South Australian Whale Centre Tours and Activities

Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor
South Australian Whale Centre


Pick up insights into the maritime history and whaling past of Victor Harbour when you take a self-guided tour of this fascinating museum.

Explore three floors of exhibitions and interactive displays at the South Australian Whale Centre to learn about whaling history and the lives of whales. The aquatic attraction features skeletons, models, whaling artifacts and a replica ship.

Go to the 3-D theater for the 12-minute film about southern right whales in Patagonia, South America. There is also a short black-and-white documentary filmed during the time when whaling was an important industry here. Browse whaling artifacts, such as harpoons and pots used to boil blubber to make oil. Look for a flenser, a sharp tool used to strip blubber and skin from a whale.

Study the skull of a southern right whale and the vertebra of a sperm whale. See models of whales, read information panels about different species and view the many murals with whale and fish themes.

Let the younger children in your party enter the Kids Zone where they can crawl through a representation of a giant squid's belly. Tour the aboriginal exhibit, which tells the story of Kondoli, the whale man. This is an old aboriginal tale from the Ramindjeri people of Encounter Bay and is set in the countryside near Adelaide.

In the museum's cellar, find the Sea Shepherd Steve Irwin MV Exhibit, which is a small replica of one of the Australian nature expert's ships. Look through its portholes, step into the captain’s office, take the wheel at the helm and watch footage of some of the real vessel’s expeditions.

Located just behind the whale tale fountain in the Warland Reserve, this family-friendly attraction is easy to get to on foot from anywhere else in the small town. Alternatively, drive and use the free parking spots by the center or the free and paid spaces in the immediate vicinity.

The South Australian Whale Centre is open every day except Christmas Day and charges for admission. Get discounted family tickets based on two adults and two children. Children age 4 and under have free entry.

Plan a trip to see South Australian Whale Centre

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Tryp Adelaide by Wyndham
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury

Popular places to visit


Top South Australian Whale Centre Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Discovery Resorts - McCracken Country Club

Discovery Resorts - McCracken Country Club

3.5 out of 5
McCracken Drive, McCracken, SA
Discovery Resorts - McCracken Country Club
Nightcap at Hotel Victor

Nightcap at Hotel Victor

3.5 out of 5
1 Albert Place, Victor Harbor, SA
Nightcap at Hotel Victor
NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park

NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park

4 out of 5
114 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor, SA
NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park
Anchorage Seafront Hotel

Anchorage Seafront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
21 Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor, SA
Anchorage Seafront Hotel
Pan Co Victor Harbor

Pan Co Victor Harbor

3 out of 5
2 Victoria St, Victor Harbor, SA
Pan Co Victor Harbor
Charming 2-Bedroom Holiday Retreat with Pool

Charming 2-Bedroom Holiday Retreat with Pool

Victor Harbor
Charming 2-Bedroom Holiday Retreat with Pool
Breeze Beachfront Apartment 1: Ocean Views and Convenient Ground Floor Access! - Stay 4 Nights, Pay Only 3 (June - August 2025)

Breeze Beachfront Apartment 1: Ocean Views and Convenient Ground Floor Access! - Stay 4 Nights, Pay Only 3 (June - August 2025)

Victor Harbor
Breeze Beachfront Apartment 1: Ocean Views and Convenient Ground Floor Access! - Stay 4 Nights, Pay Only 3 (June - August 2025)
Luxury beachfront apartment at The Breeze - WIFI

Luxury beachfront apartment at The Breeze - WIFI

Victor Harbor
Luxury beachfront apartment at The Breeze - WIFI
Breeze Beachfront Apartments

Breeze Beachfront Apartments

4 out of 5
2-5 Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor, SA
Breeze Beachfront Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near South Australian Whale Centre

A trip to the South Australian Whale Centre in Victor Harbor offers exciting activities like whale watching and exploring the fascinating museum featuring fun exhibits. Don't miss the thrilling shark tunnel and the nearby options for golf and biking, making it a perfect destination for adventure and marine discovery.

Shopping

For a local shopping experience, visit the Goolwa Wharf Markets, a vibrant public market only 16.1km away, offering a taste of the region. If you're up for a drive, the Willunga Farmers Market, 32.2km away, and Fishermans Wharf Market Port Adelaide, 49.9km away, are great options for unique finds.

Recreation

At McCracken Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes just 3.2km from the South Australian Whale Centre. For relaxation, visit The Bluff, a serene recreational area 4.8km away, perfect for unwinding. Additionally, Victor Harbor Golf Club offers another fantastic golfing experience, also 3.2km away.

Adventure

The Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram offers a charming ride along the coastline, located 161m from the South Australian Whale Centre. For hiking enthusiasts, the Ridgeway Hill Lookout Hike Trailhead, 11.3km away, and the Watercourse Hike Trailhead, 19.3km away, provide stunning outdoor scenery and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Victor Harbor Hotel, where you can indulge in local wines and hearty meals while overlooking the stunning coastline. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Ocean Street Café for live music and a vibrant crowd, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Australian Whale Centre

The South Australian Whale Centre in Victor Harbor offers a fantastic blend of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the nearby beaches, urban parks, and scenic bays while immersing yourself in the wonders of marine life at the whale museum. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the region's unique whale species and their habitats at the centre, making it a perfect spot for an unforgettable day out with loved ones.

  • Warland Reserve: Located right beside the South Australian Whale Centre, Warland Reserve is a family-friendly urban park that offers a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy picnicking, walking paths, and stunning views of the coast, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  • Boomer Beach: Just 4.8km away, Boomer Beach is perfect for sunbathers and surfers. With its pristine sands and rolling waves, it provides a quintessential beach experience. Relax, swim, or grab your board for a fun day in the sun.
  • Granite Island: A short 1.1km away, Granite Island is a scenic haven boasting spectacular coastal views and walking trails. Explore the island’s unique wildlife, including the famous little penguins, and enjoy a leisurely day in nature.

Best time to go to South Australian Whale Centre

The best time to visit South Australian Whale Centre can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Australian Whale Centre falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around South Australian Whale Centre falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March65.7°F (18.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December65.8°F (18.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Australian Whale Centre

For a budget-friendly trip to the South Australian Whale Centre, consider visiting during May or July to August when accommodation prices drop. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Aim to stay on a Wednesday for the lowest prices. Use Expedia's search tool to compare hotels and filter for eco-friendly options. Additionally, you can save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal, ensuring a memorable yet economical experience in Victor Harbor.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Australian Whale Centre are May and July to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around South Australian Whale Centre is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Australian Whale Centre is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around South Australian Whale Centre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the South Australian Whale Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.