Towns and suburbs

Yzerfontein

During the Second World War Yzerfontein was the site of a radar station which was built in 1943

History of Yzerfontein

Province: Western Cape
West Coast
Coordinates: 33.333°S 18.162°E
Area: 6.68 km2
Municipality: Swartland

Archaeological Finds

Archaeological digs in Yzerfontein have uncovered remnants of food and tools left by ancient inhabitants. Dutch settlement in Yzerfontein began in 1732 when Cornelius Heufke was granted permission to graze his livestock on a farm called Eijzerfontein, named for the iron deposits in the local water.

Holiday Destination

The area became a popular seaside retreat for inland farmers. Many brought their own supplies, including cows for milk and hens for eggs. To protect their livestock from jackals, farmers would keep their animals on an island that was cut off from the mainland at high tide.

Cement Production

The area is known for its cement production from mussel shells. Two old kilns, built in the 1940s, are still visible. These kilns were used to burn mussel shells to produce cement, whitewash for painting buildings, and a waterproofing mix with animal fat. The cement made from Yzerfontein mussel shells was used in the construction of Cape Town’s castle. The kilns were declared national monuments in 1980.

Salt Pans and Harbour

Yzerfontein has salt pans and the remains of a harbour built in 1911 for shipping salt to Cape Town. The oldest building in Yzerfontein is Vishuis, a thatched cottage now serving as the tourism office.

World War II

During World War II, Yzerfontein was home to a radar station established in 1943. The station was operated by six women who tracked enemy ships and air activity.

Town Development

In 1937, parts of the farm were sold to “Yzerfontein Seaside Estates,” and the area received town status, being referred to as a “township.” It became a Local Area in 1960, and a Local Council was elected in 1989.

The postcode for Yzerfontein is 7351

WEATHER IN YZERFONTEIN TODAY

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Things to see and do in Yzerfontein

  • “Yzerfontein is known for its Sixteen Mile Beach which stretches north from the main beach of the town to the West Coast National Park. It’s the longest unbroken beach in the country and you can spend hours strolling, walking your dogs, and swimming. This beach has  blue flag status
  • There are great birdwatching opportunities in Yzerfontein
  • The Snoek derby is in December
  • Yzerfontein Art Route  078 452 8132
  • West Coast Flower Trail Run at !Khwa ttu, held in spring.022 451 2202
  • https://www.yzerfonteintourism.co.za/about
  • The Yzerfontein Urban Conservancy.. voluntary group looks after the 127ha of green belt that’s part of the swaartland nature reserve. Two nature gardens offer visitors a closer look at the local strandveld and coastal fynbos, while the Schaapen Island hike trail offers spectacular views of the coastline, whale, and dolphin watching, and even possibly an encounter with the resident ostriches that roam the village and are often seen visiting the beach   082 494 7004
  • , Dassen Island is home to some 60,000 African Penguins, it is located 9km off the coastline of Yzerfontein.  The hardy flora supports a diverse range of animals including reptiles, wild feral cats, European rabbits, and Dassies
  • The Blombosch 4×4 Nature Trail
  • Yzerfontein oyster festival
  • Yzerfontein Garden Club. Meets monthly for interesting garden-related topics: Edith 082 897 3518 / Magda 082 888 0557

Useful Numbers

  • Municipality 022 451 8400
  • General emergency 022 487 9400
  • Police: Darling 022 451 2366
  • Traffic department: Atlantis 021 444 1330
  • Fire: 022 4879479
  • Water: 022 487 9479
  • Electricity:022 487 9479
  • Ambulance:10177 022 433 8700
  • Library:
  • Closest hospital; Darling Clinic 022 492 2626
  • Pharmacy; 022 451 2095
  • SPCA:022 289 0998
  • ” Die Courant”: 022 487 3221
  • Swartland Gazette: 022 482 3817
  • Community Hall  022 451 2366
  • NSRI Station 34  082 990 5974
  • SANCCOB:022 557 6155
  • Schools: Darling primary022 492 2503
  • Museum; !Kwa ttu 022 492 2998
  • Tourism- 022 451 2985

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