Located within the Historic Railway Goods in the heart of Victor Harbor, the South Australian Whale Centre is situated in the basement of the newly opened Victor Harbor Visitor Centre.
Originally opened in 1994, the South Australian Whale Centre has since evolved and in 2021, it merged with the Visitor Centre. Now a museum, visitors can learn, experience and play in Victor Harbor's marine hub.
Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the deep, explore the world heritage listed railway building, and gain further knowledge about Victor Harbor's marine treasures. Offering displays and interactive exhibits, as well as education programs, the museum is a must on your next visit to the Fleurieu Peninsula.
School, coach and tour groups are welcome. For whale sighting information between May and October follow South Australian Whale Centre on socials or visit the website for details.
Hours
See listed hours
Daily: 10:00–16:00
Facilities and visitor features
13 features
Broadband Internet Access
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
The lady at the desk suggested us as a couple might not be interested in paying the $5 entry because it’s more aimed at kids but honestly…it’s still worth it. The basement isn’t big but it’s cool and the $5 isn’t being eaten by some corporation, it’s going towards something worthwhile.
Melissa Barnett
Google review
We went to the whale Centre with a group on Tuesday. We had a guided tour. The tour guide was excellent and very informative, patient and willing to answer all of our questions.
On the ground floor there is a large whale bone that was found on the Nullarbor Plains. It is behind glass but you can see the size of the whale head.
Downstairs has an area that you can feel different whales that have been moulded onto the wall. There are also some bones (vertebrae) on display. There is also some videos in the downstairs area that can be watched.
On the top floor we were able to hold a shark egg and learn about different whales that are found in the oceans around South Australia. We also held some balen which some whales have instead of teeth. It was great that the tour was very tactile so that people with low vision were able to participate and learn about the whales as well.
There is a lift in the building or you can use stairs. Note the lift is small and only fitted four people at a time comfortably.
The building is an old historic building and still has a crane in it that was used to unload goods from the trains in years gone by that were then sent out to ships off Victor Harbor. There is also soot on the walls and ceiling that is heritage listed.
It is worth doing a tour of the whale Centre.
Just outside the whale Centre is a park which includes a fountain with a whale tail. A great area to sit down.
Aerwyn
Google review
Located inside visitor info centre. Not a huge amount to keep you engaged unless you are really "into" it. There's a small dig area for young kids to find fossils and some tables to do some colouring in. We were there for approx 30 mins.
Daniel
Google review
Super friendly staff and a good place to visit in Victor Harbour. There's lots to see, touch, read and watch on whales, sharks and dolphins.
Definitely a fun educational way to spend a bit of time with the kids. Or without kids as we did 😊
Parts seem a little dated and some of the interactive displays weren't working. Hence the 4/5.
Jade Henderson
Google review
What a lovely place to visit with a wide variety of giftware and souvenirs along with plenty of information on the Victor Harbour region. The Whale Museum was fantastic with plenty of interactive displays for all ages young and old. Very informative and not only about Whales. The staff were very helpful and welcoming. Highly recommend putting this place on your to do list while in VH.