Luxury Holiday Beachfront Apartm

in Gordons Bay

things to do and places to visit

Gordons Bay is a small beachfront community lying on False Bay in the Western Cape which is one of South Africa’s most popular and picturesque tourist areas. It is about 45 minutes from Cape Town and about 35 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. It is also on the fringe of the Stellenbosch wine region which starts in Somerset West, less than 10 minutes away. To the south, over Sir Lowry’s Pass, is Hermanus, famous for whale watching.

Gordons Bay remains a small, picturesque old-style seaside village boasting two harbours, narrow streets and a beautiful water front. It nestles in the corner of False Bay, between the blue Indian Ocean and with the visually stunning Hottentots Holland Mountains as a spectacular backdrop.

The beachfront of Gordons Bay is lined with small restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, a bookstore and curio shops. All overlook a clean sandy beach which slopes down gently down into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The area is renowned for its stunning sunsets.

The village was once known as Combuys because fresh water, fish and game could be obtained there. It was renamed Gordons Bay after Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch military officer who commanded the Cape garrison from 1777 to 1795. Above the harbour on the mountainside is a giant anchor and the letters “GB” written in stone. These do not stand for Gordons Bay but for General Botha which was the original name of the Naval Station which is adjacent to the old harbour and the yacht marina.

Facilities in Gordons Bay

Eating and drinking – There are a large number of good restaurants, pubs and coffee shops to be found in and around Gordons Bay with an emphasis on fresh locally-caught seafood. Most restaurants are along Beach Road or at the Old Harbour. There are also a number on the boardwalk at Harbour Island. A little further away, there are plenty of eating places along the beach front at Strand.

Shopping – In Gordons Bay, there are a number of shops in Beach Road and the small roads set back behind this. These include a small supermarket, filling station (with car wash), internet café, a bookshop and some interesting curio and gift shops. In the Bay Centre on the back road, there are Pick ‘n Pay and Spar supermarkets and other shops including a tobacconist, pharmacy, locksmith, video shop and hardware shop.

Beaches – Gordons Bay has two beach areas. Main Beach sweeps round the bay, and is a safe area to walk or swim, although the waves can be strong at times. Bikini Beach (just beyond the Old Harbour) is a smaller and very beautiful beach, very popular with sunbathers and with safe and protected swimming.

Harbour Island boardwalk & marina – This leisure harbour and marina complex halfway between Gordons Bay and Strand has a variety of restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy a quiet lunch by the water.

Amenities – Gordons Bay is well provided with useful amenities – a post office, internet café and small tourist office are all within easy walking distance. There is a BP petrol station and shop at the junction of Beach Road and R44. There is also a small clinic.

Walking and Hiking Trails – There are some lovely walks above Gordons Bay, including the Danie Miller trail which traces the foot of the mountains from Aurora Drive to the landmark anchor. The historic cannon and wagon wheel walk from Sir Lowry’s Pass viewpoint passes through the historic Gantouw Pass. Enjoy the sound of running water and a dip in Chrystal Pools up Steenbras Valley.

Sports

Yachting and Boat Trips - Charter cruises leave daily (weather permitting) from the Old Harbour and also from Harbour Island. Bookings can be made through the Helderberg Tourism Bureau. The Gordons Bay Yacht Club offers temporary membership to overseas yachtsmen.
Fishing - The Gordons Bay Boat Angling Club is sited at Harbour Island. The Gordons Bay Offshore Classic is an annual weeklong offshore gamefishing tournament in May attracting keen anglers from far and wide.

more things to do further afield . . .