Blaauwberg, Dutch for “Blue Mountain”, is a truly lovely area and stretches from Mamre in the north to Milnerton in the south. It offers magnificent views of Table Mountain from across Table Bay, of Robben Island to the west and of golden wheat fields to the east. Apart from the views, sun-worshippers and surfers also flock to its pristine white beaches to attain a natural golden hue and enjoy the refreshing surf.
However, the area is not only scenic, it has also been at the centre of some important historical events. The famous Battle of Blaauwberg was fought after the second British Occupation of the Cape in 1806. Many ships also fought and lost their last battle against the forces of nature along the Blaauwberg coast.
The wreck of the Reyfersdal lies off Silwerboomstrand and the SS Hermes was wrecked off Milnerton Beach in 1901 and lies just north of the lighthouse. The wreck of the Nieuw Haarlem lies near the Milnerton Lighthouse and that of the Winton near Milnerton.
But the area is not only a ships’ graveyard, the living are also very much a part of its ecology. There are several third generation “trek fishermen” who still operate along this coastline and their unique lifestyle is often of interest to visitors.
Adventure And Sport
Beaches: Blaauwberg has a number of superb beaches, namely Dolphin Beach, Silwerstroomstrand, Sunset Beach and Table View. These beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and surfing.
Golf: Blaauwberg offers first-rate golf courses as well as facilities for many different kinds of sport.
Killarney Racetrack: This is one of the oldest motor sport complexes in South Africa and hosts many motor-racing events during the year.
Surfing: Blaauwberg offers a number of superb surfing-spots, the most popular one being Big Bay. Many surfing competitions are hosted here annually.
Wind-surfing, kite-surfing: Big Bay, Dolphin Beach and Sunset Beach are famous for wind-surfing and kite-surfing.
Fauna And Flora
Bird Rescue Centre: Blaauwberg has a particularly well-known rescue centre for coastal birds, dedicated to conservation. It also rehabilitates sick, injured and oiled birds and releases them back into their natural habitat.
History And Architecture
Post Office Stone: The oldest relic of the Portuguese in South Africa is the Post Office Stone. The original stone is housed in the South African Museum. A replica of this stone can be seen at the Blaauwberg Tourism Office.
Ysterplaat Air Force Museum: The museum exhibits the history of South African aviation and displays some examples of military aircraft.
