After enjoying some delicious fish and chips from the nearby Boathouse restaurant in Kleinmond, Chantelle, the girls and I next sauntered down the road to the tiny Kleinmond harbour, to get a better look at this picturesque little spot.
The Kleinmond harbour was built around 1940 and enjoyed its heyday during the fishing boom of the 1970s, but had fallen into disrepair in the ensuing years. Although never really losing popularity with local fisherman, the harbour is now receiving a new lease on life, as a massive 2014 project saw developers repair the breakwaters, dredge the harbour bowl and upgrade pedestrian access.
A new jetty was installed, while existing harbour walls were all stabilized, and garages equipped for the NSRI and other emergency equipment erected. Oh, and the fish-scaling tables also received an upgrade.
The result has been a resounding success in turning this new Whale Coast waterfront area into a big tourist attraction for the little coastal town, with the Harbour Road area (as it is now known), becoming quite the little hub of great restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Fishermen we are not, but nevertheless we thoroughly enjoyed strolling down the slipway and walking along the jetty, admiring the breathtaking ocean and mountain view while watching some locals attempting to pull in some fish using hand lines.
Definitely a case of property developers spending money the right way!
Related Link: Harbour Road