Victor Harbor
City of Victor Harbor viewed from The Bluff
Is a city located on the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, about 80 km south of Adelaide, South Australia. The city is the largest population centre on the peninsula, with an economy based upon agriculture, fisheries and various industries. It is also a highly popular tourist destination, with the city’s population greatly expanded during the summer holidays. A popular coastal town and regional ‘capital’ of the Fleurieu Peninsual, Victory Harbor is 84km S of Adelaide. During Jan: Granite Island Regatta, Regional Art Show. Easter: Craft Fair. Apr: Triathlon. June: Whale Season Launch. Oct: Folk and Music Festival.
History
Traditionally home of the Ramindjeri clan of the Ngarrindjeri people, the bay on which Victor Harbor sits was discovered by Matthew Flinders in the HMS Investigator in April 1802. Flinders was surveying the then unknown southern Australian coast from the West. He encountered Nicolas Baudin in the Le Geographe near the Murray Mouth several kilometers to the east of the present day location of Victor Harbor. Baudin was surveying the coast from the East for Napoleonic France. The ships returned to the bay and sheltered while the captains, who were probably unaware their countries were at war, compared notes. Flinders named the bay Encounter Bay after the meeting. In 1837 Captain Richard Crozier who was
View west from bluff at Victor Harbor, South Australia.
en-route from Sydney to the Swan River Colony in command of the Cruizer-class “HMS Victor”, anchored just off Granite Island and named the sheltered waters in the lee of the island ‘Victor Harbor’ after his ship. About the same time two whaling stations were established, one at the Bluff (Rosetta Head) and the other near the point opposite Granite Island. Whale oil became South Australia’s first export. The town of Port Victor was laid out on the shores of Victor Harbor in 1863 when the horse-drawn tramway from Goolwa was extended to the harbor. The last whale was caught off Port Victor in 1872.
The town’s name was changed to ‘Victor Harbor’ in 1921, as a result, it is said, of a near shipwreck blamed on confusion with Port Victoria in the Yorke Peninsula. Despite the fact that harbour is normally spelt with a u in modern Australian English, the name of the city is spelt Victor Harbor. This spelling, found in several geographical names in South Australia, including Outer Harbor, is the result of spelling errors made by an early Surveyor General of South Australia. Conversely Victor Harbour railway station is spelt with the u.
Whaletime Playtime Festival 2011
Warland Reserve
Whaletime Playtime Festival 2011
Victor Harbor
South Australia 5211
Australia
Imagine a kids wonderland. The 2011 Whaletime Playtime Festival will create an exciting atmosphere for Children aged between three and ten years of age. With great performances by exceptional South Australian Children’s artists. It will be two days of fun and excitement for the whole family. There will be plenty of interactive kids activities across the weekend. Meet Victor Harbor’s very own Professor Blubber – watch out for Henrietta the Humpback! In 2011 Whaletime Playtime Festival will occur on the beachfront opposite the South Australian Whale Centre. Looking forward to see you there!
Whalefest School Holiday Program
2 Railway Terrace
Victor Harbor
Whalefest School Holiday Program
South Australia 5211
Australia
The Whalefest School Holiday Program features a range of science and craft activities for children aged six to 12 years. It runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during school holidays, excluding public holidays. Whalefest is run at the South Australian Whale Centre in Victor Harbor, and these 45 minute sessions will entertain and thrill your children.
Wednesday: 11.30am to 12.15pm Thursday: 11.30am to 12.15pm Friday: 11.30am to 12.15pm. Excludes public holidays.
Government
In 2006, the resident population of the City of Victor Harbor was 10,380, but over the summer holiday season the population almost trebles. Victor Harbor was declared a city in 2000. As a Local Government Area, the City of Victor Harbor includes the surrounding rural area and the contiguous township of Encounter Bay as well as the town of Victor Harbor itself; its total area is 34,463 hectare. It shares boundaries with the District Council of Yankalilla and the Alexandrina Council. The city is in the state electoral district of Finniss and the federal Division of Mayo.
