In the old goods shed stands a class 24 steam locomotive, black, oiled, without steam. The transport museum in George has gathered 21 steam engines and 22 carriages since 1998, and for children it is the best rainy day on the Garden Route. George lies around 50 kilometres east of Mossel Bay, founded in 1811 at the foot of the mountains, today the largest town on the Garden Route and home to the airport where most visitors to the region land. For Mossel Bay, George is the place for the airport, the paperwork and the big shop; for a day out it is the passes.
- east of Mossel Bay, about 45 minutes
- 50 km
- founded
- 1811
- steam engines in the transport museum
- 21
- summit of the Outeniqua Pass
- 800 m
The Outeniqua Pass carries the national road to 800 metres and over to Oudtshoorn. Construction started in 1943, first with around 500 Italian prisoners of war, and it opened in 1951. Running parallel and older is the Montagu Pass of 1847: ten kilometres of gravel built by convicts, with an old stone toll house along the way. The Montagu Pass is slow going and only drivable when dry, so check whether your rental agreement allows gravel roads. Down in town, at the end of Caledon Street, lies the Garden Route Botanical Garden. An hour of fynbos between two appointments.
- Time needed
- half a day, a full one with the passes
- Cost
- town free, museum and garden by tariff
- When
- all year, passes in clear weather
- From Mossel Bay
- 50 km, 45 minutes
Our tipDrive up over the Outeniqua Pass and back over the Montagu Pass if the weather is dry. Stop at the old toll house on the way. The view runs all the way to the sea.
George: frequently asked questions
How far is George from Mossel Bay?
Around 50 kilometres on the N2, roughly 45 minutes. George Airport sits seven kilometres before the town, which puts it closer to Mossel Bay than the centre is.
What is there to do in George with children?
The Outeniqua Transport Museum with 21 steam locomotives and 22 carriages, opened in 1998 in an old goods shed. Opening hours and entry are with George Tourism, worth checking before you drive over from Mossel Bay. Add the botanical garden at the end of Caledon Street.
Can you drive the Montagu Pass in a rental car?
The Montagu Pass near George is ten kilometres of gravel dating from 1847, drivable slowly in an ordinary car when dry. Check first whether your rental agreement allows gravel roads. The Outeniqua Pass alongside it is tarred and is the main route from George to Oudtshoorn.