The dramatic N12 pass climbs from George to Oudtshoorn through the Outeniqua Mountains
🚆
Transport Museum
Est. 1977
Home to vintage steam locomotives including the famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
🚗
Montagu Pass
Built 1847
A gravel heritage pass — one of the oldest mountain passes in South Africa
Did You Know?
🚆
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe was the last scheduled steam train service in Africa. The line between George and Knysna was damaged by floods in 2006 and never fully reopened.
🚗
The Montagu Pass was built by convict labour in 1847 using hand-cut stone. It's still drivable and is a National Monument.
🌳
George was once the centre of the Cape yellowwood industry. The George Museum tells the story of the timber cutters who worked the surrounding forests.
Must-Do Experiences
▼Free
Drive the Outeniqua Pass
A spectacular mountain pass connecting George to the Klein Karoo.
The N12 Outeniqua Pass is 10km of winding road with viewpoints over George, the Indian Ocean, and the Klein Karoo beyond. Stop at the top for photos. Continue to Oudtshoorn for Cango Caves and ostrich farms — a perfect day trip.
▼Heritage
Outeniqua Transport Museum
Steam locomotives, vintage cars, and the story of the Choo-Tjoe.
Entry R30pp. The museum houses 13 steam locomotives, vintage rolling stock, and memorabilia from the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe era. Open Mon-Fri 08:00-16:30. The old station building itself is beautiful.
▼Hidden Gem
Montagu Pass Drive
South Africa's oldest gravel pass, built by hand in 1847.
The Montagu Pass is a National Monument and an alternative route to Oudtshoorn via the R62. It's 17km of gentle gravel road passable in a sedan. Far quieter and more atmospheric than the modern Outeniqua Pass. Allow 45 minutes.
🔒 Local Secrets
🌊
Herold's Bay — A tiny beach hamlet 20 minutes from George with one of the most beautiful small beaches on the Garden Route. Perfect for a half-day escape.
🌳
Witfontein forest walk — A peaceful 3km trail through indigenous forest just 10 minutes from George CBD. Free, shaded, and rarely busy. Great for birdwatching.
⛳
George Golf Club — This public course offers mountain views at a fraction of Fancourt's price. Visitors pay around R450 for 18 holes.
George's attractions centre on its dramatic mountain setting and rich transport heritage. The Outeniqua and Montagu passes are spectacular drives, while the Transport Museum preserves the legacy of the legendary Choo-Tjoe steam train. George also serves as the gateway to day trips to Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, and the surrounding forests.
Outeniqua Pass★★★★★4.7(2,400)Free
N12 between George and Oudtshoorn
One of the Western Cape's most spectacular mountain passes, climbing through the Outeniqua Mountains. Multiple viewpoints offer panoramic views over George, the Indian Ocean, and the vast Klein Karoo beyond. The pass connects the Garden Route to the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn.
A fascinating collection of steam locomotives and vintage rolling stock housed in the old George railway station. The museum tells the story of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe and the role of rail in developing the Garden Route. A must for train enthusiasts and families.
Built by convict labour in 1847, this gravel heritage pass is one of the oldest in South Africa. A gentle 17km climb through fynbos and protea bushes with hand-cut stone walls still intact. A National Monument and a peaceful alternative to the busy Outeniqua Pass.