The Best Wildlife Experiences in Victor Harbor

Is an adventurous weekend spent amongst wildlife exactly what you are dreaming of? Take the short drive to Victor Harbor for a fabulous choice of activities that will bring you up and close to an array of local animals and inspiring marine life. In this article, we share few family-friendly wildlife experiences in Victor Harbor and its surrounds, perfect for your next SA Weekend Escape.

Our favourite seaside town

It is found just 80 kilometres south of Adelaide and it’s on the south coast of the Fleurie Peninsula; it is of course, Victor Harbor! An easy drive for a fun-packed weekend away, there’s no better spot for a family Weekend Escape.

In fact, the charming town of Victor Harbor has been a sought after destination for holiday makers since the 1800s. And it’s no surprise when you see what it has to offer – not to mention the beautiful turquoise waters and stunning views!

Best of all though – and especially during the colder months – Victor Harbor is ideal for those seeking wildlife adventures. It’s the ideal place to watch whales, see countless kangaroos and spot playful sea lions. In this article, we have outlined just a few wildlife experiences in Victor Harbor, to get you on your way.

Wildlife experiences in Victor Harbor

Walking and biking adventures

For the more energetic visitor to Victor Harbor, there are so many walking and biking trails to explore which will help you fully appreciate the nature and wildlife that is so rich in this region. The Heysen Trail along the cliffs to Waitpinga is a wonderful place to start and the scenery will blow your mind! Watch out for dolphins below as you walk high above sea level.

Take to the seas for a Seal Island tour

Climb aboard with Big Duck, and embark on a tour which will take you out to Seal island, where Long Nosed Fur Seals and sea lions can be seen basking in the sun. If you’re lucky, they may swim over to the boat for a better look at its passengers. Common and bottlenose dolphins are often sighted in this vicinity too, often racing alongside the boat! Seal island is rich in birdlife so keep an eye out for petrels, cormorants and shearwaters on this wonderful excursion.

Whale watching from the shoreline

Victor Harbor has one of the best viewing points to see whales during the months of June through to September. So head to Encounter Marine Park and theres a good chance you may see Southern Right Whales as they migrate from Antartica to the warmer waters of Encounter Bay to bring up their young. It is such a privilege to see these immense wonderful creatures and an experience that you wont forget in a hurry!

Take the tram

Enjoy a short ride on a horse tram ride over to Granite Island Recreation Park where you will find a lovely 2.9 kilometre walking trail from which to admire the rocky coastline, the array of birdlife plus an opportunity to see penguins or even whales from the shoreline. The island is well known for its huge boulders, covered with an orange lichen and with waves constantly crashing over them, so you will find plenty to photography, do and see on this picturesque island.

Visit the alpacas

Just outside of Victor Harbor is the Softfoot Alpaca Farm where the kids can enjoy an all terrain vehicle ride to see many native Australian animals; among them kangaroos, cuddly koalas and fluffy alpacas. It’s a great afternoon out for kids and in fact any age group!

Head to Urimbirra Wildlife Park

Located just five minutes from Victor Harbor in the Hindmarsh valley is Urimbirra; a wildlife paradise in which to admire over 400 Australian animals. Among the native wetlands of the park spot Dingoes, lizards, crocodiles, wallabies, wombats and many more. Why not also enjoy patting a cute Koala, feeding an emu or watching a professional snake handler in action? Then take the kids to see some of the resident farm pets including an amusing Alpaca, George the  greedy sheep plus an abundance of rabbits and guinea pigs. It’s guaranteed to be a fun filled day for the whole family.

SA Weekend Escapes Top Hotel Pick!

Boasting sea views and honouring local heritage, The Anchorage is an iconic Victor Harbor hotel. Originally built in the early 1900s as a guest house, The Anchorage offers guests a truly South Australian experience in Victor Harbor.

The comfortable rooms reflect the beautiful heritage feel of The Anchorage which is placed within walking distance of the main street with the beach only metres from your room.

To book your room, click here!

Discount code: Get 10% off your next stay.  Use the promotional code SAWE10 on our hotel’s website when booking.

For more information regarding things to do in Victor Harbor, check out our Ultimate Guide!