Towns and suburbs

Aurora

Flower season in Aurora

Aurora

History of Aurora

Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn. The small hamlet, however, was named after Ceylonia Aurora Perreira, the daughter of the first Dutch Reformed minister in the area. The village was established on 316 acres on the farm Klipfontein in 1906. It originated as a new Dutch Reformed Parish.

The French astronomer-geodesist,  Abbé Nicolas de le Caille set up an observatory in the area. With his findings, he concluded that the earth was pear-shaped. The actual shape of the earth however is still in dispute. Visitors to Aurora are treated to the sight of spectacular night skies for stargazing and the area is particularly beautiful in flower season from August to October.

WEATHER IN AURORA TODAY

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Things to see and do in Aurora

  • The Aurora Sandveld skou. September 022 783 1821  velddrif@bergriviertourism.co.za
  • The annual Om-Die-Berg 55km cycle race, 074 143 5200
  • The homestead on the farm St Helenasfontein is a historical monument.
  • A fully restored Sandveld home on the farm Kapteinskloof is now a guest house.
  • On the farm, Klipfontein is the northernmost beacon used in 1751 by Abbe Le Caille to measure the southern arc of the meridian. The easternmost is in Riebeek West and the Southernmost is at the corner of Strand and Adderley streets in Cape Town.
  • Aurora is 51 km from Citrusdal and 45 km from Picketberg

Useful Numbers

  • Police: 10177 022/ 9312187 Porterville
  • Municipality: 022 952 1720
  • General emergency: after hours – 083 272 4131
  • Traffic department:022 913 2372
  • Fire: Vredenberg 022 713 1815
  • Water: 022 952 1720
  • Electricity: 022 952 1720
  • Ambulance: 0227134590 10177
  • Post office; Postnet Langebaan 022 772 1338
  • Library: 022 952 1720
  • Closest hospital; Vredenburg 022 713 4136
  • Schools:

Aurora primary 022 952 1674
Aurora high 022 952 1660

Other towns in the bergriver municipality include: Eendekuil; Dwaskersbos; goedverwacht and Porterville

 

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