Town Crier Mike Willett has been an iconic sight at events and festivities in Victor Harbor for the past nine years.

Dressed in full regalia and ringing his bell, he cuts a colourful figure as he highlights the region.

Historically town criers were an important source of news and public announcements—kind of an early app.

Mike first took on the role in the Victorian town of Gisborne 22 years ago, to help boost local tourism after the Western Freeway bypassed the main street.

“The business association had the idea of reviving the Town Crier from the 1800s,” Mike says.

“The only question was, who’s going to be silly enough to put their hand up?”

He was so successful he became the official Town Crier of the Macedon Ranges Shire.

After a stint overseas Mike and his wife decided to settle on the south coast and he brought his town crier expertise to Victor Harbor.

He has travelled interstate and overseas to spread the word about the Fleurieu, winning many awards, including the Australasian Town Crier championship.

“I love doing it,” Mike says. “I love meeting people and promoting the area, spruiking Victor Harbor.”

Now he is set to expand his town crier presence, by introducing walking tours.

The leisurely-paced tours will take an hour to view some of the historic sites and buildings of the town and Mike will take visitors back in time to learn about the region’s colourful past.

After the walk they can join him for a ride on the horse-drawn tram, across the causeway to Granite Island.

Tours run Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 1pm from outside the Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre, starting September 14.

They cost $40 per person, which includes an information pack and the return trip on the tram, free for children under 12.

Book online for a discount and take advantage of the special introductory offer of $29.95.​