Visit the Hermanus Old Harbour Museum on the southern coast of the Western Cape to enjoy some of the upgraded exhibitions this tourism month and throughout the festive bumper season.
The upgraded exhibitions include the whale sound exhibit, the submarine exhibit and the information panels which was made possible through the assistance of the province’s Department of Economic development and Tourism. The upgrade further include the “build a whale” puzzle as well as whale video games to be enjoyed by groups of families, friends and colleagues.
Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger on Sunday had the pleasure to tour the museum in the company of the Executive Deputy Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality Lindile Ntsabo. The duo was guided through some whale spotting with the world-famous Whale Crier and a walk along the cliff path to look at the art installations in Hermanus.
This Provincial Heritage Site, which was previously a South African National Monument, is also one of few fishing harbours in the world that has been conserved intact. It harbours a few historic fishing boats along the slopes, indigenous veldkos in old brine tanks and re-established coastal fynbos along the cliffs.
The Museum is at the historic heart of the village overlooking Walker Bay that is part of the Cape Whale Coast Hope Spot which stretches 200kms from Rooi Els to Quoin Point and is recognised for its incredibly vibrant and visible whale visits.
The museum offers experiences Hermanus and the Overstrand remain a world class and competitive option for travellers with no less than five blue flag beaches are dotted along this stretch of pristine coastline.
The Old harbour museum is part of Pretoria University’s renowned Mammal Research Institute and is an internationally established whale and dolphin research hub.”
Research manager of the Whale Unit at the University, Dr Els Vermeulen was pleased to welcome the Minister where he also showed off the beautiful town and engaged her on the unique tourism opportunities the region has to offer.
“We were very pleased to welcome the minister in Hermanus, to not only showcase our beautiful town but also speak to her about the unique tourism opportunities this region has to offer, principally based on the whales that visit these shores. Understanding these whales from a scientific perspective, I strongly believe that working together (as thee research, community and the tourism sector, we can provide national and international visitors with an incredible whale-based experience, leading to increased education, awareness as well as revenues for the town, ultimately all factors that are critical in the proper conservation of the animals that form the backbone of it all.” said Dr Vermeulen.
Throughout the visit to Hermanus, Minister Wenger also experienced a tangible buzz from the many visitors out and about with so much to do and enjoy in the town which is expecting a packed summer season
“I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Dr Vermeulen about her research into these majestic water mammals and was lucky enough to do so while watching a mother and her calf splash about in the bay. It is also fantastic news for the tourism and hospitality industry in the region that the town looks ahead of both local and international tourist to come and enjoy this phenomenal outdoor experience.” said Minister Wenger.
“The Old Harbour Museum itself is a treasure trove of wonderful facts and interactive exhibits about whales.” said Minister Wenger.
