Adelaide - Eastern Cape

Adelaide is a town and area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The town's history is reflected in various historic homes, graceful churches and monuments while the large "square" - actually more of an island - with its trees, gardens and the municipal offices, makes a fine centre piece to the town. Shady palm trees lining the streets impart a character of its own to Adelaide.

The Adelaide town museum was the parsonage of the Dutch Reformed Church from 1860 to 1964 and is a fine example of a two storey colonial era house. It is a national monument and has been finished in period style and houses collections of textiles and clothes, glass, porcelain, Wedgwood and silver. There is a bandstand in the garden and various outbuildings.

Adelaide lies to the south of the Winterberg Mountains and their associated foothills, there are various spectacular scenic drives to be enjoyed.

Mountain biking is very popular and the Winterberg Mountain Bike Race takes place every year in October.

Rock climbers can do their thing at Fort Fordyce.

There is no shortage of 4x4 trails, cycling routes, game viewing, bass and trout fishing and hiking trails.

The countryside is a naturalist's delight with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and excellent bird watching.

Adelaide, on the banks of the Koonap River, was established as a military outpost during the Frontier Wars. The quaint little town, at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains, was named for Queen Adelaide, consort to King George IV. Adelaide has an interesting history, linked to the 1820 settlers, Voortrekkers and Frontier Wars. Several forts and battle sites are located in the area.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Alice 58 km, Bedford 22 km, Cookhouse 55 km, Fort Beaufort 37 km, Grahamstown 114 km

Banks

Absa, Fnb, Standard

Mountains

Winterberg

Rivers

Koonap

HISTORICAL VIEW

Fort Post Retief

An excellent example of an old Settler Fort set up during the frontier wars.

Glen Thorn Settlers’ Church

Situated on the farm Glen Luiden on the Tarkastad road

Our Heritage Museum

One of the province’s finest museums and a superb example of Settler architecture. Housed in the old Dutch Reformed parsonage, the museum offers an excellent collection of silver, glass, porcelain and minor antiquities.

Accommodation in and around Adelaide