Victor Harbor: Granite, Gulls and Ocean Air
Some travel days are about big distances, others about slow rewards. This one gave us both.
We left the cliffs of Cape Nelson behind, having spent a few days at the old Lighthouse Station. Perched on the edge of the Southern Ocean, it’s a windswept, salt-stung spot that feels slightly detached from everything else. The kind of place where the air smells like spray and the horizon seems too wide for its own good.
From there, we rolled into Meningie for an overnight stop. It’s an easy-going town on the edge of Lake Albert — quiet, open, and full of birdlife. The caravan park sits right by the water and made an ideal pause between coasts.
Our next stop was Victor Harbor, where we set up at the NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park. It’s a well-kept park with direct beach access, plenty of shade, and an easy walk into town. After a few inland nights, the sound of waves again was a welcome change.
We spent the afternoon crossing the causeway to Granite Island, one of the region’s best-known landmarks. The horse-drawn tramsusually clip-clop their way across, but they weren’t running the day we visited. Instead, we walked the length ourselves and followed the island’s loop trail, winding past the massive granite boulders and pockets of scrub. The ocean views were clear, the breeze cool, and the sea spray sharp enough to taste. We didn’t spot any penguins this time, though the views more than made up for it.
If you like coastal walks, calm beaches, and a touch of seaside history, Victor Harbor still delivers the goods. Sign up for our Travel Dispatch to follow our next leg along South Australia’s coast.
Victor Harbor & Granite Island
Victor Harbor sits on the Fleurieu Peninsula, about 85 km south of Adelaide. The town blends old-fashioned seaside charm with easy access to beaches, cafes, and walking trails. Granite Island is reached via a pedestrian causeway and known for its striking boulders and coastal views.
How to Get There
Victor Harbor is roughly a 90-minute drive south of Adelaide via the Southern Expressway and Victor Harbor Road. Cape Nelson lies to the east near Portland, while Meningie is about halfway along the route for those taking the scenic inland drive.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Stayed at NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park.
Walked the Granite Island causeway and loop trail.
Overnighted in Meningie beside Lake Albert.
Explored Cape Nelson Lighthouse and coastal cliffs.
Other highlights nearby:
Visit the South Australian Whale Centre (seasonal whale sightings).
Ride the historic Horse Drawn Tram across the causeway.
Walk the Bluff for panoramic ocean views.
Day trip to Port Elliot or Goolwa for more coastal scenery.
When to Visit
Victor Harbor is at its best from late spring through autumn, when the days are warm and the sea breeze keeps things comfortable. Winter brings cooler weather and the chance to spot southern right whales offshore.
Final Thoughts
Victor Harbor mixes old-school coastal charm with natural highlights that haven’t lost their pull. From the granite shoreline to the easy beach walks, it’s an ideal stop for a few days of sea air and steady pace.
What’s Nearby
Heading west, you’ll find Goolwa and the mouth of the Murray River. East takes you inland toward Meningie and the Coorong, where saltwater meets sand dunes. Plenty of road left to wander.
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Fast Facts
Location: Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula SA
Distance: 85 km south of Adelaide
Traditional Owners: Ngarrindjeri People
Access: Sealed roads via Southern Expressway and Victor Harbor Road
Facilities: Caravan parks, cafes, shops, medical services, whale centre, coastal trails
Walking Track: Granite Island loop walk and causeway
Dog Friendly: Yes, on lead (dogs not permitted on Granite Island after sunset)
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Other updates you may like…
With just one day in Adelaide, we crammed in all our favourites! Art, museums, botanic gardens and a market dash. North Terrace delivered its usual magic, reminding us why this city always feels good to return to.