Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour
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USD 110.32
Discover the very best of South Australia's stunning Fleurieu Peninsula on the Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour — a full day of rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, historic townships, and world-class wine country, all from the comfort of a guided coach departing from Adelaide. From the Scottish heritage village of Strathalbyn and the river port of Goolwa to the sweeping views of Encounter Bay and the horse-drawn tram of Victor Harbor, this is one of the most scenic and rewarding day trips available from the city.
Key Highlights
- Travel through the picturesque Adelaide Hills
- Explore Strathalbyn — a beautifully preserved Scottish heritage town on the banks of the Angas River, perfect for a morning tea stop and a stroll through the main street
- Visit Goolwa — the historic paddle steamer town where the mighty Murray River meets the Southern Ocean, including a tour of the wharf and barrage
- Discover Victor Harbor
- Return via McLaren Vale — one of Australia's oldest and most celebrated wine regions — with views of the southern metropolitan beaches of Port Noarlunga and Moana on the way back
About Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour
The Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour is one of the most popular and consistently praised full-day guided experiences from Adelaide — a carefully sequenced journey through the diverse and beautiful landscapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula that packs an extraordinary amount of South Australian scenery, culture, and coastal charm into a single, relaxed day.
The tour departs Adelaide at 9:15 AM, heading south through the rolling Adelaide Hills before descending into the Fleurieu Peninsula — the region where the vineyards of McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek meet dramatic Southern Ocean coastlines. The first stop is Strathalbyn — a small town of remarkable Scottish colonial character, its heritage bluestone buildings, antique shops, and riverside parklands making it one of the most photographed towns in regional South Australia. A morning tea stop here (at your own expense) is a gentle start to the day before continuing to Goolwa — the historic river port where the Murray River finally reaches the sea, with a guided orientation covering the wharf, the barrage that controls the flow between the river and the ocean, and the sandy beach at the Murray Mouth.
From Goolwa, the route follows the dramatic coastline through Horseshoe Bay and Encounter Bay — named by Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin when their rival expeditions met here in April 1802 — toward Victor Harbor, the undisputed highlight of the day. With approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of free time, you can walk the famous causeway to Granite Island on the world's only remaining horse-drawn tram on a daily timetable, explore the main street's local craft shops and cafes, or look out for Little Penguins on the island. The return journey passes through the rolling red-soiled vineyard country of McLaren Vale, with a brief stop and the opportunity to view one of Australia's most awarded wine regions, before passing the southern beaches of Port Noarlunga and Moana on the final stretch back to Adelaide. Book your Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour now on Thrillark and save up to 17%.
The tour departs Adelaide at 9:15 AM, heading south through the rolling Adelaide Hills before descending into the Fleurieu Peninsula — the region where the vineyards of McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek meet dramatic Southern Ocean coastlines. The first stop is Strathalbyn — a small town of remarkable Scottish colonial character, its heritage bluestone buildings, antique shops, and riverside parklands making it one of the most photographed towns in regional South Australia. A morning tea stop here (at your own expense) is a gentle start to the day before continuing to Goolwa — the historic river port where the Murray River finally reaches the sea, with a guided orientation covering the wharf, the barrage that controls the flow between the river and the ocean, and the sandy beach at the Murray Mouth.
From Goolwa, the route follows the dramatic coastline through Horseshoe Bay and Encounter Bay — named by Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin when their rival expeditions met here in April 1802 — toward Victor Harbor, the undisputed highlight of the day. With approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of free time, you can walk the famous causeway to Granite Island on the world's only remaining horse-drawn tram on a daily timetable, explore the main street's local craft shops and cafes, or look out for Little Penguins on the island. The return journey passes through the rolling red-soiled vineyard country of McLaren Vale, with a brief stop and the opportunity to view one of Australia's most awarded wine regions, before passing the southern beaches of Port Noarlunga and Moana on the final stretch back to Adelaide. Book your Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour now on Thrillark and save up to 17%.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided coach tour with expert local driver and guide commentary throughout
- Two Way hotel pickup
- Return to Adelaide Central Bus Station and selected hotel drop-offs
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
Insiders' Tips
Book a window seat on the left side of the coach for the best views of Encounter Bay and Rosetta Head on the outbound journey. Bring cash or card for morning tea at Strathalbyn and lunch at Victor Harbor, and allow at least AUD $20 to $30 for a relaxed lunch on the main street. The horse-drawn tram to Granite Island is a genuinely unique experience — it is worth the small additional cost on the day.
