Brand Victor Harbor

27/05/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 - 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

David Welch has spent decades building a career across metropolitan, country and remote optometry practices; but it’s his time consulting in Victor Harbor that continues to stand out. Since beginning at Victor Eye Centre in 2017, David has become a familiar face to many locals, combining extensive experience with a down-to-earth approach and a genuine appreciation for the community he works with each week.

Living in Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills for more than 20 years, David says the travel to Victor Harbor is an easy trade-off compared to his earlier career days as a locum, constantly flying in and out of different locations around Australia.

“I think some people are surprised by the travel,” he says. “But compared to the running around I used to do, it’s nothing. And compared to living in a big metro city like Sydney or Melbourne, the travel is easy.”

Originally from Adelaide, David hasn’t officially made the move south and after moving more than 20 times throughout his career, he jokes he’s become “pretty allergic” to relocating again.

What keeps drawing him back to Victor Harbor, however, is simple - the people.

“The big thing is the people, which makes for a pleasant day,” he says. “It’s easy to get to work, easy to get around, and you can actually enjoy your lunch break.”

David has worked extensively throughout regional South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia across both large practices and smaller private clinics. His career has also included roles with Optometry Australia, the Migraine Health Centre in Adelaide, See Differently’s Low Vision Clinic, and advisory positions with healthcare and government organisations.

It’s the people and the relaxed community feel that David values most about Victor Harbor.

“I’ve always preferred consulting in country and remote locations,” he says. “You generally get to know people better over the years, which is nice.”

Outside of work, David enjoys table tennis, target shooting, cooking and reluctantly helping in the garden but he is a bit more willing if power tools are involved.

Looking ahead, he hopes to see Victor Harbor continue to grow while maintaining a healthy, connected community and a thriving local economy.

29/04/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 - 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐤𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐬

For Benjamin Witkowski, creativity and storytelling have always been at the centre of what he does. Now calling Encounter Bay home, he and his fiancée Hannah made the move to Victor Harbor just over six months ago - drawn by a lifestyle that offers both inspiration and balance.

The Fleurieu Peninsula presented something that felt increasingly hard to find: a connected community, access to essential services, and a natural landscape that shapes everyday life. Positioned between Benjamin’s hometown of Melbourne and Hannah’s in Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor also offered a sense of alignment - personally and professionally.

For Benjamin, it’s the everyday moments that stand out. A regular walk with his dog up The Bluff is simply part of life here - yet something he doesn’t take for granted. After years of moving around Australia working in tourism and building his career in videography, Victor Harbor has offered something new: the chance to truly settle, connect and become part of a community.

That sense of connection flows directly into his work at Dreamer Studios. Since relocating, Benjamin has quickly built relationships with local business owners, collaborating with those who share a strong sense of purpose and creativity. His approach is hands-on and deeply considered - immersing himself in each business he works with, treating it as if it were his own.

With a background in tourism marketing and a Bachelor of International Tourism from Flinders University, Benjamin’s career has taken him from the east coast of Tasmania to Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road, as well as to more remote regions including Alice Springs and the Pilbara. These experiences have shaped a broad perspective and a strong appreciation for storytelling, place and identity.

A standout career moment came recently with the production of his first documentary series filmed across Australia - an ambitious project years in the making, and one that marked a significant creative milestone.

Outside of work, Benjamin is a lifelong musician. Whether it’s sitting at the piano or exploring the outdoors through camping and travel, creativity and nature continue to play a central role in how he recharges.

Looking ahead, he sees a strong future for Victor Harbor - one built on thoughtful growth that respects the character of the place while embracing new ideas. With ambitions that match the name of his business, Benjamin envisions a destination that continues to attract young families, support innovative businesses, and evolve its tourism offering while staying grounded in what makes it special.

10/04/2026

Shared Visibility, Shared Success

Becoming a Brand Partner opens the door to shared opportunities - content features, signage, workshops, events and collaborations with fellow operators.

