Hindmarsh River: Ron discovers an estuarine environment in the heart of Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

Victor Harbor has always been a magnet for holiday makers. But many who make the hour long trip from the suburbs of Adelaide drive over one of the Victor's secret treasures. Tucked away on a strip of beach well known to the early morning walkers, is a watery wonderland that's long been a quiet haven for those in the know.

Named after our first Governor, the Hindmarsh River ends its journey on a quiet beach between Hayborough and Victor. It's a secluded spot which long offered a comfortable resting place and good hunting for those who have known its charms for thousands of years.

Pip Burfield, Victor Harbor Visitor Centre: "It's just so peaceful. You can imagine many years ago the local Ramindjeri people camping here and catching fish and shellfish."

Pip Burfield, a volunteer at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre is quick to send visitors to an estuarine environment not easily seen from the road and once you're down here you'll discover major landmark designed by John Monash - the man who commanded Australia's troops in World War One.

Pip Burfield, Victor Harbor Visitor Centre: "The concrete bridge was built in 1907 for the heavier rail traffic coming through. It was the first reinforced concrete structure or reinforced concrete bridge built in Australia as far as we know. He designed and built it. He formed a company called the Reinforced Concrete Monier Pipe Construction Company. He got the idea of reinforced concrete from Monier in France and the Monier name is till with us today."

But much of the vegetation was here long before the bridge was built. The trees don't mind getting their feet wet and it's the combination of water and an ancient canopy of gnarled and twisted branches which has created an enchanted forest just minutes from the centre of town.

The Paperbark Trail is one of five trail you can do in and around the river. Another one is the Waggon Trail which takes you to the old tearooms which have an historical connection with Hindmarsh River.

A little further upstream and you come to the site of the old boat shed. There are few remains left of what was once a holiday playground for young and old alike.

Pip Burfield, Victor Harbor Visitor Centre: "The old photos show this area full of boats. There used to be a regatta and they called it Henley on Hindmarsh. I think it began at the start of WWI to raise money for the Troops Comfort Fund and later to raise money for the Soldiers Memorial Gardens."

The Hindmarsh River was so popular in the 1870s that the council widened the waterway to accommodate more boats and they called it Lake Victor.

Several kilometres upstream from old Lake Victor is the Riverhouse Bed and Breakfast - the home of the original tearooms. They're gone now but scattered throughout the cosy retreat are photos that recall the old days of clinker boats and regattas on the Hindmarsh. For years boating on the Hindmarsh was a must for many honeymooners making their way here from Adelaide.

Heather Ayres, Riverhouse B&B: "I believe my grandparents honeymooned here at Victor. It's always been 'honeymoon central'. It's very romantic."

The Riverhouse Bed and Breakfast is located on the upper reaches of the Hindmarsh River on Waggon Road at Victor Harbor. It offers great family accommodation. The Hindmarsh River Estuary is located down the hill from the town's major look out. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

The Riverhouse Bed & Breakfast
Waggon Road
Victor Harbor
Contact Heather Ayres on 0427 806 541

Hindmarsh River Estuary Walks
Hindmarsh River Outfall
1km west of town lookout

Published 23rd May 2010