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Exploring Simon's Town
Simon’s
Town, nestled beneath the Simonsberg mountain offers
much to delight the traveller. In years gone by,
when sailing fleets from Europe called in at the
Cape, they soon discovered that Table Bay was
extremely dangerous during the winter months, with
gale force winds causing many a shipwreck on the lee
shore. This sheltered bay was recommended as a safe
winter anchorage by Simon van der Stel in 1687.
However, it was not until 1743 that the Dutch East
India Company implemented his recommendation. Goods
were off-loaded and transported to Cape Town by cart
and wagon. When the British forces first took the
Cape in 1795, their ships also found refuge in
Simon’s Bay.
Tucked
along the shore between the mountain and the sea,
Simon’s Town has developed into a charming little
coastal town with many gracious architectural
buildings, hidden corners and cobbled lanes. The
long association with the Dutch East India Company,
British and South African naval forces have given
the town a most unique character. For centuries
Simon’s Town has offered friendly hospitality to
local and foreign visitors. This fine tradition has
been maintained to the present day, with efficient
and friendly accommodation establishments, pubs
and restaurants to be found throughout the town.
The
main attractions of Simon’s Town are easily
accessible from the main road that runs through the
town. The most popular is Boulders Beach National
Park with its unique land based African penguin
colony just to the South of the town. Boardwalks
take visitors down to Foxy Beach where several
thousand of these delightful birds can be observed
at close range. Penguins also swim amongst the
bathers in the sheltered coves of nearby Boulders
Beach.
At the
centre of the town is Jubilee Square with its tall
palm trees and the proud statue of Able Seaman Just
Nuisance, the famous Great Dane. During the Second
World War AB Just Nuisance befriended the visiting
sailors and was an inspiration to many. His name and
legend still lives on today, with the 1st April each
year (his birthday) known as Just Nuisance Day which
is celebrated in grand style with a parade of Great
Danes and other dogs through the town to Jubilee
Square.
The
Simon’s Town Waterfront below Jubilee Square
overlooks the yacht basin and town pier. Boat trips
along the coastline provide an interesting
introduction to the town and its rich history as
well as a glimpse of the South African Navy with its
modern fleet of ships. Trips on powerful motor
launches are also available to Seal Island and Cape
Point as well as sail boat charters and sunset
cruises in the bay.
Every
year in autumn the SA Navy holds its festival when
the dockyard and naval vessels are open to the
public. The Penguin Festival in spring is also a
highlight in the town’s events calendar.
For
those with an interest in history, there are four
museums in the town. At the Simon’s Town Museum, in
the historic Residency Building (1777), one is able
to explore the history of the town in more detail.
The museum arranges guided walks along the historic
mile and the cobbled lanes past many historic
buildings including the Mosque and several beautiful
Churches.
The SA
Naval Museum situated in the Mast House (1815) and
identified by its distinctive clock tower has a
fascinating display of maritime history. There is
also submarine diorama and many other working
exhibits
on display.
The
Heritage Museum in King George Way is a showcase of
the history of the rich Muslim culture in the town.
As a contrast for children of all ages, there is the
Warrior Toy Museum situated next to the Town Hall.
This has a unique collection of toys old and new and
includes collections of Dinky toys, Meccano, model
ships and trains as well as beautiful porcelain
dolls.
There
is a wide choice of restaurants in the town,
offering steaks, fish, pizza and even fine French
cuisine. Several of these restaurants are situated
on the waters edge with wonderful sea and harbour
views.
Souvenirs and treasures old and new can be found in
many of the curio shops and art galleries lining the
winding main street. Stylish boutiques offer locally
designed clothing. The historic Albertyn Stables
(1799) below the Main Street house the Bronze Age
Foundry and numerous fine sculptures are on display
in the garden.
There
are many opportunities for sport and leisure
activities. These include golf, squash and bowls at
the Country Club, with angling and scuba diving
along the seashore and sea kayaking from the town
jetty. The mountains above the town and in the Cape
of Good Hope Nature Reserve offer many enjoyable
hiking trails.
The
presence of the Southern Right and other whales
during the months August to November offer the
visitor spectacular sightings of these great sea
mammals either from ashore or from the boats
departing from the town jetty. No matter what time
of the year you decide to visit Simon’s Town, you
can be guaranteed a memorable experience |