It’s practical marketing with purpose; Increased visibility, stronger networks, a unified voice that carries further than any single business can on its own.

When visitors see consistency across businesses, it builds trust. When locals see collaboration, it builds pride.

That’s the strength of a destination brand working well, and the strength partners get to share in.

Tag a local business you think represents the spirit of Victor Harbor. Let’s celebrate the people shaping our region.

08/04/2026

Help put the Fleurieu on the front foot - have your say in the latest tourism sentiment survey and ensure our region is strongly represented.

📣 Calling all Tourism Businesses on the Fleurieu

The Tourism Industry Council South Australia - TICSA Sentiment Survey for the Jan - March 2026 quarter is now open.

Your insight helps build a clear, data-driven picture of the industry which helps us to inform policy, strengthen our advocacy, and guide key decisions that impact tourism in South Australia.

📊 Responses are independently analysed and combined with data from other sources that produce a quarterly barometer report on tourism in South Australia
⏱ The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete
🔒 It is confidential and open to all (not just members)

Survey closes midnight Wednesday 15 April.

By completing the survey, you’ll have the chance to opt into the draw to receive a 2-day ticket to the 2026 South Australian Tourism Conference (valued at $805, non-member pricing).

Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNTG8T8

20/03/2026

The Power of Alignment

The Victor Harbor brand is guided by values that reflect how our region operates: connection, innovation, culture, collaboration, creativity and sustainability.

When local businesses align with these values, it signals something important - that we care about how we grow, how we work together and how we look after the place we share.

Brand partnership isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about showing how your business contributes to the energy and future of Victor Harbor – and gaining tools that help you communicate that story with confidence.

If you’re curious about Brand Partnership, or already a partner and want to get more involved, send us a message anytime.

12/03/2026

More Than a Logo

Being a Victor Harbor Brand Partner isn’t about placing a logo on your website. It’s about standing alongside other local businesses to tell a powerful story.

Victor Harbor is a place people connect with emotionally - the coastline, the wildlife, the history, the warmth of the community. That connection is powerful, and when businesses align under one destination brand, it strengthens how our region is seen and experienced.

Your brand tells your story. The destination brand tells the story of our place. Together, they amplify both – and increase the visibility and credibility of every partner involved.

11/03/2026

We love celebrating the people and businesses that bring the Victor Harbor brand to life. And what a result at the Australian Tourism Awards 🏆

A huge congratulations to our Brand Victor Harbor partners and winners:

🚤 The Big Duck Boat Tours - Gold in the Ecotourism category (with sister business Spirit of the Coorong also winning Gold in the Tour & Transport Operators category)

🏡 Old Coach Road Estate - Silver in the Self-Contained Accommodation category

These awards recognise the outstanding experiences being created right here in Victor Harbor and the passion behind the businesses that welcome visitors to our coast every day.

We’re proud to see Victor Harbor represented on the national stage. 👏

The gaol house rocked in Fremantle last night as South Australia's best tourism businesses partied at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held at Fremantle Prison.

Congratulations to our 25 finalists making South Australia proud at this prestigious event.

Special congratulations to our 11 medallists ✨
🥇The Big Duck Boat Tours - Ecotourism
🥇Spirit of the Coorong - Tour & Transport Operators
🥇Woodhouse Adventure Park - Unique Accommodation
🥈Adelaide Fringe - Major Festivals & Events
🥈Woodhouse Adventure Park - Adventure Tourism
🥈Old Coach Road Estate - Self-Contained Accommodation
🥈Monarto Safari Resort - New Tourism Business
🥈Adelaide Fringe - Excellence in Accessible Tourism
🥉Streaky Sounds Music Festival 2025 - Festivals & Events
🥉Monkey Nut Cafe - Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
🥉Seppeltsfield Barossa - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

100% of South Australia's national medallists hold Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, demonstrating passionate commitment to business development and tourism excellence.

