Caledon, Western Cape

Caledon
Caledon Location in the Western Cape
Caledon Location in South Africa
Coordinates: 34°13′48″S 19°25′42″E / 34.23°S 19.42833°E / -34.23; 19.42833Coordinates: 34°13′48″S 19°25′42″E / 34.23°S 19.42833°E / -34.23; 19.42833
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
District	Overberg
Municipality	Theewaterskloof
Area[1]
– Total	13 km2 (5 sq mi)
Population (2001)[1]
– Total	10,650
– Density	819.2/km2 (2,121.8/sq mi)
Time zone	SAST (UTC+2)
Postal code	7230
Area code(s)	028

Caledon is a town in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) east of Cape Town. As of 2001^[update] it had a population of 10,650.^[1] It is located in, and the seat of, the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality.

It is situated on the main south coast highway, the N2, 113 kilometres (70 mi) from central Cape Town. At Caledon the N2 is met by the R316 from Arniston and Bredasdorp, and the R320 from Hermanus. It is also located on the Overberg branch railway line, 141 kilometres (88 mi) from Cape Town station.

The Caledon district is primarily an agricultural region. Most agricultural activities involve grain production with a certain amount of stock farming. The town is locally well known for the Caledon Spa and Casino and for its rolling hills and yellow canola fields in spring.

The town has a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Temperatures are modified by its close proximity to the South Atlantic Ocean, just over the Kleinriviers Mountains to the south.

The writer Peter Dreyer was born in Caledon at the Caledon Baths Hotel in 1939.

Rhodesian government minister P. K. van der Byl retired to Caledon and subsequently died there, in Fairfield.

Attractions

The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Main Place 'Caledon'". Census 2001. http://census.adrianfrith.com/place/11103. Retrieved 1 April 2011.