Bredasdorp is known as South Africa\'s first \"dorp\" and lies 30 km inland from the coast on the north slopes of the Preekstoel (pulpit) hill. Founded in 1838 by Michiel van Breda, it is well known today as a wheat and wool centre.

Bredasdorp\'s Shipwreck Museum is also worth a visit for its collection of ship artifacts - testimony to the numerous ships sunk off the treacherous Agulhas coastline. These relics are housed in historical buildings including the original farm homestead Langefontein. The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse only became operational in 1849 - too late for many.

The De Hoop nature reserve lies 50 km east of Bredasdorp and covers over 60 000 ha of endangered coastal fynbos. As well as supporting a huge variety of plants within its boundary, it is home to Africa\'s largest bontebok population and the endangered Cape mountain zebra. Popular activities include: game viewing, angling, hiking, cycling and bird watching. The reserve, which extends to the coast, is ideal for seasonal whale watching.