrews-style sand-based layout, offering golfers a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
Phone: (08) 8558 0650
South Lakes Golf Club
Located in Goolwa, South Lakes Golf Club offers an 18-hole links-style course with wide Santa Anna couch fairways and well-maintained greens. The relatively flat terrain makes the course a pleasant walk, with the backdrop of waves crashing on the nearby beach adding to the scenic experience. The club also features a pro shop and hosts various events, catering to both social and competitive golfers.
Phone: (08) 8555 2299
Bowling club
Victor Harbor bowling club
The Victor Harbor Bowling Club offers a welcoming atmosphere for bowlers of all levels, making it an excellent destination for visitors seeking a fun and casual activity. Located just minutes from the town centre, the club features well-maintained greens and stunning surroundings. For travellers looking for a relaxed evening activity, the club’s Night Owls sessions are perfect for socialising and enjoying a laid-back game. If you’re an experienced bowler or a complete beginner, the friendly staff and members are happy to guide you through the basics. The club also has modern facilities and a licensed bar, making it an ideal spot for entertaining nights. It’s a must-visit for those looking to combine sport, leisure, and a bit of local flavour during their time in Victor Harbor.
Phone: 08 8552 1380