Darling is the gateway to the Cape West Coast and boasts all the natural treasures for which the West Coast is famous. Flowers, wine, birds and hospital people. It is a not only a magnificent start to the Cape Wildflower Route, but boasts a large number of reserves itself. During spring (late August to September) more than a 1000 species come to life in the fields and marshes, displaying an incredible variety of colour and growth habits not found anywhere else.
Visit the Tienie Versveld Wildflower Garden, the Renosterveld Reserve, Wayland Farm, Contreberg Farm on R307 Darling-Mamre road, and Oudepost Farm, where the Duckitt Orchid Show runs concurrently with The Darling Flower show in the third weekend in September. Here millions of these exotic orchids are cultivated for local and export markets. The Groote Post wine farm also offers long walks in its beautiful natural surroundings.
With the development of the West Coast wine industry, Darling jumped in boots and all, and is a favoured haunt for the wine lover, who can stay put right here in Darling or continue on the West Coast Wine Route.
Originally a farming community, with a moderate climate and fertile soil, the economy was supported by sheep and dairy farming, wheat, peas and potatoes. With the addition of vineyards, Darling became such an attractive proposition, that it scooped the most famous satirist and cabaret star, and his alter ego, Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout, as a resident. He transformed the station buildings into a small theatre and restaurant, and often performs here on “Evita se Perron” over weekends.
Since he set up his theatre, Darling has exploded with artistic talent, galleries, arts and craft shops, restaurants and antique shops. With the Cape Town market only 75km away, Darling is a-buzz with activity.
Darling has a well-recognised birding route, an absolute joy in spring and well worth the outing in summer.
The museum is housed in the old city hall in Pastorie street. The building is more than a hundred years old. The history of Darling’s dairy industry forms an important part of the museum’s exhibits, together with the development of the town, its school and people. Darling’s tourism office is also housed in this building.
There is a sports club in Jakaranda Street, which offers golf, bowls,netball, tennis, ghymkana and cricket. Tel: 022 492 3013
Events: Once a year, usually around the first week of September, Darling hosts the “Voorkamerfest” (front room festival). You buy a ticket for three stops, each stop at a house situated in the brown community. A show is held in each of the houses, be it song or dance or comedy. Often celebrities like Mimi Coertze or Sandra Prinsloo perform at these shows. The Darling Half Marathon, Rocking the Daisies, the Hello Darling and the Darling Music festivals have become eagerly anticipated annual events.
Gain a fascinating insight into the traditions, knowledge and modern-day life of South Africa’s first people at !Khwa ttu San Education and Cultural Centre.
Situated on the West Coast only 75 km or an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Darling is easily accessible along the R27 West Coast Road. Turn right onto the R315 at the Darling/Yzerfontein crossing and travel another 15km through hills of vineyards and wheat lands to where Darling lies tucked away.
For the ultimate guide on the West Coast, visit ShowMe West Coast.
