Approaching the Western Cape town of Bredasdorp during spring, travellers are presented with a spectacular patchwork of bright yellow and green colours from the canola and wheat crops surrounding the town. At any other time, the ploughed fields are overrun by sheep, and the occasional blue crane is spotted mingling amid the flock.
Bredasdorp is the hub of the southern portion of the Western Cape region and a commercial centre for neighbouring towns. Its innovative town leaders are attracting business and tourism to the area too through various initiatives.
The town was established in 1838 by a member of a prominent Cape family, Michiel van Breda. He bred merino sheep on his farm that helped to launch a major agricultural industry across South Africa.
Bredasdorp has its share of old town charm but is also large enough to offer all amenities of a small city.
Top 8 reasons to visit Bredasdorp
1. Take a walk through town to visit the old goal, see the washing stone and spend a relaxing moment in the PE Roux memorial garden. Check out the old churches and dine at one of the restaurants in Bredasdorp Square.
2. Anyone mildly interested in maritime history will appreciate the displays at the Bredasdorp shipwreck museum. This well-known museum houses fascinating and original artefacts from the countless ships that wrecked in stormy waters along the southern Cape coastline.
3. With wide fairways and perfectly manicured greens, the 9-hole course at Bredasdorp Golf Club plays easily and visitors return regularly, both for a round and to reconnect with the hospitable members.
4. The Heuningberg Nature Reserve is slowly being cleared of alien vegetation and endemic mammals, birds, reptiles and insects are returning to the reserve. When hiking through the reserve, expect to see a variety of small wild cat, buck, porcupine, mongoose and baboon.
5. Bredasdorp hosts various well-attended events during the year, the principal events being the Foot of Africa Marathon, the Patat Festival Trail Run and the #imagine Experience, a Christian camp for under 18s.
6. Purchase unique gifts at Julian Keyser Ceramics, renowned for stunning hand-painted ceramics and Kapula Candles, makers of vibrant hand- and frost-painted candles.
7. Visit the Black Oystercatcher wine farm on the Elim Wine Route to discover their flagship Sauvignon Blanc wine, produced from vines planted directly in the path of a cool sea breeze.
8. The Cape Floral Kingdom Expo takes place annually in Bredasdorp and offers something for all ages. There are popup shops, a flea market, equestrian events and a flower run. A highlight of the expo is the Mad Hatter’s programme.
Transport
Bredasdorp is 170km away from Cape Town International Airport. There is a small airport at Andrew's Field in nearby Struisbaai for chartered flights. Car rental agencies are based in the nearby towns of Hermanus and Swellendam, and at the airports to hire a vehicle or you could order a rental online. Cape Town shuttle service operators transport visitors between the airport and Bredasdorp, however, it’s more practical to hire a vehicle.
Did you know?
Radio Overberg is broadcast from a radio station in Bredasdorp. The station has proved to be extremely popular with the locals and operates 24/7 on a FM channel. The station offers a talk and music mix, with up-to-date news to keep listeners in the know.
Near to Bredasdorp is a restricted air force base and missile test range site. The test flight and development centre there evaluates new flight technologies and has a full squadron permanently stationed on the base.
