The first known reference to the Great Brak River was made in 1730 when its banks were reached by the pioneering trek farmers. In 1745 the river became the eastern boundary of the Cape Colony in an area known as “De Verre Afgeleegene Districten”.

As the Cape Colony expanded northwards and eastwards during the nineteenth century, Great Brak River became a well-used outspan en route to George and further east. In 1850 a causeway was built over the Great Brak River. This consisted of 13 stone piers with 12 openings of 20 feet (6.1 m each) and was spanned with timber. This crossing became a toll bridge in 1852.

The village of Great Brak River was started in 1859 when Charles Searle brought his family to the then virtually unknown rural settlement alongside the flood prone river. He was appointed to operate and collect the toll which provided not only for his wellbeing, but also for the cost of maintaining the crossing.

Travellers often needed their shoes (veldskoens) repaired. Charles Searle saw an opportunity and established a small shoe factory which eventually became a dynamic industry, allowing the village to grow extensively.

Take a walk through our historic village and view the many buildings constructed before 1930 and at the turn of the century. Before 1920 all building were made of sun baked bricks. Most historic buildings have display plaques – photograph this with a smart phone to access details of the building, including the interior.

Contact the Great Brak Tourism Office at De Dekke, S34 03.257 E22 13.533 (044 620 2550 – office hours) for more details.

Learn more about the highly successful shoe-manufacturing business originally introduced by the Searle family and see how shoes are made.