For other places with the same name, see George (disambiguation).
George is in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. It is the main gateway to the beautiful Garden Route.
It is the sixth oldest town in South Africa and is halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Cradled by the Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, George is an ideal town from which to explore the area's many scenic attractions – be it on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train, on walks and hikes on the George and Cradock Peaks, on a boat fishing, or pushing a cart across the golf courses at Fancourt. Rich in historical landmarks, such as the Slave Tree and the King Edward VII Library, George retains a small-town character without compromising on a sophisticated infrastructure.
George can be reached easily with the N2 highway from Cape Town (to the west) or Knysna, Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban (to the east). You can also get to George from Oudtshoorn (to the north) via the N12.
The scenic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train used to run between George and Knysna (via Wilderness and Sedgefield) but the railway line was severely damaged by landslides. Classic Rail is working to restore service on this line.
The main bus companies serve George regularly on their way along the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, as does the Baz Bus (dead link: January 2023). There are also minibus taxis going to Cape town and Knysna.
Preferably by car. York street is the main artery.
There are permanent speed cameras;
Driving between George and Knysna there are permanent speed cameras in the Kaaimans River Pass. The speed limit on this pass is 60 km/h for a reason, the pass is very dangerous to take at high speeds, especially when wet.
Go on the Outeniqua Powervan up the Outeniqua Mountains. It takes you from the museum 720 m up into the Outeniqua mountains for incredible views.
Enjoy nature and historic trail rides with environmentally friendly motorcycle and quad bikes
Go hiking
Play golf, either at Fancourt or Ernie Els's course Ou Baai
Swim, surf or tan at one of the sandy beaches during summer. Parking may be a problem at many of them during peak season. To the west there are
The beaches to the east are
There are many fishing spots along the coast as well as fresh water fishing in the lakes and rivers.
Redberry Farm, -33.960901°, 22.381876°, +27 44 870 7123, admin@redberryfarm.co.za. M-Sa 09:00 to 16:00. Activities include strawberry picking, a hedge maze, mini train rides, pony rides, bubble ball and bumper boats. Tea garden and farm stall.
Silver Lily Cheese Farm, +27 44 - 870 7424. Enjoy handmade Dutch style farm cheese (10 flavours), watch the interesting process of cheese making then sample some in the form of a cheese platter lunch.
{{do | name=Outeniqua Transport Museum | alt= | url=http://www.outeniquachootjoe.co.za/museum.htm (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=2 Mission Road, George, Western Cape | lat=-33.9632 | long=22.4744 | directions= | phone=+27 44 801 8289 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:00-17:00 | price=R20 | wikidata=Q7111957| wikipedia=Outeniqua Transport Museum | image=Outeniqua Transport Museum.JPG | lastedit=2018-06-07 | content=A transport and railway museum. Inside the museum a variety of 13 steam locomotives, including a narrow gauge, the Emil Kessler- Johannesburg’s first steam locomotive, the impressive GL Garrett together with carriages from a bygone era, such as a coach from the Royal Train of 1947, Paul Kruger’s coach and private saloons, are on display. }}
Mexican food at Coyote Caktus which also serves excellent pizza. Enjoy a delicious "wonderpatat" at the Lila's Arms restaurant in Blanco, a suburb of George. George also has a Spur restaurant and McDonald's. The Upstairs at Harry's is also an excellent coffee shop. The new Garden Route mall, St George's Square and the Pick 'n Pay shopping centres also contain various restaurants. For a more Eastern taste there is a Mai Ling Taiwanese Restaurant.
There are numerous fine drinking and dining holes along this stretch of the Garden Route. Bongos in Wilderness Village overlooks the lovely beach.
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