St James – Colour Dots

Bailey’s Cottage Beach

carynkaleido — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:56:51 +0000

Bailey’s Cottage Beach is not much more than a patch of sand between two rocky points. Swimming here is not advisable, but the rock pools are worth exploring. The remote little beach is popular with fishermen who catch Steenbras and/or Galjoen among other species, depending on the season. It is, however, of historical interest. Just above the beach is Bailey’s Cottage. Known as Falangisina @ Bailey’s Cottage. This building was designed as a beach holiday hideaway for Sir Abe Bailey, the Diamond Tycoon and a good friend of Cecil John Rhodes. In 1909. It was also used as a lookout post and policing station, keeping an eye out for enemy ships and illegal trading over the years. . The stone bungalow is now a Guest House. There is parking available, and dogs are allowed if they are kept on a leash. Just above Bailey’s cottage is an open stretch of lawn called Battle of Muizenberg Fort, where the Dutch (who had ruled the Cape since 1652) made a stand against the invading British forces in 1795. The battle lasted a mere 30 minutes, but the Dutch lost their important replenishing station on the sea route to the East. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: On the main road Lifeguards: ,No Surfing: Surf report Swimming: Not advised Fishing: Yes see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking; No dogs allowed Ablutions: No Beach type: Rocky and small Picnic and braai: No braai facilities Check the tides here Fishing in the Western Cape article Best beaches in the Western Cape article Find our comprehensive Western Cape travel guide for things to see and do.

The post Bailey’s Cottage Beach appeared first on Colour Dots.

Danger Beach

carynkaleido — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:05:32 +0000

Danger Beach is just below the St James train station. The name “Danger” refers to the rip tides and big waves. However, the beach is still popular with swimmers and surfers, (for strong swimmers only) the water is slightly warmer than on the Atlantic seaboard. Lifeguards are on duty during peak times. There is a small tidal pool on the beach for children to play in. This beach is popular for water sports such as surfing, body surfing, and stand-up paddling. It is nicely sheltered from the South Easter with the mountains behind with great views across the bay. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide There are toilet facilities at the beach, as well as parking. It is a short walk to the quaint little shops and restaurants Dogs are not allowed. Check the tides here Check the sea temperature here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

The post Danger Beach appeared first on Colour Dots.

Golden Arrow Bus Service

carynkaleido — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:43:12 +0000

Golden Arrow bus service has passed 160 years of providing road-based public transport to the community of Cape Town. The company is in its present form the culmination of an unbroken chain of mergers and acquisitions. It is uniquely positioned as one of a few privately owned companies providing public transport services. Our weekly and monthly products are perfect for passengers who travel to work and home regularly. Weekly 10-ride products are valid for 30 days and monthly 48-ride products for 90 days. – See bus schedules here. Pensioners discount applies To get your pass please call 021 466 7000. hello@gabs.co.za

The post Golden Arrow Bus Service appeared first on Colour Dots.

Jacob’s Ladder

carynkaleido — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:53:16 +0000

Jacob’s Ladder in Kalk Bay is a stone staircase ascending from Main Road to Boyes Drive. The 334-step staircase was built in the 1890s and is carved from local granite. The staircase makes a good whale-watching site. A whaling station was close by and was operational until whaling was banned in the mid-1800s. There was also a row of cottages for the mariners/ whalers. One of these cottages is still standing. Vintage picture of “Jacob’s ladder”

The post Jacob’s Ladder appeared first on Colour Dots.

Main road South Peninsula

carynkaleido — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 18:38:52 +0000

