Things to Do in Whale Coast

The Melting Pot is a cosy, colourful, vibrant live music venue and bar featuring the best of local South Peninsula original music. You can expect to listen to well-known local names from the Cape jazz, rock and folk scene - plus the odd visiting artist and stand-up comics. Jam sessions and open mics offer up-and-coming talent an outlet too. This is a real cultural and decidedly social experience not to be missed - in the heart of Muizenberg's "old village". A funky music studio built from recycled materials is right next door

Yes, it’s official, this is the spot to get your photo taken at the southernmost tip of Africa. Ocean currents between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point may be constantly moving and mingling, however, the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, according to the International Hydrographical Organisation, is Cape Agulhas. This demarcation is cast in stone! This wild and treacherous coastline known as the Graveyard of Ships only adds to the dramatic and remote beauty of the area. Pearl-like winter days, between the wild storms that lash this Cape, are gentle, peaceful, and windless. A fascinating historic and cultural legacy has been left here by the Khoikhoi beach nomads, who lived along the Cape Agulhas coastline for many centuries. The well preserved shell middens and fish-traps are of interest to many a historian and archaeologist.

Fisherman's Beach is a lovely little sandy cove squeezed between rocky pinnacles near the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach and Simon's Town Golf Course. The beach is surrounded by lawns and is perfect for a game of beach ball with family and friends or simply soaking up the sunshine. Here the warmer ocean temperatures of False Bay make Fisherman's Beach a great spot for body surfing, boogie boarding and kayaking.

One of South Africa's ultimate hiking experiences, the five-day Whale Trail is only three hours drive from Cape Town. The 54 km route meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve where the fragrance of the fynbos intermingles with salty sea air. The trail is renowned for its diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale watching opportunities. On the trail you will experience breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Breede River Valley. The trail stretches from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and has five overnight stops.

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.

Known for their outstanding year round standards, Hermanus Golf Club is a popular choice for golfing enthusiasts from Cape Town, the rest of South Africa and international visitors.This classic country course underwent a recent extensive refurbishment with the addition of nine superb new holes, taking golfing in Hermanus to new levels.The gorgeous sea views, mountainous surroundings, charming hospitality and former tradition remain. What was considered a gentle layout has been replaced with modern classically designed holes, adding a dynamic visual and challenging aspect to the course. Peter Matkovich, South Africa’s foremost golf course architect, incorporated the scenic environment to maximum potential. The new definition and shape given to the holes as well as the water and rock features are particularly striking.Considerably lengthened with superlative new greens and bunkering, and dedicated and professional management, Hermanus Golf Club presents an incredible challenge and experience.

Situated in the corner where the rather wild northern shore meets the rocky but well populated eastern side of the peninsula, is a long family-friendly beach where almost every Cape Town surfer learned to catch a wave. Recently awarded Blue Flag Beach status, Muizenberg Beach is one of the most popular Cape Town beaches and is a hit with kids. Muizenberg Station is conveniently situated right on Muizenberg Corner. The whole beachfront is pretty crowded with loads of kids, families, dogs and noise. Muizenberg Beach has all the usual facilities, like showers, surf shos & schools, a couple of nice restaurants and coffee shops on the beachfront and close by. There is a useful walkway from Muizenberg to St James, just on the seaward side of the railway line.

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

The sleepy little coastal town of Hermanus hides a treasure trove of quality gemstones and pearls, sterling silver and a dash of gold. All handcrafted pieces are made in Franschhoek, South Africa.Need to know? Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 5pm ; Saturday, closed.

