Towns and suburbs

Barrydale

Route 62

Barrydale

History of Barrydale

The small town of Barrydale is named after James Barry who was a settler in the region. He was a trader, lawyer, agent, and auctioneer. He was also deputy sheriff and commandant of the town’s militia.

Farmers moved into the area which is now Barrydale in the early 1800s. It has a moderate climate and plenty of water. The village grew when a church was built on land purchased in 1878 for that purpose. Previously the congregation visited “nagmaal houses.” These were local houses where they could take holy communion.

European Settlers moved into the valleys and mountains in search of fertile soil and water supplies to support farming. Farmers were encouraged to cultivate fruit crops and to plant vines. This gave rise to the local wine industry and consequently, there was a call for a distillery to be established. The brandy produced in the area has won some prestigious awards

The farmers needed to travel to Swellendam to sell their produce and the Tradouw pass was planned. Tradouw means Women’s Path in the Khoi language. Thomas Bain was responsible for the construction which took place between 1869 and 1873. The pass is 16 km long and has an altitude of 219 metres and passes through some spectacular scenery. A local municipality was established in Barrydale in 1921.

Barrydale, is one of the prettiest villages on Route 62.  There is a large diversity of vegetation and wildlife within a 30km radius.  The Anna Roux Wildflower Garden lies on the town’s outskirts

The license plate prefix in Barrydale is CCK  and the postal code is 6750

Weather in Barrydale

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Things to do and see in Barrydale

  • Up the creek outdoor music festival in February 021 510 0547
  • Barrydale Heritage Garden +27 028 572-1012
  • Unplugged 62 festival
  • Eenboom game farm + 27 ( 72 ) 042 2835
  • Crystal labyrinth
  • Klein Karoo wine route  082 214 5910
  • Annual puppet parade, held in December
  • Barrydale in bloom festival in October and enjoy the sight of gardens in their full glory. The gardens are open each day there are also other special events..
  • Barrydale Art Meander 0 79 318 4289  shane.magpie99@gmail.com
  • The South African Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist monument was consecrated by Burmese monk, Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. It is a place where people can come to channel light and love and create a higher state of awareness and healing within.
  • Wildehondshoogte pass
  • Tradouwshoek pass
  • Tradouw pass 
  • Grootvaderbos loop hike 

Useful Numbers

  • Police: 028 572 1001
  • Municipality: 028 514 8568
  • Traffic department: Swellendam – 028 514 8500
  • Fire: 999
  • `Water: Swellendam- 028 514 8500
  • Electricity: Swellendam 028 514 8500 A/H 076 6844 386
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; 028 572 1210
  • Library: 028 514 8572
  • Closest hospital; clinic 028 572 1459
  • Pharmacy;
  • SPCA: Swellendam- 028 514 2083
  • Schools:
    Barrydale High School 028 572 1228
    B.F. Oosthuizen Primary School 028 572 1275
  • Ratepayers Association:028 571 1326
  • Museum; MUD museum and art gallery 028 572 1459

https://www.barrydale-info.co.za/town/travel_info/useful-information

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