The Bluff, Victor Harbor

On my recent visit to the seaside town of Victor Harbor south of Adelaide, I went for a walk over the causeway to Granite Island. Two of my friends, Keith and Trevor were also in town for the weekend so we had a very pleasant time together talking as we went on our walk.

The Bluff, Victor Harbor

As we walked over the causeway we had excellent views of the hill called The Bluff on the other side of Encounter Bay. This imposing hill to the south west of the town of Victor Harbor is a prominent landmark in an area of many landmarks. Some years ago I led a group of school children to the top while on camp nearby. It is not an easy climb. Now on a few years (and a few extra kilograms under the belt) I prefer to take the sealed road to the top. The view is spectacular from the top and well worth the drive. (I’m not so sure about the climb.)

The Bluff, Victor Harbor, from Granite Island

Later, when we were on the island, I had a good view again of The Bluff, this time from the lookout overlooking the southern side of Granite Island. The area near the foot of The Bluff has historic significance. For many years a whaling station operated near the beach there. Many whales were killed there, the height of The Bluff affording an excellent lookout for incoming Southern Right Whales.

The whales still come to this bay in the winter months and are another attraction of the town. The history of the whaling industry and information about marine life in general is displayed beautifully in the SA Whale Centre in Victor Harbor. This centre is currently closed for redevelopment. I think I recall reading somewhere that it will reopen later in 2007, complete with a new large aquarium.