With vistas over the Indian Ocean including views up Robberg Beach towards the Beacon Island Resort, it is easy to see why Whale Rock is so popular.
A fairly new area in Plettenberg, Whale Rock, is still developing with many estates, including Whale Rock Ridge and Whale Rock Gardens, each with its unique look and features such as the Mediterranean style single-storey homes at one of the estates.
To get to Whale Rock, you turn left at the second circle in Plett’s Main Street, down towards Central Beach and carry on along Longships Drive towards Whale Rock Drive, and the suburb Whale Rock.
Housing includes everything from big houses at the top section of Whale Rock, to smaller retirement type homes at the bottom. Described by one resident as “typical old Plett”, the area is clean and quiet and developments have been designed with the natural surrounds in mind.
Whale Rock also boasts the Robberg Nature Reserve, described as a national monument with rocks from this region dating back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland, in its backyard.
It is far enough from Plett town to feel like a separate little village, but close enough to pop in for shopping. For those who just need a break away from everyday life, there are also a few guest houses promising a place to “rest your soul”.
What I love about living here is that quiet, serene feeling and being close to nature. There’s a large amount of birdlife because we are right against the peninsular of Robberg
Peter Bullock, resident
Top schools near Whale Rock:
- Greenwood Independent School
- Plettenberg Bay Christian School
- Raphaeli Waldorf School
- Bay College
Best attractions near Whale Rock:
Robberg Nature Reserve:
walking here is special as the reserve is home to the rare blue duiker, the Western Cape’s smallest antelope, and the highest navigational light along the South African coast at the Cape Seal Lighthouse.Plett Puzzle Park:
two main activities are the first life-size 3-D Maze in South Africa, as well as an exciting and unique Forest Puzzle Walk designed for visitors of all ages to exercise their bodies and minds in an entertaining, educational and affordable way.Old Nick Village:
a landmark shopping destination on the Garden Route, this “village” features an eclectic collection of shops owned by creative manufacturers, designers and curators.
Best places for wine near Whale Rock:
- Andersons Wine: overlooking Keurboomstrand and Robberg Peninsula, the vineyard falls in a gradual ecotone between fynbos and forest, and enjoys cool sea breezes of the Indian Ocean.
- Luka Wines: a 7ha boutique wine farm, of which 1,5ha is under Sauvignon Blanc grape, which has produced several award-winning wines.
- Plettenvale Wines: an estate with two self-catering cottages on the estate that are available for rental to visitors who want to be involved in the harvest and have a hands-on experience.
If you’re planning a move to the coast, start with our listings of property for sale in Whale Rock and get a taste of what this scenic town has to offer in terms of seaside living.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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