Relaxing holidays in Victor Harbor

Victor Harbor is a beautiful seaside resort township located approximately 100km south of Adelaide on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. The settlement is the largest population centre on the Peninsula, boasting over 10000 permanent residents, and as such, offers visitors a magnitude of things to see and do, as well as a variety of great accommodation options.

Things to See and Do in and Around Victor Harbor

One of the main tourist attractions in the Victor Harbor, as with most of the coastal settlements on the Fleurieu Peninsula is surfing. The region offers a number of great surf breaks such as Victor Harbor, The Dump and Waitpinga. Although transportation is needed to reach The Dump and Waitpinga, the Victor Harbor surf break can be reached on foot from most holiday rentals in the region.

Granite Island which is located just off the coast of the township is great for holiday makers who aren’t really interested in hitting the waves. The island is easily accessible by foot or via the only regularly operating horse drawn tram in the southern hemisphere. The tram, drawn by a gorgeous Clydesdale horse, allows holiday makers to relax and take in the amazing ocean scenery, as they cross the 650 metre wooden causeway separating the island from Victor Harbor.

Once on Granite Island, travellers can undertake the stunning Kaiki walk which skirts the island’s 1.5km perimeter, highlighting significant Aboriginal and European historical sites. Holiday maker are also treated to various lookout points throughout the walk, which allow them to scan for native flora and fauna, such as the elusive Fairy Penguin, which inhabits the island. Travellers who would like more information on the penguins should not return to their holiday home without visiting the island’s penguin centre, which often plays host to injured sick and injured penguins.

Holiday makers interested in wildlife can also take the time to visit Urimbirra Wildlife Experience, which is located approximately 7km north of Victor Harbor. Urimbirra is home to over 70 species of native Australian animal, including wombats, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, dingoes and crocodiles. The park makes for a great family outing and guarantees to send back to your holiday rental with hundreds of great Aussie animal photographs.

Family Fun

Another great family day trip is the SteamRanger Heritage Railway, which only operates on Wednesdays and Sundays. SteamRanger Railway comprises historical steam and diesel locomotives, which travel from Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills, to Victor Harbor. ‘The Cockle Train’ a member of the SteamRanger Railway travels exclusively from Goolwa to Victor Harbor and vice versa, with much of the line directly adjacent to the beach, allowing an unobstructed view of the water, which in winter may result in whale sightings.

Families looking for something a little more action packed and closer to their holiday accommodation than the Cockle Train can head down to the Granite Island Causeway during school holidays and long weekends, where they will find Girdler Family Amusements. This travelling fair generally comprises slides, dodgem cars and the biggest touring Ferris wheel in South Australia, and will keep children amused for hours.

Holiday makers not lucky enough to be in Victor Harbor during a long weekend or the school holidays need not feel hard done by, as camel and pony rides are available at the Granite Island causeway every weekend, weather permitting. These short tours are assured to thrill children, and make for some great photo opportunities.

Families also have the option of heading to Greenhills Adventure Park, which is located roughly 4km north of Victor Harbor. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages including mini golf, go-karts, paddle boats, canoes, archery and much more. A day at Greenhills guarantees to wear children out and give parent some quiet time back at their holiday villa during the evening.

The Ideal Climate for Visitors

Victor Harbor experiences what is known as a Mediterranean climate, which basically ensures that the region is a great year round holiday destination. Owing to the emphasis on surfing in the area, summer is considered to be peak tourist season, due to the consistently perfect beach weather. Travellers visiting Victor Harbor in the off season however, will find the beaches less crowded, and the holiday accommodation more reasonable.

Travelling to Victor Harbor from the UK

Numerous airlines including Qantas, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines offer flights to Adelaide departing from London’s Heathrow and City airports. Many of these airlines also offer stopovers in colourful regions such as Dubai and Singapore. Once holiday makers arrive in Adelaide, a short trip south via car or bus will have them on the beach, or relaxing on in their beautiful Victor Harbor beachside holiday home with an ice cold Australian beer.