Granite Island Tours and Activities

Granite Island
Granite Island
Granite Island
Granite Island
Granite Island


Walk around a tiny island off the coast of Victor Harbour that is home to a colony of little penguins.

Arrange a trip to Granite Island, a small island and recreation park that is home to unusual rock formations, a colony of penguins and other wildlife. Spend a few hours here and stay for an evening wildlife tour.

To get to the island, walk or take a horse-drawn tram ride across the wooden causeway that connects it to the mainland. Wheelchair users can get rides from the local taxi service.

Familiarize yourself with the history, geology and wildlife of your new surroundings with a stroll along the Kaiki Walk. This loop trail encircles the island for about 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) and is dotted with interpretive signs. These signs cover the island’s geology and the aboriginal myths associated with it.

Along the way you will come across huge orange lichen-covered boulders and fascinating rock formations, such as Umbrella Rock. During your hike, pause to enjoy the views toward Victor Harbor and Seal Island.

Bring your binoculars with you to try to spot whales. The best season to observe the large marine mammals is from June to October when southern right whales visit Encounter Bay. Sometimes the whales come quite close to the shore.

Go on a penguin or wildlife guided tour, which are held most evenings around dusk. Watch the little penguins, also known as fairy penguins, as they come ashore after searching for food in the sea. These are the smallest penguins in the world, growing to an average height of about 14 inches (35 centimeters). If you enjoy fishing, reel in your catch from the causeway or the jetty.

Granite Island is located just off the coast of Victor Harbor, which is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Adelaide. It can be accessed every day except Christmas Day and admission is free, although there are fees for the wildlife tours. For details, visit the official website of the Granite Island Recreation Park. The island's facilities include picnic areas and toilets.

Plan a trip to see Granite Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Terrace Hotel Adelaide
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Tryp Adelaide by Wyndham

Popular places to visit


Top Granite Island Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
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
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
Luxury beachfront apartment at The Breeze - WIFI

Luxury beachfront apartment at The Breeze - WIFI

Victor Harbor
Luxury beachfront apartment at The Breeze - WIFI
Victor Holidays

Victor Holidays

3 out of 5
4A Esplanade Victor Harbor SA 5211, Victor Harbor, SA
Victor Holidays
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)
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 Granite Island

Granite Island offers a variety of activities for an enjoyable family holiday, including scenic golf courses and biking trails. You can also embark on an exciting whalewatching adventure or unwind in picturesque picnic areas. With ample recreational opportunities, it's the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure amidst stunning coastal views.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit the Goolwa Wharf Markets, located 16.1km away, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out the Willunga Farmers Market, 33.8km away, or the Myponga Markets, 24.1km away, both brimming with local charm and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at McCracken Golf Course, where you can immerse yourself in nature while playing a scenic 18 holes. For a tranquil experience, visit The Bluff for relaxation and stunning ocean views, or take a rejuvenating walk along the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail at Petrel Cove.

Adventure

Experience the charm of the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram, located 966m from Granite Island, offering a unique ride with stunning coastal views. For hiking enthusiasts, the Ridgeway Hill Lookout Hike Trailhead, 11.3km away, and the Watercourse Hike Trailhead, 19.3km away, provide breathtaking scenery and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Granite Island offers a relaxed yet vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a sunset dinner at the popular Eclectic Tastes Café, then stroll to the Granite Island Discovery Centre for evening talks. For a casual drink, visit the nearby Goolwa Hotel, where you’ll find local brews and friendly locals.

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

Find the best attractions near Granite Island

Granite Island offers a delightful mix of outdoor experiences, from stunning ocean views to serene beaches and picturesque parks. Visitors can explore the iconic Granite Island causeway, review local attractions, and enjoy the scenic beauty surrounding the bay. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, the island provides ample opportunities to connect with nature and discover nearby sights that will enhance your holiday experience.

  • Boomer Beach: Located 4.8km from Granite Island, Boomer Beach offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With its golden sands and gentle waves, it's an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
  • Warland Reserve: Just 966m away, Warland Reserve is a vibrant urban park that’s great for families. Enjoy picnics, walking trails, and children's play areas while taking in the lush greenery and city vibes.
  • Encounter Bay: A mere 1.1km from Granite Island, Encounter Bay boasts stunning scenery and outdoor activities. The picturesque bay invites you to explore its beaches and enjoy scenic walks along the coastline.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Granite Island

To save money on your trip to Granite Island, consider visiting in May or July to August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Wednesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and find eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for extra savings. Enjoy free activities like exploring the island’s beautiful scenery and wildlife for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Granite Island 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 Granite Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Granite Island is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Granite Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget and desired location, among other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you spot the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Granite Island hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.