Main road South Peninsula From Lakeside to Cape Point and return on the Atlantic Seaboard route If you would like to explore the South Peninsula, you could consider driving. There are also shuttles and tours, both group tours and individual tours are catered for. There is a lot to see, so it is a good idea to plan the trip in parts. You can plan a combination of transport. Possibly catch a train/Metro rail to Simons Town, from anywhere along the train route. Get a lift or park your car at the station. You could hop off the train and visit the small villages on the way, and hop back on the train to go to the next village. This is a practical option, as parking, especially on weekends, is a challenge. The train journey allows you to enjoy the Southern Peninsula scenery while you ride. The train follows the shore, so if you have a window seat on the left of the train, you can get some great views. Then you can meet an Uber or organised tour in Simons Town to visit Cape Point, or return to town the same way you got there. You can opt to do the complete circular route or just parts of it. The Metro rail runs from the city to Simons Town. From Muizenberg, it is possible to hop on and hop off the train, enjoying the Southern Peninsula scenery while you ride. Allow plenty of time, as there is much to see and do along this route. To get there by car, take the N2 from Cape Town’s city centre. When you get to Hospital Bend, move into the right-hand lane and take the M3 to Muizenberg. Pass Mostert’s Mill on your left, and the University of Cape Town on the slopes of Devil’s Peak on your right. The Rhodes Memorial exit is about 1.5 km past the Mill on your left. After passing Rhodes Memorial, return to the M3 and continue towards Muizenberg. The M3 ends in a T-junction at Westlake. Turn left onto the M42 and continue towards Main Road (M4). Turn right. Main road South Peninsula You can continue on Main Road towards Muizenberg, or about 600 metres later, turn right off Main Road up Boyes Drive. The views from up here are beautiful, and if there are whales in the bay (August through to November), this is a good place to view them. Continue to the end of Boyes Drive, where it curves to the left down to Main Road, Kalk Bay Kalk Bay is a quaint village. But parking is a challenge. Main Road has only one lane in each direction. Traffic can get quite congested, but slow down, enjoy the views and the vibe, stop for a stroll, explore the bookshops, antique and clothing stores or get a coffee/meal ( if you can find parking, this usually just calls for patience. The next suburb is St James with its small but safe beach and tidal pool. After that, pass Clovelly and on to Fishhoek. The main road here is lined with regular shops, banks, supermarkets and pharmacies. The beach is, however, lovely and great for a swim or a long walk. There is a traffic circle where Main Road continues after taking the first exit, ie, the road curves to the left. You will be driving along the coast past Sunnycove station, then on to Glencairn and Simon’s Town. There is so much to see and do in Simon’s Town. When you have seen all you want to see, carry on on the Main road following the coast. After you leave Simon’s Town, you will get to Bellevue Road (it is the second penguin signpost). Park at the bottom of the road. You find Boulders Beach, where you may want to stop and visit the penguins. The road continues along the coast with fabulous views all the way. You will reach Miller’s point, where there is a tidal pool. Stay on the road till you see signs for Smitswinkel. At Smitswinkel Bay, the road begins to climb the mountain and turns inland. Your first left is the entrance to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The road curves to the right away from the coast on the M4. Soon you will reach the turn-off to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The return journey can be the same way you came, or you can take the left fork onto Plateau Road. When you get to The Cape Farmhouse, turn left onto Red Hill Road. Drive on to Scarborough past Misty Cliffs and on to Kommetjie. Perdekloof Picnic Area is a secluded spot on Red Hill Road. Look out carefully for the entrance. It is a tranquil and pristine spot with braai areas and concrete benches, and a park for children. Smitswinkel Bay At the M6 intersection, turn left and left again onto Noorhoek Main Road. Follow the signs to Chapman’s Peak past Noordhoek Farm Village. Stop here for a meal or some shopping. Take in the views of the Atlantic. At the bottom of the drive, go on to Hout Bay. Turn Left onto Princess Street and right onto Victoria Avenue, and up Suikerbossie Hill. Drive uphill on Victoria Avenue on the slopes of Little Lions Head over Hout Bay Nek. Drive past Llandudno, Bakoven, Camps Bay and Clifton, on past Sea Point, Green Point and back to the city Driving the Western Cape See some other scenic drives and road trips and browse the complete Western Cape guide Main road South Peninsula

The post Main road South Peninsula appeared first on Colour Dots.

Metro Rail

carynkaleido — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:24:16 +0000

Metro Rail is a public transport provider in Greater Cape Town that operates train lines. The Metro Rail Western Cape has 6 train lines in Cape Town and services 124 train stations. Find the train Schedules here See schedules app here. Find out the train lines, schedules and stops of Metrorail Western Cape. The trains operate from 4 am to 7 pm Transport Information Centre: 0800 65 64 63 (all hours) Transport.Info@capetown.gov.za

The post Metro Rail appeared first on Colour Dots.

Redhill animal rescue

carynkaleido — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 06:14:25 +0000

Redhill Animal Rescue is a community-based action group to help support our furry friends in the neighbourhood. 3 Klip Street Scarborough Facebook

The post Redhill animal rescue appeared first on Colour Dots.

St James tidal pool

carynkaleido — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:57:32 +0000

The St James tidal pool at St James beach is between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. It is known for its very recognizable colourful beach huts. The retaining walls of the tidal pool form a shallow and safe pool that can be seen from the beach. It is a popular spot for a quick dip before work. During peak season, the pool is quite crowded because of False Bay’s warmer water. Check the tides here

The post St James tidal pool appeared first on Colour Dots.

St James beach

carynkaleido — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:06:27 +0000

St James Beach itself is quite a short stretch of white sand with a rocky shoreline. But it is best known for its colourful Victorian-style beach huts. There is also a large, protected tidal pool, which makes it particularly popular with families. St James Beach is safe for younger children as there are also several rock pools to explore and many shells to collect. Dogs are not allowed During the summer months, the beach at St James is particularly popular. St James Beach is easy to access, and because of the east-facing aspect, the beach is sheltered from the notorious wind. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape

The post St James beach appeared first on Colour Dots.

The Courtyard Cafe

carynkaleido — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 10:50:23 +0000

The Courtyard Café is an unpretentious eatery located in Kalk Bay. It is located between Artvark Gallery and The Kalk Bay Theatre on Main Road, The Courtyard Café has both inside and outside areas, some of which overlook bustling Kalk Bay and the ocean beyond. Our menu includes a large and interesting salad selection, vegetarian and vegan options, and ethically sourced meats and produce. 49 Main Rd, St James,

The post The Courtyard Cafe appeared first on Colour Dots.