Granite Island Recreation Park
More information
Click the button below to view more information.
Take a short stroll or horse tram ride over the causeway that connects the mainland at Victor Harbor to Granite Island Recreation Park.
The island is characterised by huge granite boulders tinged with orange lichen, with the sound of waves crashing against rocky shores a stirring soundtrack to your visit.
Enjoy the coastal scenery and discover the island’s interesting history along the Kaiki Walk or go fishing from the jetty, or causeway (no fishing from breakwater). You may even spot a southern right whale between June and October.
Open daily.
Access to Granite Island is via the Victor Harbor to Granite Island Causeway. Please be aware that the causeway is exposed and offers no shelter during the crossing for pedestrians.
During severe weather events access to the causeway may be restricted or closed. When the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts ‘strong winds’ for Victor Harbor, the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram will not be operating. If you’re relying on the horse-drawn tram to access Granite Island on a windy day, please contact the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram Office on (08) 8551 0720 to check if the trams are operating. During storm events the causeway will also close to pedestrians.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
Victor Harbor National Parks and Wildlife Service Office
Phone: (+61) 7133 7300
Email: DEW.VictorHarborOffice@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero (000)
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – Emergency After Hours Duty Officer (voice messages only, text messages are unavailable to be received)
Phone: 0427 556 676
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact Victor Harbor National Parks and Wildlife Service Office on (+61) 7133 7300 or the after-hours duty officer on 0427 556 676 (outside of business hours).
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Marine mammals
If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal (including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins), please contact Victor Harbor National Parks and Wildlife Service Office on (+61) 7133 7300 or the after-hours duty officer on 0427 556 676 (outside of business hours)
June to October is the perfect time to visit for whale watching activities. Southern right whales visit Encounter Bay each winter, when they find the local waters to be warmer than their summering grounds in the sub-Antarctic.
Warmer months are the best time for walking, swimming and fishing.
Granite Island Recreation Park is located off the coast of Victor Harbor, approximately 100km south of Adelaide.
Facilities
Parking
There is council owned accessible parking located at the end of the Granite Island causeway in victor harbour. The privately run horse drawn tram can accommodate a manual wheelchair or book a peninsula taxi to cross to Granite Island.
Toilets
There is an accessible (right hand) toilet located on the island.
See and do
Trails
Check out Push Adventures — Views for miles from Granite Island blog for accessible trail descriptions and photos.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
The Granite Island Recreation Park café operates 7 days per week.
The park also offers picnic areas and toilets (disabled available).
- Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.
- Mobile phone coverage is good in most areas of the park.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter.
This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the spread by using hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
Granite Island was once connected to the mainland. It has survived the force of the ocean while the land surrounding it has eroded away. Interpretive signs along the way reveal the origin of these rocks were formed 10km below the earth’s surface some 480 million years ago.
We have picked the brains of our park rangers to find out what they would recommend you see and do whilst visiting this park.
- Enjoy a whimsical trip back in time and catch the unique horse drawn tram across the causeway to the island.
- Enjoy the views of the wild southern ocean at it crashes into the boulders surrounding the island on a southerly wind.
- Explore the Kaiki Trail and check out the amazing formation of Umbrella Rock.
- Go bird watching and see how many different varieties of birds you can spot. Friends of Granite Island Wildlife Discovery have put together this guide to help you along the way.
Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends.
South Australia’s national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes. Our trails cater for all levels of fitness and adventure and our classification system makes it easy to select an experience suitable for you.
Grade 1 — No bushwalking experience required, suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them
Victor Harbor to Granite Island Causeway (20 mins one-way, 650 metres)
Navigate this trail on Google Street View
Take a short stroll or horse tram ride over the wooden causeway that connects the mainland at Victor Harbor to Granite Island Recreation Park.
Grade 3 — Suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Kaiki Walk (1 hour, 2.9km loop)
Navigate this trail on Google Street View
The trail is a great way for people, including families with children and strollers, to discover the island. The trailhead is on the island, just after the Victor Harbor to Granite Island Causeway reaches the island. Discover more about the wildlife, geology and history of the island with the interpretive signs along the trail. Explore granite boulders including Umbrella Rock, and take in the views of Encounter Bay, the Bluff, islands and whales in winter.
The Granite Island Recreation Park café is open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm. For further information phone (08) 8429 9656.
Seating is available within the café with a range of locally sourced pastries, sandwiches and snacks on offer. Enjoy a freshly roasted coffee and soak up the stunning oceans views as you look across the Victor Harbor foreshore.
On a warm day the grass area in front of the café is perfect for kids, with dolphins and sea lions often making an appearance in the distance.
Take your binoculars, cast your eyes out to sea and you may be lucky enough to spot a southern right whale between May and October.
The southern right whales’ unique affinity for coastal inshore waters makes them the perfect species for land-based whale watching, you can easily spend many hours viewing their playful antics. Sometimes the whales approach as close as 100m from shore, providing a bird’s eye view of their immense size and rotund, 18m body.
There has been 29 different types of whales recorded in South Australia. The most common are the southern right whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, blue whale and orca whale (killer whale). Of these you are most likely to spot a southern right whale along the South Australian coast. The vast majority of southern right whales are black in colour with distinctive white patterns on their heads that are calluses formed by small crustaceans known as ‘whale lice’. The patterns are visible at birth and are unique to each whale allowing researchers to identify individual whales.
