Beaches
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Gordons Bay Situated on the Whale Coast in the little coastal village of Gordon's Bay, the family friendly Bikini Beach is one of Cape Town's six Blue Flag Beaches, indicating a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety. Along the False Bay coastline there are four Blue Flag Beaches, these are Mnandi Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Standfontein Beach, and of course Bikini Beach at Gordon's Bay right out on the easternmost side of False Bay.
Bikini Beach is an excellent swimming beach as the water is usually warm, calm and clear. Named after the numerous bikini clad Stellies students (Stellenbosch University) who are regulars, this intimate little beach has its own particular charm. Surrounded by the craggy Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, Bikini Beach is a good option when the wind is howling.
From Bikini Beach you have a never-ending view of the entire False Bay which curves in a huge arc from Gordon's Bay right round to Cape Point at its westernmost extremity. The shops are not far away and there are good changing room facilities. Also on the eastern shore of False Bay is Gordon's Bay Beach and Strand Beach, which are both great family beaches.
Things to do near
Gordons Bay
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Galleries and Museums
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Somerset West (5.1 km from Gordons Bay) Walk through an original historic migrant labour hostel. The only preserved hostel in the Wesrtern Cape, Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum is a memorial to the system of migrant labour, single sex hostels and the control of black workers through the identity document which controlled the lives of black South Africans under apartheid - the infamous pass book.The museum reminds residents and visitors of the horrific living conditions that the migrant labour system imposed. Lwandle was established in 1958 with hostel type accommodation for workers in the nearby fruit and canning industry. These hostels were only intended for single men. Hostels provided very basic accommodation with four to six men occupying a small confined space, with an entire block sharing rudimentary ablution facilities. In the 1980s, as the control of the flow of people from rural areas was eased, these hostels became even more overcrowded. Facilities were not provided to sustain the increased population.With the onset of democracy in South Africa, the ANC led government turned the hostels of Lwandle into family type accommodation. Residents of the area felt that at least one hostel should be preserved to sustain a memory of how the system of apartheid had operated and decided to establish a museum. On Workers Day (1 May) 2000 the museum was officially opened by the poet and ex-Lwandle resident, Sandile Dikeni. The museum's exhibits commemorate the trials, tribulations and triumphs of migrant workers and hostel life in Southern Africa. Here you can learn more about the migrant labour system, walk through an original historic hostel, meet members of the community and view the whole township on a guided walk.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
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Somerset West (5.2 km from Gordons Bay) An exciting and thrilling water activity awaits you at Blue Rock Lake. For a wild cable ski adventure, you won't have to travel far if you're in Cape Town.
Blue Rock uses an overhead cable system with an electric motor which pulls users around the lake. This system is completely user friendly and safe, as the water skiing is in a controlled area in addition to buoys and floating walkways which also separate activities. Skilled water ski instructors are always in attendance.
The resort also offers diving facilities, volley ball, swimming, rock jumping and a kids playground.
Popular Attractions
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Somerset West (7.2 km from Gordons Bay) Based in Somerset West, X Paintball is ready to take on large groups for an adrenalin-pumping paintball session.
All sessions are scenario based, making it an interactive, strategic and realistic paintball experience. There are three fields available, comprising bush, urban and tire environments, but can be combined together to create one large play area. Facilities include a braai area with tables and chairs, tuck shop and toilets.
Bookings are encouraged if you desire a private group session, or you may engage in social open sessions every first Sunday of the month. Rentals and markers are available.
Beaches
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Strand (7.6 km from Gordons Bay) With its five kilometre long stretch of white sand, Strand Beach is a perfect family beach for swimming, sunbathing and a variety of marine sports. There’s even a tidal pool for anyone who is not brave enough to plunge into the mellow surf.And if its waves you’re after, there are a number of surf spots to suit every level of surfer. Wannabee surfers can grab a lesson or two in gentle waves with Stand Surf School - 083 232 4822.Although the beach is mostly sandy, there are two rock pools frequented by rock and surf anglers at low tide.The town of Strand lies right next to the beach with a plethora of beachy restaurants and drinking spots. Access to the beach is easy and parking is never a problem.
Wine Estates
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Somerset West (9.1 km from Gordons Bay) Morgenster Estate is a thriving olive and wine farm, producing Bordeaux-style wines and award-winning extra virgin olive oil and olive products. The vineyard specialises in four red wine cultivars and our forte is blending. More recently, this winery has also planted small quantities of Italian varieties Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Morgenster has a host of olive products from the olives themselves to extra virgin olive oil and olive pastes for sale. The olive farm was named "Mill of the Year 2007" – the highest credential for olive producers.
