Towns and suburbs

Vermont

Vermont is a charming seaside village in the Overberg on the west bank of the Onrus River. Known for its coastal fynbos, wildlife, and conservation areas like the Salt Pan, it has long attracted artists and authors, making it a scenic and culturally rich destination.

Vermont is situated along the southern coastline of the Western Cape within the Overstrand region. It lies east of Hermanus and west of Onrus, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and residential suburbs to the north. The village is accessed via the R43 coastal route, which connects it to Hermanus, Hawston and Gansbaai. Vermont forms part of a continuous coastal settlement pattern along Walker Bay, with coastal paths and green spaces running parallel to the shoreline.

History of Vermont

Vermont is a small seaside town in the Overberg district, located on the west bank of the Onrus (Restless) River. Established in the early 20th century, the area forms part of a conservation belt. On the east bank lies the village of Onrus. Both villages have long been popular with well-known artists and authors, including Gregoire Boonzaaier, Elsa Joubert, Uys Krige, Hennie Niemann, Jan Rabie, and Marjorie Wallace.

Nature Conservation in Vermont

About twenty per cent of Vermont is dedicated to preserving the original coastal fynbos, creating natural green corridors between homes. Priority conservation areas include the Salt Pan and surrounding Green Belts. The Salt Pan is a mildly saline wetland and a ‘Critically Endangered Ecosystem’. Covering roughly 17.5 hectares in a land depression, it has only a floodwater outflow, with water levels largely dependent on the prevailing groundwater. The area is home to abundant wildlife and birdlife, and hundreds of flamingos frequent the Salt Pan for up to six months each year.

Situated atop small hills and winding valleys, the suburb’s roads twist and turn in a way that can confuse newcomers, yet this layout adds to Vermont’s peaceful, rural charm. While permanent residents may now outnumber holiday homeowners, all are drawn to the area’s seaside walks, the cozy beach at Breakfast Bay, and the connecting walk to the Onrus River. The eastern border of Vermont adjoins a privately owned nature reserve with coastal fynbos.

 

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

 

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 Browse businesses and places to visit in Vermont

 

 

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

  • Emergency Services
  • 24-Hour Emergency line: 028 313 8000/8111
  • Police: Hermanus 028 313 5300
  • Fire: 028 312 2400
  • Ambulance:028 316 2763 Ambumed 028 312 3219 EMS (Provincial)
  • Medical
  • Closest hospital;Hermanus Provincial Hospital-028 312 1166
  • Kliniek-028 316 2550 (Onrusrivier)
  • Pharmacy;Onrus Pharmacy-028 316 1515
  • Municipal & Utilities
  • Municipality; 0283138996
  • Transport & Roads
  • Traffic department: Hermanus-028 313 8111
  • Community & Safety
  • SPCA: Hermanus Animal Welfare Society-028 312 1281
  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 
  • Post office; Onrusrivier 028 316 1180
  • Library: Hawston Public Library-028 313 1175
  •  Ratepayers and Environmental Association: vermontratepayers@gmail.com

Other towns and suburbs in the Overstrand area include: Baardskeerdersbos; Birkenhead; De Kelders; Elim; Fisherhaven; Franskraalstrand; Gansbaai; Hawston; Hermanus; Kleinbaai; Kleinmond; Pringle Bay; Rooi Els; Stanford; and Struisbaai

 

 

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

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