Darling is known as the flower of the west coast, with the golden wheatfields in summer, rusty vineyards in autumn, rich green hills dotted with grazing cows and fields of arum lilies in winter, then in spring, the breathtaking beauty of the wild flowers.

The Darling Wild Flower Show has been held the third week in September since 1917. Visitors from all over come to see the rare display of wild flowers and orchids and to enjoy traditional meals and tractor rides into the veld during the festival.

Flowers & plants are protected and may never be picked or removed from the area or reserves. The two reserves in Darling village are easy walks and have breathtaking views.

Five productions are allocated per route, when you buy your ticket, the surprise is that you don't know which route you'll do, local taxi's transport you around the village to the different shows on your route. The shows are spread across the village from uptown to downtown, making the Voorkamerfest a genuine cross cultural South African Festival.

Enquiries & Bookings & Website

Phone: +27 (0)22 492 3427
Cell: +27 (0)82 321 7542

info: info@voorkamerfest-darling.co.za

book:bookings@voorkamerfest-darling.co.za

website: Voorkamerfest-Darling Website

Scenic drives around Darling during wet months can be fun, watch the cows graze along stretches of arum lilies and green hills and watch the ducks walk around the village.

Naturelovers will enjoy hiking the hills & reserves around Darling and birdlovers are in for a treat too.

Visitors must be sure to visit the Darling Museum's historical buttermaking display and art gallery of various artists in and around Darling, also visit the Hildebrand monument, Boerassicpark and the Elsie Balt Child Art Gallery.

Cafe Mosaic has a view from the stoep over Darling Main, enjoy a hearty meal or a shooter at the cosy little bar which is open till late with DSTV and a pool table.This little pub is where the locals meet and has a relaxed ambience.

Evita se Perron Theatre hosts The Voorkamerfest Festival, during September each year as well as the regular Darling Talent Shows.

This is a wonderfully entertaining venue, enjoy the ambience of this cultural gem, with restaurant, bar, shows and Tannie Evita's A en C (arts & crafts) market.

Highly acclaimed satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys will astound you with his brilliant up to the minute wit on current South African politics. Shows are subject to change, please call 022 492 2831, for the latest show times.

Bistro 7 towards the hill in Main Road serve delicious meals, or enjoy a continental/german menu at Zum Schatzi and admire their collection of music instruments.

Darling is home to many artists, potters, craftspeople and woodworkers.

Art and craft is on display at many venues around Darling and the artists may be visited by appointment only.

A large variety of local art, paintings, craft and pottery can be found at Evita se Perron, the Museum gallery and the Vyge Valley Farm gallery.

Darling is close to the sea, with Yzerfontein being the nearest coastal village, just 15 minutes drive away. There is a long stretch of lovely beach, where many seabirds and ostriches can be seen.

Darling is quiet most of the year, and it is a happy little village, where children can enjoy a carefree childhood, close to nature and the cycle of life.

Wild Flower Reserves in Darling

Contreberg Farm
on the R307, renosterveld and vlei flora, rare specimens, enter on foot.

Waylands Farm
on the R307, keep to the beaten track or get stuck in the vlei, enjoy a walk.

Oudepost Reserve
on the R307, keep to the beaten track or get stuck in the vlei, wonderful veld/vlei scenery

Tienie Versveld Reserve
on the R315 towards Yzerfontein, vlei & flowers and rare renosterveld specimans.

Darling Renosterveld Reserve This reserve is in the village and on the hill, behind Darling Primary School, renosterbos & red bellied tortoise & birds

Groenekloof Renosterveld Reserve This lovely reserve is also in the village, behind the cemetry. The walk starts at the Spca parking area, very pretty geophytes & vlei.

Rondeberg Reserve
This private reserve is on the R27 near Yzerfontein and is a West Coast Fynbos Reserve.

Buffelsfontein
Game Reserve
This private reserve is on the R27, between Yzerfontein and the West Coast National Park.

The Darling Wildflower Society Website
Visit the Darling Wildflower Society and discover the amazing details about our veld and flower heritage.

The farm Oudepost houses the largest orchid nursery in the Southern Hemisphere and is situated on the R307, as you drive into Darling.

Nursery not open all year, for enquiries please call 492 2602

Visitors Note
dial 022+ number
for Darling Darling Tourist Bureau Website
Visit the Darling Tourist Bureau website for current events and cultural activites information.