Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, located at the western-most end of the Garden Route, is known as the site of the 1488 landing of the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias. From then on, many ships stopped here to get fresh water or barter with the Khoikhoi tribe. However, Mossel Bay remained pretty much a fishing and whaling backwater until its discovery as a holiday resort in the 1930s because of its beautiful beach. Today the town appears very much industrialized, mainly as the site of Mossgas. This large petroleum refinery was established by the South African government during the years of sanctions against apartheid when no oil could be bought from abroad. Before the discovery of offshore oilfields, Mossel Bay’s export depended on aloe juice for medicinal purposes and ochre for the manufacture of paints.

Attractions

• Mossel Bay's main attraction is the Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex. It comprises most of the surviving old buildings, the spring from which Dias replenished his fresh water supply and the imposing post office tree. This huge milkwood tree served passing sea captains as a convenient message center in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Visitors still can deposit letters here in a small postbox next to the tree, as long as it is nothing urgent.
• Steam Train Yard The last remaining iron giants of the steam train are housed, refurbished and maintained at Voorbaai, a ten-minute drive from Mossel Bay. The present number is between 20 to 30 locomotives ranging from the mighty Garrants to GMANs. A great place to visit for steam train enthusiasts.
• Golf The 18-hole Mossel Bay Golf Club is about a 10 minute drive from the port. Redesigned by Robert Grimsdell in 1957, the course is situated on high ground with the sea visible from every tee.

Shopping

Mossel Bay has a few one-stop shopping malls offering a variety of boutiques, specialty and curio shops. At the Model Shipyard visitors can tour the factory and see how ship models are created. These hand made models can be purchased and shipped via DHL anywhere in the world.

Food

As the name of the town suggests, mussels are a specialty in many of the local restaurants. Eateries also serve fish and chips, steaks or pizzas.

Currency

The local currency is the rand.

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