Granite Island | Things to do in Victor Harbor

15 July, 2015

Granite Island Recreational Park including all of Granite Island which is about 0.6 kilometres (0.37 mi) southeast of Victor Harbor and about 120 kilometres (75 mi) south of Adelaide is a protected area.

Granite Island has an interesting history and the Victor Harbor region has been one of the most visited holiday areas for a century. Granite Island Recreational Park is in fact reported as being 'the most visited park in South Australia'!

Granite Island is joined by a causeway and you can either walk across or jump on the Horse Drawn tram from Victor Harbor. The horse drawn tram is pulled by Clydesdales and has been in operation for over 100 years.

The island is characterized by huge granite boulders, tinged with orange lichen and with the sound of waves crashing against rocky shores. 

Granite Island is known as Nulcoowarra by the Ramindjeri people and is home to little penguins. The number of little penguins has been in decline at the island over recent years, but the State Government said that the numbers had stabilised according to the latest environment reports.

The island is open daily from sunrise to sunset and has an interesting history along the Kaiki Walk. Best of all, it is free!

From June to October you can enjoy whale watching and often see Southern Right Whales. For years, these beautiful creatures did not return to the area post of the whaling era but thankfully they have now returned again.

There is a multi-million-dollar offshore aquarium planned off Granite Island which is being fast-tracked with hopes of reviving the tourist region at Victor Harbor.

This proposal has the potential to promote Granite Island and the Fleurieu region and develop an exciting visitor experience that works hand-in-hand with the region's marine parks.

If you are going to visit and is looking for fun things to do with kids Victor Harbor, then grab a bag of old fashioned lollies from "All Sweets and Treats" in the main street of Victor Harbor and hop on the horse drawn tram and take yourself back in time. It is a great experience!