Bredasdorp, Cape Agulhas
Book charming Bredasdorp accommodation for a getaway to remember during your time in sunny South Africa. The quaint town of Bredasdorp, which claims to be the first town or ‘dorp' established in South Africa, lies on the slopes of a fairly high hill known as the Preekstoel (pulpit), in the midst of giant proteas and wheat fields. The proteas grow on the ridges of the hill and serve as one of the main products of the Bredasdorp district.
Bredasdorp is named after the first mayor of Cape Town, Michiel van Breda, who is also considered the father of the merino sheep industry in the country, having introduced the animals on to his farm, Zoetendals Vallei. Bredasdorp today is the economic hub of the Cape Agulhas region for local farmers and tourists to the area.
The Overberg District Council's Head Office is resident here and has been partly responsible for the fairly rapid development of the town. Despite this, Bredasdorp maintains its rural, ‘dorp' type atmosphere and, like many of the little towns in this part of the world, offers a real ‘getaway' from the madding crowds for city dwellers and for holiday makers.
An interesting rift between van Breda and his neighbour, Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl, resulted in a rent in the Dutch Reformed Church in Bredasdorp. The original NG church was built in 1860 and is still standing next to the rectory - a dignified example of neo-Gothic style architecture that forms part of the Shipwreck Museum complex. The rivalry led to the establishment of a second church in what is today the little town of Napier, but at the time was van der Byl's farm. Independent Street in Bredasdorp is a tribute to the event.
Bredasdorp is probably best known for its Shipwreck Museum, which is the only one of its kind in the country. It offers an extensive collection of artefacts and furniture from ships wrecked along the coast and also showcases pieces specific to the Overberg. One can see cannons, chinaware, coins, buoys and ships bells, and the old parsonage or rectory, which has been restored, is furnished with pieces salvaged from shipwrecks, making it particularly interesting. Another of the rooms in the Shipwreck Museum is a tribute to South African author, Audrey Blignault, who was born in Bredasdorp.
The Heuningberg Nature Reserve at the top end of Van Riebeeck Street in Bredasdorp is a must for nature lovers and birders and offers various short hikes and walks in the nearby mountain.
Additional Reading
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
There is a very friendly tourism bureau that will give you loads of tips on where to go and what to do, we enjoyed our short visit. Its a GREAT base for exploring this region (like Arniston and Baardskeerdersbos which are close by) and of course the Tip of Africa!
Carla H (Pietermaritzburg)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Opstal Houses
The Opstal Houses are three spacious houses set among the milkwoods and close to the vlei. These houses are well appointed and perfect for famili...
7 on South
7 on South offers modern self-catering accommodation in Bredasdorp, an area best known for many historical churches, art galleries, and craft sho...
Opstal Equipped Cottages
Opstal Equipped Cottages are all fully equipped for self-catering stays in De Hoop Nature Reserve. They have well appointed kitchens, bedrooms an...
Black Oystercatcher Cottages
Black Oystercatcher is a boutique family run wine farm that forms part of the Elim Wine Ward found on the Agulhas Plain of South Africa. The Blac...
Herberg 4 @ Die Opstal
Herberg Room 4 is one bedroom, en-suite room furnished with two single beds. There is also a desk for working, ironing and vanity. The kitchen ar...
De Hoop Village
The De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation. From affordable self-catering chalets and cottages to five-star fully catered lodges...
6onKloof Guesthouse
6onKloof Guesthouse is a distinctive 1920s residence that has been tastefully renovated to preserve its historic charm while incorporating modern...
Herberg 3 @ Die Opstal
Herberg Flat 3 has one en-suite bedroom furnished with two single beds. There is also a desk for working, ironing and vanity. The kitchen is equi...
Opstal Suites
Opstal Suites offer luxury accommodation in De Hoop Reserve that includes dinner and breakfast in The Fig Tree Restaurant. There are 12 suites in...
Opstal Vlei Cottages
The thatched Opstal Vlei Cottages are two-bedroomed cottages with fireplaces overlooking the wetland. There are three lovely cottages each with t...
Opstal Camp Rondawels
These five campsite rondawels are thatched cottages with two beds, outdoor shared showers and toilets. Perfect for guests looking for simple and ...
Bredasdorp Square
Bredasdorp Square is located in the old heart of Bredasdorp with its graceful Victorian buildings dating from the 1890's overlooking the beautifu...
Opstal Manor House
Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home which has been restored to its former glory. Accommodation includes dinner and breakfast which i...
Prinskraal Homestead
Prinskraal is a working farm on the Agulhas plains. The property has recently been renovated as self catering accommodation for up to 12 guests. ...
Things to do in the area
EnviroWines Wine Shop
Our Wine Shop is situated in the heart of Bredasdorp in the Overberg (only 20 minutes drive from the Southern Tip of Africa). We offer exceptiona...
Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum
The Bredasdorp Museum is primarily a maritime Museum whose primary theme is "Shipwrecks along the dangerous Southern Cape coast and their influen...
Adrian's Bistro
Adrian's Bistro is a lovely bistro with tea garden situated in the centre of Bredasdorp. Children can play in the large and beautiful garden whil...
PE Le Roux Memorial Garden
The garden on the square in Bredasdorp is the is the PE Roux Memorial Garden that was rebuilt in 2002 with contributions from local businesses. T...
Bredasdorp Historical Walk
There is a great historical walk of Bredasdorp that you can do starting at the Tourism Bureau (you'll find that it's more-or-less in the middle o...
Spookdraai Hiking Trail
There is no secret behind the name of this hiking trail at Cape Agulhas. There have been so many shipwrecks along this coastline that even if you...
Red Windmill Farmstall
Just outside Napier, en route to Bredasdorp, is wonderful old Cape Dutch style farmhouse with a red roof. To one side stands the red windmill fro...
Rasperpunt Hiking Trail
More commonly known as the Agulhas walking trail, because it takes place within the Agulhas National Park, the Rasperpunt hike begins just west o...
The Whale Trail
Start: Potberg, De Hoop Nature ReserveFinish: Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature ReserveDuration: 54 km, 5 daysFitness: moderate to difficult (this i...
Noteworthy attractions
Agulhas National Park
Lying in what is known as the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of Africa is the Agulhas National Park, just 45 kilometres from the popular v...
De Hoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a f...
Cape Agulhas Wine Route
Elim is something of a phenomenon as its unique ‘terroir' has caused much excitement in the wine community worldwide. The cool and strong winds t...
Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve
Formerly known as Waenhuiskrans until a ship by the name of Arniston was wrecked here, the village is a much sought after holiday residence becau...
The Whale Coast Route
The Whale Route begins in Cape Town and follows the particularly pretty R44, also known as Clarence Drive, through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserv...
Tip of Africa Route
Based on the Overberg Tourism map, the Tip of Africa Route starts in Cape Town, where you take the N2 via Grabouw and Caledon to the pretty town ...
Waenhuiskrans Cave
Waenhuiskrans (wagon house cliff) is the highlight of a visit to Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve in Arniston. What makes the Waenhuiskrans Cave so e...
Cape Agulhas Wine Estates
The official wine route of Cape Agulhas transports tourists to a charming part of the country and includes the area of Montagu. Although this is ...
De Mond Nature Reserve
As its name suggests De Mond Nature Reserve lies at a river mouth – the Heuningnes River - in the curve of a natural bay, almost halfway between ...
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