GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - Take a trip to Great Brak River and discover this charming town 23km from Mossel Bay in the direction of George. 

Great Brak has a unique atmosphere created by tranquil waterways, many bridges, historic buildings and quirky, arty coffee and craft shops. 

If you want a superior cup of coffee, Great Brak is your spot. Visit leafy Great Brak Island, only accessible via a quaint, single gauge bridge. The children will enjoy wallowing in the shallow water around the island. 

If you need to buy some last-minute gifts, you will find a variety, from homemade jams to preserved edible flowers. 

There are quality restaurants to choose from. You can feast on traditional South African fare, through to oysters and other seafood, to Banting dishes. There is even a chocolatier in town, from whom you can purchase just-made, fine Belgian truffles.

History

The town was founded by the Searle family of Surrey, England, of which the elder brother, Richard (originally a labourer), emigrated to South Africa under a governmentsponsored scheme in 1845. He arrived in Great Brak River to work for the Central Road Board in 1850. Richard's brother, Charles, and sister-in-law, Pamela, are credited with founding the village in 1859. 

The Searle family went on to become toll keepers (toll houses were operated by private contractors during the 1800s), and would establish shopping, accommodation, shoe-making and timber businesses in the village. Groot Brak River today consists of several small shops and restaurants located in the town centre. The 250-year-old shoe factory, Bolton Footwear, originally started by the Searl family, is still in operation today and is one of the primary employers in the town.

Did you know? Great Brak River derives its name from the brackish taste of the water from the two Brak rivers – the lagoon mouth is divided into two sandy channels with a small island between them.

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