Bathurst Things to Do

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The Bathurst Agricultural Museum is an absolute gem and yet another strong candidate for Little Boy Heaven
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The collection of farm implements, equipment, vehicles and other general paraphernalia is astounding, and what is even more remarkable is that kids (of all ages) are actually allowed to touch most of them: I presume that the underlying logic is that if they haven't yet been broken, then it's unlikely to happen! My son - 2.5 at the time - spent two hours clambering on and off ancient tractors, and loved it so much that he pleaded (successfully) to return a couple of days later! There is the obligatory ox wagon and an ox-driven water pump where you can literally put your shoulder to the wheel, and lots of fascinating farm 'stuff' such as an incubator for ostrich eggs.

My absolute favourite were the old construction vehicles - see the old logo for Caterpillar in the photo - I adore the quirky Art Noveau design and sorely regret that it was superceded by the current sterile capitals (which staid engineers probably find a lot more palatable)!

As with all these out-of-the-way museums, what makes the experience so special is the passion and dedication of the individuals who give their time and effort (usually free of charge) to preserve and promote important parts of our heritage. There is a modest admission fee, but quite frankly, these places live and die on donations, so if you enjoy it, don't feel limited in what you give!

This shop is where you will find great pottery from Richard Pullin . Some very interesting pieces here, the most inventive item in the shop is the älways dry" salt pot which does not have any holes in the top.

A lovely shop, where they sell some great paintings and other works of art. I loved the "dragon"that was on the stoep. It is an old plowing instrument, that some very clever person changed into the dragon.

You will find Pat at the end of the road on the way to the rainbow. This is also where you will meet the Bathurst Fairies. Pat makes the most beautiful T-shirts and the most reasonable prices. R120 for a hand painted, hand dyed T-shirt is a steal!

A very famous pub in this area. This National monument was built in 1821 as the Bathurst hotel originally. It has changed a lot since my last visit and unfortunately has lost all its old world charm. I do not think it has any character left. A big pity.

They claim it is the biggest pineapple in the world. Standing 16.7 meters tall it is constructed of fiberglass which covers the steel and concrete superstructure. The ground floor houses the gift shop (not that it was well stocked). The first floor offers a pictorial display of the pineapple story with a continues DVD that plays. The second floor provides the observation desk from where you can look over the farm.

On a hill overlooking the whole district of Albany -- from the sea almost to Grahamstown -- a cairn has been built and a toposcope, to commemorate the fact that it was from here that settler parties were sent out to designated areas. The toposcope bit tells you by means of plaques around a circular wall, which parties from where in England settled where - seven miles to the west, 2 miles south etc. The whole thing is a bit of useless fun, the type of thing kids love exploring.

Standing there above Bathurst, one can only think that, whatever one's view of colonialism today, these people knew a beautiful land when they saw it.

It was from this vantage point that the 1820 settler parties were directed to their allocated locations.
It provides a panoramic view of the coast from the Great Fish River to Kwaaihoek.

At the heart of pineapple country ,16 km from Port Alfred, is an exciting concept that calls fun seeking families to enjoy a unique outdoor experience,Summerhill Farm,home of the Giant Pineapple,will add new flavour to holiday adventures.