Bredasdorp Attractions

At the end of Van Riebeeck Road is the Bredasdorp Nature Reserve (area 800ha/2,000ac). The flora of the reserve includes many species of Protea and Erica and the red Bredasdorp lily, and it is home to many small mammals and birds. From a 368m/1,207ft high hill there are fine views of the town and surrounding area. The park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit it is in September and October, when large numbers of spring flowers are in bloom.

The Shipwreck Museum is small but of great interest. It charts the numerous ships which have foundered on this treacherous coast - among them the British troopship HMS "Birkenhead", which sank in 1852 with the loss of 450 men - and displays a great variety of material recovered from the wrecks - ships' figureheads, gold and silver coins, nautical equipment, etc. The oldest objects come from the "Nieuw Haerlem", which sank in 1647. In another hall is a collection of old vehicles and furniture.