Great Brak

Attractions and Culture

Beaches are safe, uncrowded and offer surf and rock fishing. A walk around the marshland meanders past the river estuary, historic houses, buildings and the largest and oldest known pepper tree in South Africa. Other sports activities include tennis, bowls and cycling. During the winter months, whale watching is a popular pastime with viewing points situated at Glentana, Great Brak and Little Brak River, and dolphins visit throughout the year.

Great Brak River is not only the perfect holiday spot, it is also the ideal base for exploring the beautiful Garden Route. Within an hour's drive is Oudtshoorn with its ostrich and crocodile farms and the unique and world famous Cango Caves. To the west lies Mossel Bay for deep-sea fishing and Hartenbos for outdoor and heated indoor bathing. Victoria Bay to the east promises perfect waves for serious surfers.

On the sea front of the river mouth, its sandy beach stretches 10km to the wreck of Glentana in the east and 20km to Mossel Bay Yacht Club in the west - all excellent hiking trails along the unspoilt beaches of Glentana, Outeniqua, Botha, Pienaarstrand and the very popular Southern Cross. To the west you will find the much sought after beaches of Souwesia, Tergniet and Rhebok.

Visitors can discover the magnificent scenery by foot on several hiking trails, such as Wolwedans Dam (6km), the Glentana trail to the old shipwreck or walk through the quaint little village with all its historical buildings and interesting history and traditions. Maybe have a cup of tea at one of the lovely tea gardens. Being on the whale route it is quite common to spot dolphins or whales in the bay. The presence of the Southern Right whales from May until November is one of the main attractions.

Near the mouth at the southern end of the estuary is the island, which is connected to the eastern shore of the estuary by a single land bridge. On the dunes to the east of the mouth lies Hersham and the west lies Southern Cross, with many holiday homes of timber frame structure, which characterizes the area. The original Great Brak village is at the north end of the estuary. It has a true village character, sparingly endowed with well-kept attractive and interesting old buildings. It has hardens, trees, vegetable pots, horses and farm animals.

With its legendary year- round climate, Great Brak River offers a truly exceptional environment and is one of the most affordable destinations along the coast. The town has a population of 8 000 and is mainly an Afrikaans Speaking community. The biggest employer is still the Watson Shoe factory although the tourism industry is a fast growing economic activity.

History of Great Brak

In the middle of the nineteenth century when buffalo, leopard, elephants and many variety of buck abounded, it was very difficult to cross over the Great Brak River. It was decided to build a causeway over the river. Richard Searle and his family were sent from Cape Town to supervise the building of the bridge. He was the first toll keeper. Deciding to settle in Blanco, he sent for brother Charles and his family from England to take over as the tollhouse keeper. Charles and his family stayed in the Tollhouse for 3 years and when his contract ended in 1864, Charles hastily built a flat roofed house next door and opened the first shop. In 1865 the contract was renewed for 5 years and in that time Charles established temporary accommodation and conveyed passengers from Great Brak River to Mossel Bay and George. He was also the local postmaster. In 1867 a devastating flood hit Great Brak River and in 1869 the fire from Swellendam to Humansdorp caused great damage. The Searle family helped with the rebuilding if the village. In 1868 Charles purchased part of the farm Voorburg and started more businesses such as the corn mill and woolwashery. He retired and handed the business over to his 3 sons. In 1886 the she factory came into being with 2 workers, and the Tannery in 1887.

The village grew rapidly. One of the sons, Willies, developed the Hydro - electric Power Station which supplied the first electricity in 1924. A new bridge was built across the river in 1965 and the Wolwedans Dam was completed in 1989, supplying cooling water to Petrosa and also helping to control the floods.