Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Victor Harbor restamps its position as SA's premier coastal resort town

South Australia's premier coastal resort town, Victor Harbor is clawing its way back. In the 1950s Victor Harbor was at the forefront of every South Aussie day tripper mind. The 80 kilometre trip from Adelaide was accessible to most people who were looking for a day of fun in the sun and sand. Fish and chips on Warland Reserve was an iconic summer image.

So what happened?

It appears that other regions cottoned on to the notion of tourists and the value they bring into a region. Other regions turned it on for tourists. New transport infrastructure was put in place so people could go further, faster. Meanwhile Victor Harbor was losing its grip on the growing number of people wanting to experience summer delights.

Well 50 years later, Victor Harbor is slowly getting back to its former glory, even with the mass of new tourism offerings available. Victor Harbor has its famous attractions, such as the Horse Drawn Tram, Granite Island and The Bluff, but these are just the tip of the ice berg.

New infrastructure and attractions are being put in place. Long term strategies are being developed to attract, and more effectively manage major events.

Local Area Plans are being worked on to allow better utilisation of arguably, some of the most scenic coastal precincts in Australia. Currently, major areas of land are significantly under performing. However, there is a sense of anticipation that big things are about to happen.

A large all weather boating facility has recently been given the go ahead to be submitted for a development application. This alone has the potential to significantly increase visitor numbers, who are currently not well catered for.

Large scale tourism workshops are being conducted for local business operators, and new distribution channels are opening up for new product packages. The snowball is definitely gaining momentum.

It is an exciting time to be in Victor Harbor, with its former title of South Australia's premier resort town once again, just around the corner.

For further information contact John Koutsikas, Tourism Officer, telephone 0413 884 680

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