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It's sheltered beach and harbours play host to numerous regattas and other yachting and angling events, combining the flavour of an international resort with the charm of an old-style coastal towns. In summer narrow streets and the bustling beachfront comes alive with the sounds of happy holidays in progress.
The Helderberg boasts three 18-hole golf courses. One is the Gary Player designed Erinvale Golf Course which hosted the World Cup in 1996. Then there is the Somerset West Country Club and Strand Golf Course where golf equipment can be hired. For the novices we have the Vodacom Golf Village driving range.
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Golf Course |
Nature Reserve |
The Bay |
Strand Fireworks |
Helderbraü |
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is one of the treasures of the Helderberg region. It starts at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, where families picnic in the shade of ancient oaks amidst rolling lawns and reaches up to the mountainside where hardy fynbos plants cling to the steep slopes. Birds are abundant in the reserve and over the years some 169 species have been recorded. Several species of small antelope are found in the reserve and visitors may be privileged to spot Grey Duiker, Grysbok and Steenbok.
Helderberg Wine Route
In as much as the Helderberg Wine Route shares many attributes with Stellenbosch and its wine growing region, it also has so much more that sets it apart. The personalities of the wines produced in the Helderberg area are influences by the proximity to the ocean and the cooling summer sea breezes. The soils too, which are amongst the finest in the region, has a marked effect on the growing and nurturing of these vines.
Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum and Arts & Crafts Centre
This is the first township-based museum in the Western Cape and the first museum to commemorate migrancy in South Africa. Lwandle started in 1958 as single dwelling hostels for migrant workers. It is now a vibrant Community of families. The museum, located in the former community hall, through its exhibits commemorates the trials, tribulations and triumphs of migrant workers and hostel life in Southern Africa. Situated in the former municipal beer hall you will find the arts &crafts center that now produces a variety of handcrafts and encourages creativity and artistic talent.
Helderbraü
Helderbraü is one of the few privately owned small breweries in the country. They offer unique tasting German beer on tap. The beer is only available directly from the brewery in 12.5 liter Kegs.
Blue Rock Cable Waterski
The first cable water-ski of its kind in the Western Cape, promises to be fun for the whole family. An overhead cable system with an electric motor is used to pull skiers around the lake and completely safe.
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Vintage Train |
Gordon's Bay Harbour |
Koelbaai |
Gordon's Bay Beach |
Bay Views |
Vintage Train Rides
Enjoy a vintage train ride up the magnificent Sir Lowry's Pass rail route with spectacular views over False Bay, up to Table Mountain. Beaches and Swimming
The long, sheltered beached of False Bay are excellent fro swimming, bathing and is especially popular with water-sports enthusiasts. Strand's main beaches are Milk Bay beach and Harmony beach. Both Strand and Gordon's Bay's main beaches are flanked by a promenade, which is lined with café's restaurants, and shops. The narrow sheltered Bikini Beach nestles between the mountain and the Gordon's Bay Harbour. For the best surfing experience Kogelbaai Beach is a must. This long stretch of pure white beach, situated on Faure Marine/Clarens Drive just outside Gordon's Bay, is an ideal spot for camping and caravanning and also the only braai area on the Helderberg coast. The Strand also boasts a heated Olympic size indoor swimming pool situated next to the Strand Pavilion on Beach Road for those cooler days.
Charter Cruises
An alternative means of viewing the Helderberg is from the deck of a charter boat, which leave daily (weather permitting) from the Gordon's Bay Harbour and Harbour Island.
Coastal Drive
The coastal road from Gordon's Bay to Rooi Els and Betty's Bay, named Faure Marine/Clarence Drive, is a spectacular route with steep cliffs and lovely coves. Locals label it as the Helderberg's own "Chapman's Peak" and the route offers amazing views over False Bay, right up to Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Whale Watching
Between June and December each year, hundreds of Southern Right Whales visit the sheltered, shallow bays of the South African coastline to calve and nurture their offspring. Many of these massive mammals visit False Bay each year and the best place to spot them are at official whale watching spots found on the Faure Marine/Clarence Drive, the coastal road from Gordon's Bay to Rooi Els.
Steenbras Dam
The Steenbras Dam is primarily a water source for the Unicity of Cape Town. There are several secluded picnic sites and braai areas within the 1200 hectares of pine plantations around the dams. The waters are well stocked annually with trout and fishing is permissible provided a permit is obtained. Bird life is plentiful and hundred of Egyptian geese nest on the shores and islands of the upper dam.
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Vergelegan |
Flea Market |
Morgenster Estate |
View |
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Vergelegen
Vergelegen, with its magnificent backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains is a must for all visitors. Granted to Governor Willem van der Stel in 1700, it is one of the Cape's most historic landmarks. Visitors can admire Camphor Trees, wander through the Octagonal and Rose Gardens and view the library. There are guided tours to the Wine Cellar, which is built into the side of Rondekop Hill and also offers wonderful views across False Bay to Table Mountain. Teas and lunches are served at Lady Phillips tea Garden.
Arts and Crafts
Somerset West is famous for its craft markets, which are held at Southey's Vines in the main Street on Saturday mornings.
Monkey Town
Primate Centre. Have fun with 25 exotic monkey species and chimps frolicking in a leafy park. Take a guided tour or enjoy a relaxing lunch in the restaurant while the kids play in the farmyard and jungle gym.
Morgenster Estate Extra virgin olive oil is produced and sold at this historic estate in Somerset West. Although the homestead is not open to the public, its particularly fine gable can be viewed from the front avenue.
Click Here to View Map of Wine Route |
PROPERTY TO BUY: 
The Helderberg offers the visitor a wide range of accommodation to suit every taste, from five star hotels, excellent guesthouses and bed & breakfast to self-catering chalet and camping facilities. The Helderberg is home to a large number of conference venues from small to large and has in the past hosted international conferences. All major banks are represented and most have foreign exchange facilities. Each town has a main post office and there are two private hospitals within the area. 
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