If you’re looking for a day trip or weekender from Adelaide that takes in some of South Australia’s most spectacular sights, countryside and exciting things to do, it’s the perfect time to put the very awesome Victor Harbor on your map!
This is a destination that has heaps going for it (all year round) and getting there is a breeze. While it’s just 85km or so (about 90 minutes’ drive) from the city centre, it’s also well worth counting in a pit stop or two in McLaren Vale which will give you a great excuse (if you need one!) to take in some of this luscious wine and grape-growing area conveniently situated along the way.
A few directions… Find your way onto the M2 towards McLaren Vale and then onto the A13/Victor Harbor Rd and follow the signs!
Best tyres for the drive…One of the (many!) things we love about Maxxis tyres (and are sure you will too) is that there is one for just about every vehicle you might be driving on Australian roads! We’d never pass up on the opportunity to take the RAZR AT811 all-terrain out on the open road, being a versatile 4×4 tyre combining great on-road comfort and handling along with puncture resistance and traction in muddy and other off-road environments. If your vehicle is an SUV or other passenger vehicle, the Maxxis VS5 is also an excellent choice which offers a high performing, quiet and comfortable ride! For expert help deciding on the right replacement tyres for your vehicle (or you need them checked prior to setting off on a road trip) our network of friendly and professional Maxxis dealers can be found around South Australia (and wherever else you may be) to help you get safely on your way!
Stop off for some McLaren Vale highlights…Sitting pretty, just less than an hour into this road trip, you don’t have to go far to see why McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s truly special places! Literally shining with everything from expansive vineyards set on rolling green hills, to cellar door wine tasting experiences, McLaren Vale has more than its fair share of cafes and restaurants serving fresh local produce, six of which have been awarded Chef Hats in the recent 2024 awards! This wonderful area also holds regular themed events (and tastings) throughout the year, ranging from paella parties and food pop-ups to vintage car gatherings and circus dinners!
Once you’re back on the road (if you can pull yourself away from McLaren Vale’s allure), the final stretch to Victor Harbor is an easy drive which will see you at your spectacular destination in about 40 minutes. Along with its dreamy, idyllic seascapes, Victor Harbor is the site of exactly 38 heritage listed buildings which give the town plenty of unique character and appeal. And if you’re wondering what else there is to do when you get there, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Whale watching…Victor Harbor is ultra-famous as a breeding ground for whales and if you time your trip right (particularly during the winter months), this is the spot where whale sightings are all part of the territory! To see some of the surrounding majestic coastline (along with dolphins, seals, penguins and other marine life) at other times of the year you can also book in for a boat cruise at your leisure!
Take a horse-drawn tram to Granite Island…A causeway links Victor Harbour with magnificent Granite Island, iconic for its huge boulders covered in orange lichen! Getting there is an adventure, either by the short walk across the causeway or taking Australia’s one and only horse drawn tram! You’ll find the most amazing views from every angle while you can follow the Kaiki Walking trail (3.3km) around the island and just take it all in! You can also do a bit of fishing (or dolphin spotting) from the jetty.
Pop into the market…Be sure to check out the very happening Artisan Market at Railway Plaza when it’s on (under the Moreton Bay fig trees), grab something yummy for your brekkie or lunch, and explore the great stalls offering a huge variety of artisan handmade creations. Victor Harbor also has an amazing weekly farmers’ market (Saturday mornings 8:00 to 12:30) at Grosvenor Gardens where you can load up on fresh produce from the local region, watch a cooking demo and listen to local musicians all into the bargain!
Roll up for a bike ride…If you happen to have your bike with you, hop on the Encounter Bikeway – it’s a spectacular way to see some of the harbour sights and surrounding area. Stretching 30km, the bikeway links Victor Harbor with the town of Goolwa (with Port Elliot and Middletown in between). And, if you don’t have your own bike – don’t despair! There are a couple of places where you can hire a bike in the town and it’s also quite ok to enjoy the bikeway on foot.
Check out an exhibition at the Coral Street Art Space…Situated in a Heritage Listed building, this hub of art and culture is frequently alive with exhibitions and art.
Up for a bit of fishing…If this is your thing, the good news is that there are a number of superb fishing locations in and around Victor Harbor, including its own jetty, Granite Island Jetty and Bluff Jetty. If you prefer to fish from the beach, nearby Waitpinga and Parsons beaches may just be one of the places you pull in that great salmon trout catch! As with swimming and surfing at these beaches, it’s always important to check the Beachsafe App for current conditions, warnings and other vital safety information.
Where to stay…Whether you’re after a rustic beach house, family farm stay, or accommodation with a water view – Victor Harbor has something to suit every budget. There are also some great options if you prefer to take your own caravan (or tent) or even do a bit of glamping, with several holiday parks and camp sites perfectly positioned to help you make the most of your Victor Harbor overnighter or weekender.
Before you go…There’s still a bit of summer to go (but time is ticking) – so pack those sunnies and bathers and head off to make the most of it! Of course, it goes without saying that you should give your tyres a check over before you go (and don’t forget to check those air pressures!) If you need any help or advice, call in at a Maxxis dealer for help with rotations, repairs and tyre replacements – our handy dealer locator will easily help you locate one near you.
