Tucked into a secluded corner between the blue waters of False Bay and the stunning Hottentots Holland range of mountains lies the picturesque seaside village of Gordon’s Bay. It is one of the towns comprising the area known as the Helderberg (“clear mountain”), the others being Somerset West, Strand, Macassar, Lwandle and Sir Lowry’s Pass.
Gordon’s Bay is named in honour of Colonel Robert Gordon who, despite his English-sounding name, was the Dutch garrison commander when the British captured the Cape in 1795. Visitors quite naturally presume that the whitewashed stones on the mountainside forming an anchor and the letters “GB” represent the initials of the town, but in fact they are a reminder of the days when the General Botha, a decommissioned old warship, was moored in the harbour and used for training Merchant Navy cadets.
Our blue flag status Bikini Beach is well known for it’s safety for bathing and protection from the wind. The main beach is ideal for children with it’s many rock pools and shallow water. A short drive away at the Strand is a very flat, safe beach, ideal for small children. Good facilities (including heated indoor pool) and lifesavers on duty in summer.
Water sports
Fishing, diving, shark cage diving and viewing..
Yachting, pleasure cruises, boat hire, waterskiing.
Blue Rock cable water ski, ideal for entire family, consisting of an overhead cable attached to a motor. 10-minute drive www.bluerock.co.za
Quite often, between July and September, we see whales in False Bay. The most renowned place to see them is Hermanus, only a 40-minute drive away. It offers the best land-based whale watching in the world and also employs the world’s only professional whale crier.Old Harbour, Gordon’s Bay
There are dozens of hiking trails in the Helderberg, the best-known being Wagon Wheel from the top of Sir Lowry’s Pass, Steenbras Gorge (full day, with swimming pools on the way) and the Boland Trail (single- and multi-day hikes) for which booking is essential. And the Danie Miller Hiking Trail, this hiking trail, against the side of the mountain on the contour just under The GB Anchor, is picturesque with a view of the whole of False Bay. It has been recently cleaned and cleared by the municipality. This was the initial of Glenn Bristow of the Berg en Zee guesthouse and for this we would like to thank him wholeheartedly. Access from Aurora, Kloof and Suikerbossie.Wine Routes
The Helderberg’s mountain and marine environment produces unique wines with a distinctive character. The best-known estates to visit are Spier, Eikendal, Ken Forrester, Somerbosch, Helderberg and Vergelegen (a must for all visitors). The new Ernie Else Estate. In addition, the world-renowned Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek wine routes are only 40 minutes away by car (Robertson takes a bit longer). All are highly recommended! For directions and opening times consult the Gordon’s Bay Tourism Bureau, or enquire at Reception.Things not to miss in the Winelands:
Lunch at the historic house at Vergelegen in Somerset West Sample handmade chocolate at De Oude Paarl Choco-deli in Paarl Visit the bizarre goat tower and taste cheese at Fairview in Paarl Watch the ‘sabrage’ of champagne at Haute Cabriere in Franschhoek Take in a show at the outdoor amphitheatre at Spier in Stellenbosch
Hike the Panorama Trail in the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch
Play golf on Jack Nicklaus’ Pearl Valley Golf Course near Paarl
Drive the scenic national monument road Bains Kloof Pass near Wellington
Fish for rainbow trout at Dewdale Farm in Franschhoek
When there’s snow it’s possible to ski in the Matroosberg Mountains
Do the On Foot Walking Tour around Stellenbsoch
Helicopter ride to private wine tasting – Rupert & Rothschild in Franschhoek
Golf Courses
Visitors are welcome most days of the week but should note that clubs usually have strict regulations regarding dress and handicaps.
The closest courses are:
Erinvale Golf Club (15 minutes). Note: members only
December to January. Tel: (021) 847 1906.
Arabella Estate (40 min.). Tel: (028) 284 0000.
Strand Golf Course (15 min.). Tel: (021) 853 6268.
Somerset West Country Club (20 min.). Tel: (021) 852 2925.
Spier De Zalze Club: (021) 809 1100
Vodacom driving range for novices & practice. Tel: (021) 852 8600.
Gordons Bay, South Africa
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| Month | Average Sunlight (hours) | Temperature | Discomfort from heat and humidity | Relative humidity | Average Precipitation ()) | Wet Days (+0.25 )) | ||||
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| Jan | 11 | 16 | 26 | 7 | 37 | Moderate | 72 | 54 | 15 | 3 |
| Feb | 10 | 16 | 26 | 5 | 38 | Moderate | 77 | 54 | 8 | 2 |
| March | 9 | 14 | 25 | 6 | 39 | Moderate | 85 | 57 | 18 | 3 |
| April | 8 | 12 | 22 | 3 | 39 | – | 90 | 60 | 48 | 6 |
| May | 6 | 9 | 19 | -1 | 35 | – | 91 | 65 | 79 | 9 |
| June | 6 | 8 | 18 | -2 | 29 | – | 91 | 64 | 84 | 9 |
| July | 6 | 7 | 17 | -2 | 29 | – | 91 | 67 | 89 | 10 |
| Aug | 7 | 8 | 18 | -1 | 32 | – | 90 | 65 | 66 | 9 |
| Sept | 8 | 9 | 18 | 1 | 34 | – | 87 | 62 | 43 | 7 |
| Oct | 9 | 11 | 21 | 1 | 32 | – | 79 | 58 | 31 | 5 |
| Nov | 10 | 13 | 23 | 4 | 34 | – | 74 | 56 | 18 | 3 |
| Dec | 11 | 14 | 24 | 5 | 38 | Moderate | 71 | 54 | 10 | 3 |