Explore the full list of national winners and medallists here: https://australiantourismawards.com.au/finalists-winners/


South Australian Tourism Commission
Australian Tourism Industry Council

04/03/2026

Big news and very well deserved 👏

A huge congratulations to Old Coach Road Estate on being featured in the Australian Financial Review Life & Leisure Hot List for South Australia.

Recognition like this doesn’t just happen - it’s built on vision, commitment to quality and a deep understanding of what makes a stay truly memorable. Old Coach Road Estate continues to raise the bar, delivering an experience that reflects the character, beauty and quiet confidence of our region.

For Victor Harbor, moments like this matter. They shine a national spotlight on the calibre of operators choosing to invest, create and grow here. They show that our coastal destination is not only loved by visitors - it’s respected at the highest levels.

We’re proud to see a Victor Harbor property recognised among the state’s best.

Congratulations to the entire team at Old Coach Road Estate - you’re doing our region proud. 🌊

We were featured in the Australian Financial Review Life&Leisure "Hot List - South Australia" last month!

Described as a serene retreat in the hills above Victor Harbor, Old Coach Road Estate continues to be recognised as one of our state's most exclusive stays.

For those seeking privacy, panoramic views and uninterrupted time together, we invite you to book direct through our website for the full OCRE experience.



Discover more or check availability here;
https://oldcoachroadestate.com.au

24/02/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 - 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩

When Adriel Booker and her family moved to Victor Harbor in 2022, it was more than a sea change - it was a deliberate step toward community, connection and a different pace of life. Originally from the USA, she immigrated to Australia in her early twenties and later traded inner-city Sydney for mornings at Horseshoe Bay, evenings on the veranda overlooking Wattle Reserve, and the easy rhythm of life among gum trees and kookaburras.

Together with her husband Ryan, Adriel opened Found Coffee House and Vintage Shop as a natural extension of their background in not-for-profit community development and youth work. For them, hospitality is about far more than coffee. It’s about what they call “generous hospitality” - creating a space where people feel genuinely welcomed through a blend of cozy nostalgia, fresh creativity and neighbourly kindness.

Over time, Found has become part of the town’s living story. It’s where engagements are celebrated, birthdays gathered around, marathons toasted, reunions embraced and life’s tender moments quietly held. One customer returned week after week to sit in her late husband’s favourite seat, sharing memories with friends. Others received life-changing phone calls over coffee and were congratulated on the spot. These everyday yet extraordinary moments are what make the café so meaningful.

Sundays carry a special joy, with Adriel and Ryan’s teenage sons working alongside them - building confidence, learning to anticipate the needs of others and contributing to something the whole family has created together.

Before Found, Adriel worked as a Communications Manager in local government and spent more than two decades mentoring and training young people in leadership development and neighbourhood care. She is also a twice-published author and experienced facilitator. Across every chapter of her career, the common thread has been fostering community and helping people grow.

Looking ahead, she hopes to see Victor Harbor’s main street continue to thrive, with a growing arts and culture presence, vibrant small businesses and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. She hopes the community continues to grow its environmental awareness in both home and business practices, including learning from First Nations knowledge, to care for this remarkable coastal landscape for generations to come.

Through Found Coffee House, Adriel is already contributing to that future - one cup, one conversation and one meaningful moment at a time.

📸 Adriel Booker at Found Coffee House and Vintage Shop

11/02/2026

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬?

Whether you run a café, restaurant, tour, attraction, or any experience that tourists love, Visit Victor Harbor wants to help get it noticed! Share your special package, seasonal deal, or standout experience to 📧 [email protected], and the team will showcase it on the Visit Victor Harbor website.

The new 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 campaign is live, and celebrates the adventure, nature, and unforgettable experiences that make Victor Harbor so special. The campaign is currently being promoted across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, putting fresh eyes on our region.

Now’s a great time to jump on board and let the Visit Victor Harbor team help amplify your offer.

👉 Explore the campaign here:

Where nature beckons… and adventure awaits. There’s a timeless magic in Victor Harbor, where windswept beaches meet bush trails and quiet bays cradle the wonders of nature.