Danger Point Lighthouse Open Weekend
As one of South Africa’s few working lighthouses manned by a lighthouse keeper, the Danger Point Lighthouse ranks high on a Pharologist’s list of beacons to visit.
Open To The Public On The Weekend Of The 16th, 17th And 18th Of June 2022!
Gate Fee: Free, No Charge, Mahala!
After being closed to the public for over two years, the Gansbaai Tourism Bureau and Overstrand Municipality have arranged three open days at the Danger Point Lighthouse.
Located on the rugged Danger Point peninsula, just outside Gansbaai, this lighthouse is world-famous for its significance in maritime history. Whether you want to take a look over at the floundering site of the ill-fated HMS Birkenhead troopship, climb the 99 steps to the very top of the lighthouse tower or relax on the green lawns with a little picnic, this is a unique activity not to be missed.
A Historical Maritime Beacon In Danger Point, Gansbaai
The Danger Point Lighthouse first exhibited its light on the 1st of January 1895 and was built on the treacherous stretch of coastline that saw the tragic sinking of the HMS Birkenhead in 1852.
The lighthouse has a white octagonal masonry tower with a red lantern which stands just over 18 metres high. The lantern uses group flashing, three light flashes every 40 seconds, to send its life-saving message out to sea.
Birkenhead Memorial
“Women and Children First!”
A memorial on the lighthouse grounds commemorates the brave soldiers who perished when the ill-fated HMS Birkenhead struck an unmapped submerged rock only 1.7 kilometres offshore. That fateful night when more than 450 soldiers stood fast as all the women and children aboard the ship made their way to safety in the few available lifeboats has been cemented in history.
Interested in other things to do in Gansbaai and other Overberg towns? Take a look at:
• Things to Do in Agulhas / Struisbaai
• Things to Do in Arniston/Waenhuiskrans
• Things to Do in Barrydale
• Things to Do in Betty's Bay
• Things to Doin Botrivier
• Things to Do in Bredasdorp
• Things to Do in Caledon
• Things to Do in Gansbaai
• Things to Do in Grabouw / Elgin
• Things to Do in Greyton
• Things to Do in Hermanus
• Things to Do in Kleinmond
• Things to Do in Napier
• Things to Do in Pringle Bay / Rooi Els
• Things to Do in Riviersonderend
• Things to Do in Stanford
• Things to Do in Swellendam
• Things to Do in Villiersdorp