Cape Town



Harbour

 A holiday to Cape Town will provide you with a mind-spinning array of activities and sometimes it can be hard fitting everything in. But if you do happen to find yourself with a spare day and want to experience something a little out of the ordinary, why not try a little train-travel to see some of the more out-of-the-way sights of this spectacular region.
The journey from Cape Town to Simon’s Town can be taken using a hop-on hop-off ticket readily purchased from the city centre station. The Southern Line Train route snakes spectacularly along the sea down to Simon’s Town, hugging the coast on what must be one of the most picturesque train trips in the world.
All Aboard
Your rail adventure begins in the historic Cape Town station and you set off from the city centre towards your first stop – Observatory Station. It is the perfect opportunity to visit one of Cape Town’s best-loved tourist attractions, the South African Astronomical Observatory. Spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits or taking in a star show. You may also be interested to pay a visit to the Groote Schuur Hospital where the first heart transplant was carried out by Christiaan Barnard.
In the Shadow of the Mountain
Next stop is Newlands station where you alight under the shadow of Cape Town’s most iconic ambassador, Table Mountain. If you’re feeling energetic, you could cancel your ticket and climb the mountain instead, but it may be better to leave that for another day and settle for some amazing photo opportunities instead. Sports nuts could also be interested in paying a visit to the famous Newlands Cricket and Rugby Stadium, just a short distance away.
The Spectacular Seaside
The scenery begins to change by your next station and soon you are arriving at the oceanside Muizenberg Station, situated almost right on the beach. Cape Town is world-renowned for its stunning beaches and laidback coastal lifestyle and Muizenberg is a perfect example. It is one of Cape Town’s most popular surf beaches, so hit the waves or, if you’re not a water-babe, you can try a game of putt-putt. Round off your afternoon with an al-fresco lunch at one of the many beachside cafes and then hop back on the train for the next leg of your journey.
Boutiques, Bookshops and Beaches
Your next stopping off point is Kalk Bay, where you can spend a pleasant hour or so wandering the eclectic mix of boutiques, bookshops and antique and second-hand shops. Then back on the train to Fishhoek Station where you can alight for a wander along the beach.
Simon’s Town
Your final destination, Simon’s Town, offers a range of activities for your enjoyment but the absolute must-do is a visit to Boulder’s Beach to spend some time with the delightful locals. The beach is home to a breeding colony of penguins and you’d be hard-pressed to find a cuter community. There are also water-sports, golfing and boating to enjoy, and an early supper of fresh seafood and some delicious South African wine will round off your day nicely before heading back to Cape Town on the evening train.

Author: Rachel Hill