One of the perks of staying here is how close you are to Victor Harbor’s food scene. It’s an easy wander or quick pedal into town, and we often find ourselves drifting back to Nino’s of Victor Harbor, a long-loved institution serving reliably good pizza, pasta and all the Italian comfort classics. It’s the kind of place generations have grown up with, and you’ll feel that warmth the moment you walk in.

For something simple and unfussy, The Original Fish Shop never misses. We’ll often grab a bundle of fish, chips and potato fritters, then head straight to the foreshore for a picnic overlooking the water.

If you’ve got time to explore a little further along the coastline, Encounter Bay rewards you with some great casual options. Beach House Café does excellent wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed setting. For something a touch more refined, Whalers Seaside Dining sits right at the base of the Bluff and pairs modern Australian dishes with one of the most impressive views in the region. It’s especially lovely at sunset.

Morning coffee is best done at Yilki Store, also in Encounter Bay. It can get busy in summer but waiting never feels like a chore when you’re standing there with views of Granite Island.

If you’d rather settle in at the park, the fully equipped Camp Kitchen makes self-catering easy, and the on-site kiosk has the essentials covered. Many of our favourite evenings here have been spent cooking up something simple and enjoying it outside while the kids tear around the playground or pump track.

There’s plenty to keep everyone busy without even leaving the park. Kids tend to make a beeline for the giant Jumping Pillow, the water park and the Pump Track, while the swimming pool and playground fill up nicely throughout the day. All kid-friendly facilities are free to use, and the whole place has that easy-going energy that lets families slow down while the little ones burn through theirs.

When you’re ready to explore further afield, the Victor Harbor foreshore is a short bike ride or stroll away. From there, you can wander or take the historic horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island. The Kaiki Walk loops around the island and gives you front-row views of the Southern Ocean, rugged cliffs and the chance to spot coastal wildlife along the way.

For something with a little nostalgia, hop aboard the Cockle Train, a heritage steam service running between Victor Harbor and Goolwa. The journey follows the coastline and is a favourite with families, train lovers and anyone keen to soak up the scenery at a slower pace.

Cyclists will love the Encounter Bikeway, a 22km coastal trail that links Victor Harbor with Port Elliot and Goolwa. It’s mostly flat, beautifully scenic and ideal for both casual riders and confident cyclists. We recommend stopping in Port Elliot for a pie at the Port Elliot Bakery, a local classic that’s worth the small detour.

For an easy walk with big payoff, take on The Bluff (Rosetta Head). The short climb delivers sweeping views over Encounter Bay, Granite Island and the coastline — it’s one of the best photo spots in the region.

Winter visitors should keep an eye on the water. Victor Harbor is a known whale-watching hotspot, and there are several lookouts around the bay where you might see southern right whales cruising close to shore.

If you’re here on a weekend, Victor Harbor’s markets are well worth checking out. The Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday morning and focuses on fresh local produce and regional food makers. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the Beachside Markets take over the Soldiers Memorial Reserve with more than 50 stalls ranging from handmade goods and clothing to plants, homewares and hot food. It’s a lively, easy way to spend a morning before heading back to the park for a swim or BBQ.

The town centre is walkable, but having bikes makes getting around even easier — especially with access to the Encounter Bikeway.