Victor Habour, South Australia

Victor Harbor is a coastal town located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant community, and rich history. The town's

Victor Harbor Victor Harbor, South Australia
Victor Harbor view of the Bluff & coastline.
lga	City of Victor Harbor.
postcode	5211
established	1863

strategic location on the coast has made it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

History

At the time of the settlement of South Australia, whale oil was a crucial product used extensively in everyday life. The many reports of whales along the shores of the new colony prompted the founders to develop this industry, making it the first South Australian industry, although it faced troubled waters along its course. In March 1837, Captain J. W. D. Blenkinsop set up a whaling station at Victor Harbor. Around the same time, the South Australian Company established their station in the lee of the Bluff.

On 26th April 1837, Captain Crozier in H.M.S. Victor anchored in the lee of Granite Island, being piloted through the reefs by Captain Blenkinsop. Crozier found good anchorage there and named the place Victor Harbor after his ship. Captain Blenkinsop established his whaling station about half a mile north of where the present causeway connects the mainland with Granite Island.

This station was later moved and set up on Granite Island. Blenkinsop built his home and established a garden near Cornhill Road. He named the place of the fishery "Anne Vale" after his wife, calling the harbor "Hind Cove" after his ship, though this name was never officially recognized. Towards the end of 1837, the whaling season concluded, and Blenkinsop shipped 200 tons of whale oil from Victor Harbor, constituting the first commodity exported from Victor Harbor and South Australia. However, the industry faced early challenges, with friction between the two stations and the enticement of workers from one station to another. This tension culminated in Captain Blenkinsop being ordered off at pistol point.

Unfortunately, in December 1837, Captain Blenkinsop, two of his men, and Judge Jeffcott drowned at the Murray Mouth while waiting for a ship to take them to Encounter Bay. Blenkinsop's body was the only one recovered, and he was buried in his garden, becoming one of the early graves in the district. Following his death, J. B. Hack took over Blenkinsop's whaling station. By 1841, operations declined due to difficulties, and despite attempts to re-establish whaling in 1870 and 1871 by Mr. Ranford, the industry eventually ceased altogether, with the last attempts proving unsuccessful by 1872. Meanwhile, another important development for Victor Harbor was its establishment as a port. The decision to establish a port at Victor Harbor under the Wakefield Scheme of Colonization came as early as 1838, following Captain Crozier's favorable report.

The first vessel, "Goshawk," loaded whale oil at the new port in August 1838. On 20th June 1839, "Lord Hobart" arrived with settlers, marking a significant point in Victor Harbor's development. In August 1839, Governor Gawler suggested developing Victor Harbor to support the River Murray trade. Despite challenges and debates over the port's location, the importance of the site was reinforced with surveys and reports by various officials over the years. The establishment of Victor Harbor as a significant port continued through the construction of the jetty and railway extensions in the 1860s.

The railway line connecting Port Elliot to Victor Harbor was completed in 1864, enhancing the port's capacity and significance in the region. In 1865, the port was proclaimed as Port Victor, and despite another name change in 1912, it was eventually reverted to Victor Harbor due to confusion with Port Victoria. Over the years, the port saw significant traffic, particularly with wool shipments, and underwent various improvements, including the construction of the screw pile jetty in 1864 and subsequent expansions. The narrative of Granite Island is intertwined with these developments. Declared a reserve in 1856 and later beautified in the early 20th century, Granite Island played a key role in Victor Harbor's history. The first tram service commenced in 1894, connecting the island with the mainland and facilitating tourism and transport. Victor Harbor's development as a town officially began in 1863 with the construction of bridges over the Hindmarsh and Inman Rivers, marking the beginning of organized settlement. By 1867, significant buildings and infrastructure, including the Harbormaster's residence and large stores, were established, underscoring the town's growing importance. The Crown Hotel, established in 1865, and other key establishments like the National Bank and Grosvenor Hotel, highlight the town's commercial growth.

The town's incorporation as the Corporation of Victor Harbor in 1914 marked another milestone in its administrative and infrastructural development. Victor Harbor's transport network further expanded with the construction of the Port Elliot-Victor Harbor railway line and significant road improvements connecting the town with other parts of the region. These developments, along with advancements in lighting and water supply, facilitated the town's steady growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Rosetta Head

The Bluff, or Rosetta Head, a prominent natural feature, also holds historical significance. Initially a lookout for whalers, the Bluff was later declared a recreation reserve in 1938, maintaining its status as a key attraction for visitors.[1]

References

1. The Victor Harbor Horse Tram: The Story of the Tourist Tramway to Granite Island, compiled by Kim Bird, Tom Wilson, and Doug Bunker, P.8-38 (specific references: P.8, P.9, P.10, P.11, P.12-13, P.23-25, P.29-30, P.31-32, P.32-33, P.34-36, P.38).