Coast to Coast 2011 presented by Australian Central Savings and Loans
Coast to Coast 2011 presented by Australian Central Savings and Loans
Warland Reserve
Victor Harbor
South Australia 5211
Australia
Coast to Coast 2011 presented by Australian Central Savings and Loans is big and beautiful, one of the best rides you’ll get your wheels into. Whether you’re part of the peloton or hanging back and smelling the roses, everyone feels the thrill en route to the big coastal finish, where live music and family entertainment make for a grand finale. If a leisurely 20 kilometres is more your style, then cruise along the Encounter Bikeway in the Mini Coast to Coast. This family-friendly ride provides all the support and benefits the others enjoy, and you’re back in time to cheer them across the finish line!
Ride solo or as part of a club or corporate team, and share the road with like minded cyclists enjoying some of the best views around! Go the extra mile and get sponsored to raise money for The Smith Family.
Attractions
A popular site for visitors is Granite Island, which is connected to the mainland by a short tram/pedestrian causeway. The tram service is provided by the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram, one of the very few horse-drawn tram routes remaining in public transit service. Granite island is home to a large colony of Fairy Penguins which are a popular attraction on the island. These penguins shelter on the island during the night, departing in the morning to hunt for fish before returning at sunset. The Cockle Train heritage railway operated by SteamRanger
Causeway leading to Granite Island from Victor Harbor, South Australia.
runs steam locomotive and other antique train services between Victor Harbor and Goolwa stations. This route includes the oldest rail route in Australia, between Port Elliot and Goolwa. During the months of June to September, whale spotting is a popular attraction. Southern Right Whales come to the nearby waters to calve and to mate. The South Australian Whale Centre located at Victor Harbor provides hands on interactive activities and presentations as well as information on whale watching tips.
Greenhills Adventure Park offers activities including: waterslides, canoes, rock wall climbing, archery, mini golf, and go-karting. Victor Harbor is the centre of the surf zone known as the “South Coast” to Adelaide and local surfers. Popular surf beaches in the area include Parsons, Waitpinga, Middleton and Goolwa. The Granite Island breakwater usually shields the town from waves. Victor Harbor also offers numerous fishing opportunities varying from offshore reefs for larger boat based anglers to excellent surf fishing on the beaches closer to the Murray Mouth.
ASICS Victor Harbor Triathlons and Fun Run-Walk
ASICS Victor Harbor Triathlons and Fun Run-Walk
22 Bartel Boulevard
Victor Harbor
South Australia 5211
Australia
The ASICS Victor Harbor Triathlons and Fun Run-Walk is held every March long weekend and caters for every member of the family. There is a calm inland seawater lake for swimming, roads fully closed to motorist for safe cycling, and quiet streets lined with spectators cheering all participants. There are four events starting with a fun short triathlon for beginners, Olympic triathlon for the super fit and others looking for a challenge, a five kilometre fun walk, and a mini triathlon for children. With ample accommodation, plenty of post race refreshments and over AUD6000.00 in prizes to give away, attending this event is a must.
Festivals and Events
This town hosts a three day Schoolies Week festival in late November mainly for South Australian school leavers. Victor Harbor hosts the second largest Schoolies Week Festival after the Gold Coast. The centre of the town is a dry zone and hosts various live music and other events for participants.
Franklin Island Triathlons and Fun Run-Walk 2011
Horse drawn tram on causeway at Victor Harbor, South Australia.
22 Bartel Boulevard
Victor Harbor
South Australia 5211
Australia
The Franklin Island Triathlons and Fun Run-Walk 2011 is a totally new event with its background and 17 year heritage coming from the multi award winning ASICS Victor Harbor Triathlons which is held every March long weekend. This event will cater for every member of the family. There is a calm, warm inland seawater lake for swimming, roads fully closed to motorist for safe cycling, and quiet streets lined with spectators cheering all participants. There are four events including a fun short triathlon for beginners, sprint triathlon for the super fast and others looking for a challenge, fun five kilometre walk, and mini triathlon for children. With ample accommodation, plenty of post race refreshments and over AUD6000.00 in prizes to give away, attending this event is a must.
Visit more Australian Towns
