Groot Brakrivier

Welcome to a showcase of the spectacular scenery of the Outeniqua Mountains, where rolling fields meet the ocean. Having not (yet) been discovered by the tourist hoards, Groot Brakrivier, with its cycling and hiking routes, could easily be described as the Garden Route's best-kept secret. Nestled approximately halfway between George and Mossel Bay, it's a small town with big things to offer. It is a firm favourite with fans of the great outdoors, who make the most of the picturesque beaches as well as the fishing and boating opportunities. It's also a town renowned for its artists, crafters and hobbyists.

A brief history of the area

In 1845, Richard Searle from Surrey in England moved to South Africa to work for the Central Road Board. Together with his brother and sister-in-law, Richard was the founder of Groot Brakrivier, which became an entity in 1859. Thanks to the Searle family's efforts, a range of accommodation options were established in the area. Shops, shoemakers and timber businesses soon also made their home in Groot Brakrivier.

Climate

Residents of Groot Brakrivier enjoy an extremely temperate environment. January and February are the warmest months, when average minimum temperatures are approximately 16°C and maximum temperatures hover around the 27°C mark. In winter, minimums tend to around 8°C, rising to maximums of 22°C. July and August are the coldest months of the year. Rainfall is pretty consistent throughout the year, with every month averaging between six and 10 days of rainfall.

Schools in the area

There's no need to worry about finding quality education for your little ones in Groot Brakrivier. Primary schools in the area include Laerskool Vorentoe and Groot Brakrivier Primary School. Learners from Grade 8 to 12 who live in Groot Brakrivier attend Groot Brakrivier Secondary School.

Healthcare in the area

The hospitals closest to Groot Brakrivier include Vidamed Private Hospital, which is 24km (approximately a 20 minute drive) away in Mossel Bay. Life Bay View Private Hospital, also in Mossel Bay, is approximately 26km from Groot Brakrivier. Heading in the other direction, you will findd George Hospital approximately 30km from Groot Brakrivier. Within Groot Brakrivier itself, you will find general practitioners and a dentist, as well as other medical professionals.

Shopping centres

Shopping in Groot Brakrivier consists of small but well-stocked centres that will meet all your everyday needs in an environment that is perfect for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Some of the quaint shops not to be missed in Groot Brakrivier include Beatnix Leatherworks, which has been in operation since 1992. On those days when you want to experience the more urban side of life, Mossel Bay Mall or Garden Route Mall are both just a 20-minute drive from Groot Brakrivier.

Distance from key points (Airport/nearest city)

The driving distance from Groot Brakrivier to George Airport is just over 20km. In average traffic, it will take you about 15 minutes to get there. George's CBD is 30km from Groot Brakrivier - a trip that will take approximately 25 minutes. Mossel Bay is within even easier reach of Groot Brakrivier - just 22km and 22 minutes away.

Restaurants

Groot Brakrivier has more than it's fair share of restaurants that will make your mouth water. Peperboom Restaurant & Bakery is an institution in this town, and locals highly recommend starting your day with one of their designer omelettes. The Transkaroo Restaurant, located in Groot Brakrivier's old railway station, is a local institution, that serves South African cuisine with a twist. In the mood for seafood? Head to De Vette Mossel Beach Seafood Restaurant. It's located on an isolated pristine beach, and it's been a firm favourite since it opened its doors back in 2004.

Make Groot Brakrivier your home. Let it be your story.

There's loads to love about Groot Brakrivier, and about the Garden Route as a whole. Seeff has a number of properties available for sale and to rent in this area. Contact the Seeff George team today.