dwarskersbos

Long stretches of white beach make Dwarskersbos a favorite holiday destination. The local beach restort offers chalets, caravan and camping sites and is practically on the beach.

Only ten kilometres north of Laaiplek, Dwarskersbos, a popular holiday resort is situated in the centre of the St Helena basin. Traditionally Dwarskerbos is seen in relation to the “kersbos” (Euclea Racemosa) and it is believed that the name has been derived from this indigenous species.

However, the story is told that local farmers, transporting their goods to Laaiplek, stopped overnight at “uitspanplek” (outspan place) to water their oxen and rest at this half way point near Rosyntjie dam.

At this particular location the “kersbosse” grow in abundance and would often grow across “dwars” the wagon trail. The south easterly wind also blew the “kersbosse” at what appeared to be many cross angles “dwars”.

An interesting fact is that when the wind blew in a southerly direction, the wagons camped (kuiered) on the north side or the “kerbosse”. However, when the wind was northerly the wagons would camp on the southern side of the “kersbosse”. Each wagon driver was never short of a “vaatjie witblits” (vat of a strong white alcoholic drink). It is believed it came from the farm Brakkuil, halfway between Elands Bay and Dwarskersbos. The brew was aptly called “Brakkuil se Blits” (Brakkuil’s strong alcoholic beverage)!

The caravan park is frequented by holidaymakers throughout the year. All stands are under shady trees, each with its own power and water supply. There are also some fully equipped flats and rondawels beside the sea. During high season excellent entertainment programmes are presented. There is also a restaurant that caters for day outings.

There is a wonderful little shop offering everything from West Coast Souveniers to a library service and swimsuits. There is NO Petrol available, so remember to fill up at Velddrif. The local people are friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy.

The view over the ocean with "Bobbejaanpunt" near Elands bay in a northerly direction and the "Patrysberg" with St Helena Bay in the West, offers some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Shelly Point can also be seen in the distance.

The Sishen Saldanha Railway line passes close to the town and during the day one can see the heavily laden Trains on their way to Saldanha. The town was founded in 1920 on a Sandveld Farm also named Dwarskersbos. The farm belonged to the Smit family and mosts of the original farm is still owned by them. Those days the town had a post office and a telephone exchange as well as a primary school.

In the beginning years water was a problem. Two wells were dug close to the sea. One of these wells can still be seen in Roos Street. The old "badhuis" that was build close to the sea in 1933, served as holiday camping sites over the December holidays. It was very popular and the stoep was used as a place to dance over Christmas and New Years.

On the 23rd of August 1969 a tidal wave submerged a large portion of the town. It is thought that this was the result of earthquakes centreing in the Tulbagh region

In 1974 Dwarskerbos got electrical power. In 1983 a new development was started next to the Caravan Park and a local council was founded under Jurisdication of the of the SDR at Moorreesburg. After the General Election on 27 April 1994, Dwarskerbos was integrated into the then Velddrif Municipality - now known as the Bergriver Municipality which also includes Aurora and Porterville.

Dwarskersbos is a neat and fast-expanding holiday town. The sunsets on this bay are a photographer's dream. Over the years the town has also become known for its angling, watersports and swimming. Whales can often be seen near the coast and they attract many visitors.

Ten kilometres to the north is the famous Rocher Pan with its 150 different bird species, among them large numbers of water birds. The pans along the coast can be reached via a walking trail from Dwarskersbos. Visitors to the pan, especially birdwatchers, usually use Dwarskersbos as a base.