The Little Penguin
(Also known as fairy penguin, blue penguin or little blue penguin)
The Little Penguin is the world’s smallest penguin species and is well known to most visitors to Australia’s southern coastline. It stands about 35 cm tall and weighs about 1.2kg. By comparison the Emperor Penguin, which is the largest penguin in the world, stands over 110 cm and can weigh 30kg.
The Little Penguin is found only in Australia and New Zealand and is the only penguin to breed in Australia. Large numbers can occur where suitable conditions are present. Little penguins favour rocky shorelines, just like Granite Island, which provide suitable breeding sites. The availability of feeding grounds also determines the size and success of a colony.
The number of Little Penguins on Granite Island has declined from 1600 penguins in 2001 to 20 adult penguins counted in the last census in October 2021. Despite, the low number the colony has increased from 16 penguins in 2020. The active burrows on the island are monitored with the use of remote cameras.
The definitive cause of this decline is still unclear, although a 2007 PIRSA study identified a number of factors including: changes in the marine environment, predation pressure, and rat predation on chicks.
Study is ongoing on the island and a rat baiting program and measures to prevent foxes accessing the island are currently in place to protect the eggs and young chicks from predation.
Little Penguins lay 2 eggs per clutch and incubate them for approximately 36 days. Chicks fledge when they are typically 59 days post hatching. Chicks are guarded by at least one adult for around 3 weeks following hatching, alternating foraging between the two adult birds. After 3 weeks both parents leave the chicks to forage for food.
- For further interesting information please see our Little penguins fact sheet
Little Penguins forage for food during the day and will return to their burrows during the early morning and late evening. Little Penguins are highly sensitive to disturbances from people and animals, this can cause them to abandon their breeding activities and burrows and impact their survival. Please adhere to the following guidelines to protect this vulnerable population:
- Keep your distance — Do not approach a penguin by less than 5 meters.
- The penguins always have the‘right of way’. They are usually returning to their burrow or chicks. Don’t get between chicks and adult penguins or obstruct a penguin from getting to its burrow.
- Turn the flash setting off on your camera. A camera flash will blind a penguin for up to three days making them vulnerable to predation.
- Do not use a torch unless it has been fitted with a red filter.
- Penguins are highly sensitive to noise – keep your noise level to a minimum if you are near a penguin or its burrow.
- Dogs are not permitted on the island and fines apply. Even the smell of dogs within the colony will disturb penguins and may stop them from breeding.
- Moulting penguins may be easy to see in their burrows but they are most vulnerable at this time. Their new feathers are not yet waterproof so they cannot leave the burrow if disturbed.
- Do not touch any penguin, chick, eggs or burrow as human scent may cause the penguins to abandon their breeding activities.
There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.
Fishing is actively managed in South Australia by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA.
Check out these useful links before embarking on your fishing adventure:
Camping is not permitted within this park.
- Use Find a Park to discover which parks you can camp in.
Want to help?
To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges – Volunteering.
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.
Ensure that you:
- when hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
- make sure you have appropriate weather proof clothing
- carry enough water to be self-sufficient
- please be respectful of other users at all times
- stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park
- ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return
- take appropriate maps.
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year.
- Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted, other than on days of total fire ban.
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Maintaining the legal distance from marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals is important, both for our safety and that of the animals.
The animals may be seriously injured if they are struck by a vessel or frightened young may become separated from their mothers. Even if there is no contact, coming too close can disrupt feeding, breeding and migratory behaviours.
Regular water users should make themselves familiar with all the rules for interacting with marine mammals by viewing the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals – Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010.
In the Water
- Prescribed vessels (high-powered craft such as jet-skis, hydrofoils and boats used for water skiing or paragliding): Never closer than 300m.
- Other vessels (for example, cabin cruisers, yachts, ‘tinnies’, inflatables, kayaks, wind surfers and kite surfers): No closer than 100m.
- Other vessels within 300m of a whale: No anchoring; maximum speed 4 knots; maximum time 60 minutes.
- Swimmers (including surfers and boogie boarders): No closer than 30m.
On Land
- No closer than 30m (or 50m if the whale is distressed, stranded or entangled)
In the air
- Planes and remotely piloted aircrafts (drones) must be at least 300m from any whale or other marine mammal (additional Civil Aviation Safety Authority restrictions apply).
- Helicopters and gyrocopters must be at least 500m from any whale or other marine mammal.
Special rules exist for:
- the Encounter Bay Restricted Area: All vessels – no closer than 300m to a whale
- whale calves: all vessels and swimmers – no closer than 300m
- distressed, stranded or entangled whales: all vessels and swimmers – no closer than 300m
Strong currents and rips can make swimming dangerous in this area.
Do not climb on, or fish from slippery rocks.
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Park maps
Google Street View
Want to explore a trail before you leave home or use Google Maps to navigate straight from your door to the trailhead?
We’ve worked with Google to film more than 600km of walking trails, park roads, campgrounds and waterways in some of our most beautiful places. Click to see what the parks offer and the available facilities before you go. This is an especially great tool if you have accessibility needs, are visiting with people of varying ages or fitness levels or are pushing a pram and want to view a trail before leaving home.
You can start exploring this park on Google Street View using the links below.
Walking trails
Come and enjoy this park for free.
There is no camping or accommodation available within this park.
This park is not included in the park pass system.
Fees apply for guided penguin and wildlife tours.
Bookings
Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre at the Causeway
Phone: (+61 8) 8551 0777 or 1800 557 094
Email: bookings@victor.sa.gov.au
Bookings close at 4pm for tours that evening