Fun Parks
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Strand (9.5 km from Gordons Bay) Waterworld Strand is a popular family fun park near Strand Beach. The water park has a kids’ waterslide, adventure play section, shaded Jacuzzi pool for parents, coffee shop and benches with umbrellas for picnics. The venue is protected from the wind and the pools are solar heated.
Hiking Trail
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Somerset West (9.8 km from Gordons Bay) Go on guided walks and wine tastings on the Schapenberg Hills in the Somerset West, Sir Lowry's Pass vicinity.
Admire beautiful scenery and views across False bay and the Helderberg Basin. The area is rich in fynbos, which your guide will tell you about.
Enjoy a picnic and wine tasting at one of the participating farms.
The guided walks costs about R150 per person. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Golf Courses
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Somerset West (9.8 km from Gordons Bay) New championship layout with abundant water hazards and bunkers. Many of the holes on the back 9 play in semi-links style. Near the famed Strand Beach and Stellenbosch wine estates.
Wine Estates
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Somerset West (9.9 km from Gordons Bay) Officially part of the Helderberg Wine Route, Vergelegen is undeniably the best reason to visit the town of Somerset West. Not only are the Cape Dutch buildings national treasures, but the estate produces a range of South Africa's best wines.A notorious history precedes the grandiose estate, primarily built by Dutch East India Company slaves brought by the governor Simon van der Stel. Today the farm is owned by a subsidiary of the large mining company Anglo American, who restored the farmhouse to its original magnificence.Stroll through the massive grounds planted with chestnut and camphor trees. Beautiful ponds and streams make this one of the most tranquil places to picnic or chill out in. The interpretative centre provides an interesting overview of the history and environment of Vergelegen.Open daily 9:30am – 4pmLady Phillips Restaurant: 021 847 1346.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
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Somerset West (10 km from Gordons Bay) Vodacom Golf Village in Somerset West is one of eight "Pro Range Golf Centres" in South Africa. This friendly, helpful and superb golf driving range has enough bays to perfect your golf swing.
The driving range also has three putting practice greens and an area to practice chipping. The village also boasts a gym, a beauty salon and hairdresser and two restaurants - Primi Priatti or McNaughton's.
Golf Courses
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Cape Town (10.2 km from Gordons Bay) An 18 hole parkland type golf course, 5942 meters in length par 71.
Visitors are always most welcome.
Stunnning views of the magnificent Helderberg mountain.
The 19th Hole will remind you of the importance of good company.
Village Marketplaces
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Somerset West (10.4 km from Gordons Bay) The Southey's Vines Country Craft Market has been around for years. Open only during the summer months, your shopping experience will be enjoyable with the family in tow.
You'll find crafters at every turn, selling everything from jewellery, clothing, trinkets, to home decorations.
Hours are 08:00 to 13:00, and entry is free with plenty of free parking as well. The market begins on the 29th of September, and will be open on October 13th and 27th, November the 3rd, 10th and 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th, and lastly the 22th.
Golf Courses
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Somerset West (10.4 km from Gordons Bay) Host of the World Cup 1996 and South African Airways Open 2003 and 2004, Erinvale is considered one of the best residential golf courses in South Africa. Designed by legendary course designer and golfer Gary Player, the course features many of his distinctive immaculate challenges.Stunning views, well established shade trees and the substantial attention to maintenance of the fairways elevate this course to world-class standards.The first nine holes are on the low lying part of the estate and the second nine are on higher, rolling ground. The standard of the gorgeous shaped greens and beautifully consistent putting surfaces remains throughout.All in all Erinvale promises a superb experience when you play a round of 18 on this outstanding layout in the Winelands.
Shopping Malls
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Strand (10.9 km from Gordons Bay) Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West and as far afield as Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainment environment, alongside a superior browsing and shopping experience.
Shopping Malls
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Somerset West (10.9 km from Gordons Bay) The Somerset Mall is a large shopping venue in the Helderberg area offering numerous shops ranging from boutique clothing stores to anchor shops like Pick 'n Pay, Woolworths and Dion Wired.
All major banks are represented in this Mall and it also houses a variety of coffee shops, fast food outlets and restaurants. Ster Kinekor movies and ten pin bowling is also contained in this Mall.