Things to Do in Hermanus

Rowweklip Beach is a tiny private beach nestled between Grotto Beach and Voelklip Beach. From the Rowweklip bench you can see the sun rise and set. It's a magical place.

Tee off on one of the top golf courses in the Western Cape. Arabella is a classic parkland course with spectacular views across the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg Mountain Range. It is also home to the annual Nelson Mandela Invitational Tournament. The Arabella Golf Course in South Africa is ranked by Compleat Golfer magazine as the number one golf course in the Western Cape. It is also featured in Golf Digest’s USA’s Top 60 courses outside of America in 2007. A round of golf here is truly an exceptional experience.

Managed by Cape Nature, Walker Bay stretches along the coast from De Kelders to the Hermanus Lagoon. Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers much for the whole family. From wide beaches to sea caves, good fishing grounds to pretty fynbos and hiking trails.A 24 km hiking trail hugs the coastline and there are several beaches and protected coves. Die Plaat, a vast area dominated by drift-sand can be seen from the other side of Walker Bay. The entrance to the reserve is on the northern edge of De Kelders. The famous Klipgat Cave can be reached by a boardwalk and steps from the entrance.

Birkenhead, the first wine and brewing estate in South Africa, proudly runs a small but growing microbrewery, winery and vineyards. Well worth a visit, not only for beer and wine fanatics, but for anyone keen to spend time at their beautiful country estate beneath the Klein Rivier Mountains. Taste their exceptional beer at the Birkenhead Brewery and grab a meal at the restaurant and pub. And don't miss visiting the winery to tasting their Walker Bay Vineyards wines. www.birkenhead.co.za

Climb aboard Platanna for a ‘Wind in the Willows’ river adventure in Stanford. Named for the resident frog, Platanna is a 20-foot (6 m) ex fishing boat that hosts lazy river cruises down the Klein River from the Victorian village of Stanford. She has the capacity to carry up to twelve passengers for a gentle meander past the village. The cruise offers some great bird watching and superb mountain views. You might even spot terrapins or an otter. Pack your own picnic or contact Tim and trusty crew will provide it all for you. Sunset champagne cruises are exquisite! 073 318 5078 cruise@platanna.com

Situated in the heart of the Overberg, the quaint village of Stanford is just half an hour outside of Hermanus and an hour and a half from Cape Town.Stanford Gallery exhibits the work of latter day South African artists of the past few decades, as well as prominent contemporary artists and notable emerging artists. Mosey around and you might find an etching by Pippa Skotness, a drawing by Pieter van der Westhuizen or a lyrical landscape by Joshua Miles.The Overberg has a wealth of creative talent and Stanford Gallery is committed to promoting local artists whose work is fast establishing a reputation in this region.The gallery has a beautifully appointed studio, which opens onto the village green.  Regular workshops explore a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to printmaking. The studio is also available to art societies and groups who would like to make use of it.Need to know? Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 8am till 5pm.

Cool sea breezes and a mountainous microclimate ensure that the grapes ripen slowly which contributes to the smooth quality of the wine. Stanford Hills Winery produces an award winning Pinotage under the label of Jacksons Pinotage. The last three vintages have all been awarded four stars in the John Platter guide. Grapes are hand picked and selected, to ensure that only the best quality grapes are included in the final product. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines were planted, and are expected to produce in 2008.

Harbour Road Village offers interesting shops including pottery, bric-a-brac, shabby chic furniture and clothing, restaurants and a view of the sea.

The incredibly scenic Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated between the coast and the mountainside. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls, amber pools, deep gorges and abundant birdlife. Deep in the heart of the fynbos region, it is one of the best places to explore coastal fynbos. And its vast – there are 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos as well as 190 hectares of natural fynbos! Keen hikers should lace up their boots and hit the Leopard Kloof Trail. The 3 km round trip leads through fern forests and up to a waterfall. You’ll need to get a permit and pay a key deposit. Need to know? Opens at 08:00, closes at 16:30 on weekdays and at 17:00 on weekends and public holidays. The parking area closes at 18:00 in winter and 19:00 in summer. Keen gardeners can purchase plants from the indigenous plant nursery.

Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre is one of the most unique and awe inspiring settings for performances in the Overberg. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate 600 seater-arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.Pack a picnic basket, purchase estate wine and come enjoy an evening of entertainment with great stars, under the stars!Only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International.Need to know? Blankets, cushions and warm jackets are recommended. Seats are unreserved on a first come, first served basis. Limited table bookings available at an additional cost. (For table bookings call 021 8440605).

Nestled in the pristine and tranquil Kogelberg Biosphere you will find one of the best kept secrets of the Cape Overberg. The Elgin Grabouw Country Club boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Hottentots Holland, Nuweberg and Groenland Mountains. Combined with the waterfront ambiance of the Eikenhof Dam and the extensive pine forests, this venue will leave you with an overwhelming sense of tranquillity and enchantment. The surrounding mountains are immensely popular with hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers and the Country Club acts as the “gateway to the great outdoors” in that it is the ideal base for excursions into the surrounding mountains. Bring the whole family for a wonderful day out in the Overberg.

The Raka brand was named after Piet Dreyer's black fishing vessel. Piet's first love has always been the sea. For some 36 years he braved the storms and challenges of the coast, ever in search of the best catch. It is with this same passion that the Dreyer family now pursue the art of winemaking. With the rich blessing of earth and elements, the help of a dedicated workforce, the enthusiasm of winemaker Josef Dreyer and the advantages of a modern gravity flow cellar, Piet Dreyer produces his award-winning Raka wines. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:30 and Saturday 10:00 - 15:00 December to January. Out of season please phone ahead.

Pringle Bay beach is a stunning long and wide beach with sugar white fine sand. This beautiful sandy beach is surrounded by sand dunes on the one side and the ocean on the other. It is set against a backdrop of mountains covered by unique fynbos. It's a great place to watch the sun set over the distant Table Mountain.

Genadendal Handweavers started as a job-creation project initiated by The Kraal Gallery, but partnered by the Department of Economic Development, Rotary International, private family trusts and the community. Their mantra is ‘weaving broadens horizons’, evident in the vibrant hues and diverse range of beautifully woven products. The business employs locally trained women to create innovative and desirable items and works of art. 082 433 3540 www.thekraalgallery.com

Take a trip back in time at a South African National Cultural Treasure, the Genadendal Mission Museum. See the country's oldest pipe organ, the oldest fire engine, household implements, books, tools, and musical instruments, and a brilliant example of an original ox wagon. Displays examine the life of Moravian Missionaries in the Cape during the 18th and 19th centuries. Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 – 13:00, 14:00 – 17:00, Friday 09:00 – 15:30, Saturday 10:00 – 02:00 +27 (0) 28 251 8220

Visit the Genadendal Pottery Studio and purchase an unusual ceramic piece or hand-painted tableware. This project of the Genadendal Mission Museum is located on the Moravian Church Square behind the Information Bureau. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00. +27 (0) 28 251 8291

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.

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.

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.

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.