Goolwa to Victor Harbor scenic loop
A one-day Encounter Coast loop with the train, the wharf and the bluff
A loop with a train
The Encounter Coast - the Fleurieu's southern shore from Goolwa to Victor Harbor - is the original Australian seaside holiday landscape. Goolwa was the first inland river port; Victor Harbor was the first proper colonial seaside town; the Cockle Train running between them was Australia's first public railway. This itinerary uses the historic infrastructure to its advantage and combines it with the modern reasons to visit.
The loop is short - the whole circuit is about 80 km - which means you can take it slow. The Cockle Train does some of the driving for you (literally), so you can leave the car at one end of the railway, ride to the other, walk around, and either ride back or have someone collect you.
How the day unfolds
This itinerary works as a full Saturday or Sunday. Start at Goolwa in the morning, do the wharf precinct and lunch, ride the Cockle Train to Victor Harbor, do the Granite Island walk and the foreshore, then drive the inland route back via Encounter Bay or take the train back. Variations are easy.
What to take
Walking shoes (the Granite Island loop is 30 minutes), a coat (the Encounter Bay wind is real), and binoculars in whale season. Cash for the Cockle Train if you do not want to use the website to book ahead.
When to go
Winter for the whales. Spring and autumn for the light. Avoid summer Sundays when the Cockle Train carriages are full.
Day 1
8 stops-
1
Goolwa Wharf Precinct
GoolwaStart at the Goolwa Wharf for the heritage walk through the State Heritage Area. PS Oscar W, the goods sheds, the Steam Exchange Brewery and Fleurieu Distillery. Allow an hour.
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2
Goolwa Barrage
GoolwaA 5-minute drive across the Hindmarsh Island bridge brings you to the Goolwa Barrage. Walk to the seal colony on the downstream wall. Free parking, free toilets, 20-minute stop.
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3
Motherduck
GoolwaCoffee and brunch on Cadell Street before catching the Cockle Train. Get there before 11 if you want a table.
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4
SteamRanger Cockle Train
GoolwaBoard the Cockle Train at Goolwa Station and ride to Victor Harbor. The route hugs the coast through Middleton and Port Elliot - the views from the windows are the point.
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5
Horseshoe Bay
Port ElliotOptional disembark at Port Elliot for an hour at Horseshoe Bay before re-boarding the next train. Lunch at Beaches on Horseshoe overlooking the bay.
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6
Granite Island
Victor HarborCross the causeway to Granite Island on foot or via the horse-drawn tram. Loop walk around the island for the granite boulders, the seal colony and (in summer) little penguin habitat.
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7
South Australian Whale Centre
Victor HarborQuick visit to the South Australian Whale Centre on the Victor Harbor foreshore. Real-time sightings board and a great exhibition. 45 minutes.
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8
The Bluff (Rosetta Head)
Victor HarborDrive west to The Bluff for the late-afternoon climb. The view sweeps Encounter Bay, and in winter you have a real chance of spotting southern right whales from the summit. Sunset and back to Goolwa.
See place →
On the map
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