Additional Information
Duration
- Approximately 8 hours (9:15 AM to 5:15 PM)
- Children under 3 years old are free of charge.
- 09:15AM - Departs from Adelaide Central Bus Station or selected Adelaide CBD hotels
- 05:15PM - End of tour and drop-off at Adelaide Central Bus Station or selected Adelaide CBD hotels
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation at least 72 hrs before the travel date for a full refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour?
The Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour is a full-day guided coach tour from Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula, covering the heritage town of Strathalbyn, the river port of Goolwa, the coastal township of Victor Harbor, and the McLaren Vale wine region before returning to Adelaide. The tour operates every Saturday and departs from the Adelaide Central Bus Station at 9:15 AM, returning at approximately 5:15 PM.
What is included in the Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour?
The tour includes full-day guided coach transport, expert local driver and guide commentary throughout, morning hotel pickup from selected Adelaide CBD hotels, and all stops at Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale, and the southern beaches on the return. Morning tea, lunch, the horse-drawn tram fare, and any optional on-the-day activities are at your own expense.
What is the horse-drawn tram at Victor Harbor?
The horse-drawn tram at Victor Harbor is the world's only remaining horse-drawn tram that operates on a daily timetable, running along a causeway from the mainland to Granite Island across the bay. It is one of the most unique and beloved heritage experiences in South Australia and a genuinely unmissable addition to your free time in Victor Harbor, available for a small additional fare payable on the day.
What can I do during free time at Victor Harbor?
During the approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of free time at Victor Harbor, you can ride the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island, walk the island's walking trails and look out for Little Penguins, grab lunch on the main street at one of the local cafes or restaurants, browse the local craft stores and galleries, or simply sit by the waterfront and enjoy one of South Australia's most scenic seaside settings.
What is Goolwa and why is it included on this tour?
Goolwa is the historic river port at the mouth of the Murray River — the longest river system in Australia — where the river finally meets the Southern Ocean via Lake Alexandrina and the Murray Mouth. The tour includes an orientation of the Goolwa wharf, the barrage that controls the flow between the river and the ocean, and the town's rich heritage as the birthplace of Australian paddle steamer trade.
What is Strathalbyn and what can I do there?
Strathalbyn is a beautifully preserved Scottish heritage town on the banks of the Angas River, renowned for its distinctive bluestone buildings, antique shops, heritage streetscapes, and peaceful riverside parklands. The morning tea stop here is at your own expense — most visitors enjoy a coffee and a pastry at one of the main street cafes before exploring the town on foot for 30 to 45 minutes.
Does the tour include a winery visit in McLaren Vale?
The McLaren Vale component of the tour is a scenic drive through the vineyard landscape rather than a dedicated cellar door visit — the tour passes through the wine region on the return journey with a brief stop and commentary from your guide on the region's history and significance. Visitors wanting a dedicated McLaren Vale winery tasting experience should consider booking the dedicated wine tour option separately.
When does the Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour operate?
The tour operates every Saturday throughout the year, excluding Christmas Day. It departs from the Adelaide Central Bus Station at 85 Franklin Street at 9:15 AM, with hotel pickups available from selected Adelaide CBD hotels for guests who request this at least 2 days before travel.
What should I bring on the Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour?
Bring cash or card for morning tea, lunch, and any optional on-the-day purchases such as the horse-drawn tram fare, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket as the coast and Adelaide Hills can be noticeably cooler than the city, particularly in the morning and late afternoon. An umbrella or light raincoat is advisable if rain is forecast on your tour day.
Do I need to book the Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended as the tour has a maximum group size of 48 passengers and Saturday departures fill quickly, particularly during South Australian school holidays and peak summer season. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 17% on the standard rate with instant confirmation, and always reconfirm your pickup and drop-off location with the operator at least 48 hours before your tour date.
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