Visit the lighthouse on the southern-most tip of Africa! Built in 1848, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was only the second one to be built in South Africa. Today the lighthouse is a national monument, housing the unique lighthouse museum and a small rustic restaurant. The coastline here is a graveyard of shipwrecks. The sea off Cape Agulhas has long been notorious with sailors for winter storms and massive rogue waves, which can even sink large ships. The Arniston (1815), Cooranga (1964), Elise (1879), European (1877), Federal Lakes (1975), Geortyrder (1849), Gouritz (1981), and Gwendola (1968) are just a few of the vessels lost along this coast. Showpieces from some of these shipwrecks are on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck museum. Owing to the hazards and following the loss of numerous vessels, notably the Arniston, the lighthouse was built. Seventy-one steps lead up to the top of what is now the second oldest working lighthouse in southern Africa. Stone mined from an adjacent limestone quarry provided the raw materials for its construction. Visitors to the area can still see the Meisho Maru 38 wreck on the shores of Cape Agulhas. Remains of ancient stone fish traps used by the Khoisan people can be seen to the east of the lighthouse. Need to know? The entrance fee to the lighthouse is R15 for adults and R7.50 for kids (2 – 11 years). This entrance fee is in line with other Transnet National Ports Authority’s lighthouses which are open to visitors.

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.

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.

Visit a sparkling, colourful Alladin's Cave with your little ones. The Scratch Patch and Mineral World Gemstone shop is an awesome spot for young and old to relax while foraging for your own gemstones. Visitors can purchase fabulous, affordable gifts at the shop in addition to their collected treasures. Topstones is also worth a visit - see how rough stone is polished at the world's largest gemstone tumbling factory.

The Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery remains a leader in producing world class Pinot noir wines from South Africa. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak in the Walker Bay region, with Hermanus being the nearest town, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) as a jewel in the terroir search for excellence with this illusive grape. Peter Finlayson was the first modern day winemaker in this valley. With his accumulated wine making knowledge he has been instrumental in the primary effort of putting the Walker Bay wine region on the map. Apart from their Pinot noir, they produce outstanding Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnays, a zesty, fresh white blend (Blanc de Mer) and an Italian, French red blend (Hannibal).Visit the estate for a wine tasting experience in their old world cellar and take a wander around the winery bragging exceptional views of both valley and ocean.Need to know? Tasting Room Hours: Mon - Fri 09:30 - 17:00, Sat: 09:30 - 12:30, closed Sundays and public holidays.AwardsGalpin Peak Pinot Noir 2008 - Decanter South African Pinot Noir trophy 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - 91 points Wine Spectator Jan 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - Class Winner at Winemakers' Choice Diamond awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2006 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - Trophy Winner at Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 'Wine of the Year' John Platter 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 5 stars John Platter 2008Hannibal 2006 - Gold Medal (class winner) at Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2008

Considered a cultural gem in the heart of Muizenberg, the Masque Theatre is home to a handful of amateur dramatic societies in Cape Town. The Masque regularly delivers diverse and well-performed theatre and dance shows at affordable prices. This popular institution in the South Peninsula staged its hundredth production in 2008 with Agatha Christie's courtroom drama "Witness for the Prosecution". Booking office open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00 and Saturday 08:30 – 11.30. +27 (0) 21 788 1898 www.masquetheatre.co.za

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.

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.

The Blue Flag Grotto Beach is one of the most striking South African beaches with its rolling waves and mountainous backdrop. Enjoyed by locals, visitors and whales, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach games and long romantic walks at sunset.Feeling fit and adventurous? Walk 18 kilometres along the unspoilt and exquisite Walker Bay coastline from Grotto Beach to the seaside hamlet of De Kelders.At Grotto Beach you will never have to share your towel with the person sitting next to you on the soft white sand. You will probably return again and again to this relaxing haven!

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

Planet Kids is a large indoor and outdoor play and activity centre featuring exciting custom-made play equipment. Situated just behind False Bay railway station, Planet Kids is easily accessible either by foot, car or train. The venue also hosts great kids’ birthday parties and workshop programs during school holidays. Planet Kids is eco-friendly and the first inclusive indoor play and activity centre in South Africa to cater and care for children with disabilities as well. Check out www.planetkids.co.za for more info.