Robertson

Robertson is situated in the Breede River Valley in the West

Robertson is a small town in the Breede River Valley primary fruit-producing area of the Western Cape. The Langeberg cannery, the largest in the southern hemisphere is on the slopes of the Langeberg mountain. Ceres is the major centre of the area where most of South Africas fruit juices are produced.

Robertson is also near Mac Gregor, Montagu and Bonnievale.

Tourism has also grown in Robertson in recent years and the town has several South African National Monuments, such as the Pink Church (1859), the Museum (1860), the Edwardian-style house 12 Piet Retief Street (1904), the Victorian-style house 59 Van Reeneen Street (1914) and the Powder House (which used as a storage for gunpowder).

Established in 1852 on the farm Over Het Roodezand (‘over the red sand’). Roberson is often referred to as the ‘muscadel and brandy capital’ of the country. This area is the largest irrigated wine producing region of the Western Cape. Besides producing excellent wines, Robertson also breeds the countries top racing horses. There are several popular hiking trails in the district and the Silverstand Holiday Resort, on the banks of the Breede River, offers a variety of facilities to the tourist.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Hoe to get there

Worcester 50 km, McGregor 20 km, Ashton 20 km, Montagu 30 km, Bonnievale 25 km

Altitude: 232 m above sea level

Average Temperatures

Summer 23°c – 33°c; Winter 8°c – 16°c

Rainfall

May / June / July – 341 mm per year in town, 600 mm per year in the Dassieshoek Nature Reserve

Banks

Boland, Standard, Absa, Fnb

HISTORICAL VIEW

Robertson Museum

William Henry Dutton English named the house ‘ Druids Lodge’ and many of his family photos, postcards, letters and diaries are still in the house. The museum houses one of the finest collections of lace in the country.

NATURE

Dassieshoek Nature Reserve

The reserve offers beautiful views of the Langeberg Mountains. A variety of fynbos, proteas and beautiful scenery. Braai facilities – municipal dam. The reserve has two hiking trails.

Pat Bush Private Nature Reserve

A private reserve in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, 15 km from Robertson. The reserve offers a network of nature trails, bird watching and bass fishing. For the more adventurous, there is a 4x4 trail. Experience the beautiful flora of the valley.

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

This reserve lies about 15 km south of Robertson on the McGregor road. The landscapes is rugged and strikingly scenic, with sandstone and underlying scale formations. A species list and a self issued permit is obtainable at the reserve entrance.

Langeberg Mountain Range

Majestic mountain range with snow capped peaks in winter. Popular with hikers.

Rooiberg Mountain Range

Stretches along the Breede River and features beautiful rock formations.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Robertson Beesloop – May

Robertson Festival – March

Robertson Food and Wine Festival – October

Robertson Kommando-Rit – July

Robertson Spring & Agricultural Show – September to October

Bonnievale / Ashton / Robertson (BAR) Valley Art Market - Throughout the year

Birds of Paradise

Visit this bird paradise with more than 260 cages housing different species of birds

Branewynsdraai

Built in the Cape Dutch style, this KWV Taphuis stocks a collection of wines from the Robertson region. It also houses a fine restaurant.

Breede River

The largest river in the valley, popular for canoeing. Has an abundance of birdlife and is great for fishing.

Hadeda Potteries

Contemporary and traditional hand made ceramics created in the rustic charm of an old wine cellar. Hand decorated tableware in a wide variety of shapes and colours is available, as well as a tile selection to suit indoor and outdoor applications. On display in the showroom is an extensive range of functional and decorative pottery. Traditional large hand thrown pots are also made at the studio.

Robertson Art and Craft Route

Robertson is home to various artists. Visit their studios and homes.

Robertson Valley Wine Route

Sheilam Cactus Garden / Little Mexico

Nursery for exotic cactus plants located on the road between Robertson and Ashton. About 3 000 of the weirdest and loveliest plants imaginable can be seen growing and flowering here and are exported to many parts of the word. Visitors are welcome during normal business hours.

Silverstrand Resort

This lovely resort on the banks of the Breede River only 3 km outside Robertson offers fully equipped chalets and rondavels, caravan sites, a swimming pool, water slide and kiddie’s pool. There are also squash courts, a gold course and a mini golf course.

Viljoensdrift Wines

In addition to wine tasting, light lunches are served by prior arrangement and to further complement this, visitors can enjoy a relaxing hour cruising the river on the raft ‘ Uncle Ben’. An abundance of birdlife can be observed and, if one so wishes, fishing can be arranged since bass is plentiful. The banks of the river are covered in indigenous trees that contribute to the ambience of the trip.

ACTIVITIES

Canoe Trails

Goedegoede Canoe Adventures

Row down the scenic Breede River for up to 30 km and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Transport to and from the river and all equipment is provided. No experience needed.

Hiking

The area offers a wealth of hiking an nature trails

Rooikat Trail

An 18 km circular trail situated in the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve near Robertson

Dassieshoek and Arangieskop Trails

The Dassieshoek Trail stretches over 38 km and the Arangieskop trail covers 20 km. Both offer overnight facilities.

Boerbok Hiking Trail

A 15 km trail ideal for the whole family, beginners and senior citizens. This trail boasts beautiful vygies in spring and boerbokke (goats) can be seen in the mountains.

Boesmanskloof

A 14 km trail winding through the Riviersonderend Mountains. It links the small towns of McGregor and Greyton.

Laaitjie

A 9 km private trail

Mountain Biking / Cycling

On / off road Trail

The route begins at Robertson, but it is located in the area east of the town, which is well known for fruit and vine cultivation, wine cellars and stud farms.

Express Cycle Tours

Offers guided mountain bike tours in the Breede River Valley. The tours cater for the novice right through to the extreme cyclist. Accommodation for overnight groups is fully catered for on antique, 1^st class SAR railway coaches. There are six mountain bikes for hire but own bikes are welcome.

Sporting Events

Netball - Annual Tournament – June

Robertson Valley Half Marathon – April

Interclub Rugby Tournament – May

Gymkana – July / August

Perde Boeresport – March (participating at Robertson Festival)

Struisbaai Plaat-Uitrit – January

Robertson Horse Riding Club

Offers outrides every month

Outdoor Hockey (social) – March

Accommodation in and around Robertson