George Attractions
George is picturesquely situated on a coastal plateau at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, which reach a height of 1579m/5181ft in George Peak, 8km/5mi from the coast of the Indian Ocean. One of the principal towns on the Garden Route, with its own airport, it is good center for excursions in the surrounding area.
The agricultural area round George is intensively cultivated. One of the main crops is hops.
George (originally called Georgetown) was founded in 1811 and named after King George III. Anthony Trollope, visiting South Africa in 1877, declared that George was "the prettiest village on the face of the earth". In recent years this "garden city", its broad streets lined by oak-trees, has grown considerably in size.
The town's main street is York Street (the continuation of N 2 coming from Mossel Bay), which runs into Courtenay Street at a T junction.
An unforgettable experience is a trip on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, a narrow-gauge steam train running on a spectacular line between George and Knysna. Particularly impressive is the crossing of the Kaaimans River, which at this point, just before it flows into the Indian Ocean, has cut a deep gorge through the rock.
The agricultural area round George is intensively cultivated. One of the main crops is hops.
George (originally called Georgetown) was founded in 1811 and named after King George III. Anthony Trollope, visiting South Africa in 1877, declared that George was "the prettiest village on the face of the earth". In recent years this "garden city", its broad streets lined by oak-trees, has grown considerably in size.
The town's main street is York Street (the continuation of N 2 coming from Mossel Bay), which runs into Courtenay Street at a T junction.
An unforgettable experience is a trip on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, a narrow-gauge steam train running on a spectacular line between George and Knysna. Particularly impressive is the crossing of the Kaaimans River, which at this point, just before it flows into the Indian Ocean, has cut a deep gorge through the rock.
Dutch Reformed Church of Sts Peter and Paul
The Dutch Reformed Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1842, has a pulpit of stinkwood and pillars and dome of yellowwood.
George Museum
The George Museum illustrates the history of the region and the local timber industry, and also displays a collection of musical instruments.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 13:00 |
Van Kervel Nature Reserve
The Van Kervel Nature Reserve (area 9ha/22ac), with indigenous trees and plants.
George Surroundings
Outeniqua Hiking Trail
The Outeniqua Hiking Trail, a 137km/85mi long ridge walk through the Outeniqua Mountains, runs from the Witfontein forest station near George to the Diepwalle forest station near Knysna. The walk takes eight days.
Outeniqua Pass
From George N 12 runs north through the Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn (60km/37mi). 15km/9mi from George it comes to the Outeniqua Pass (799m/2,622ft). On the way up to the pass there are fine views of the fertile countryside, but beyond the pass the scene changes as the road enters the arid region of the Little Karoo.
Seven Passes Road
The Seven Passes Road, the old main road between George and Knysna, part of which is unsurfaced, runs through a lonely landscape above N 2. The views from this road, however, are no more spectacular than those from the faster coast road.
