One of the Waterfront's most fascinating sights is this large dry dock, opened in 1882 and still used to repair ships today. Named after Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, it was used to repair over 300 ships during WWII. The Pump House next to it – now housing a comedy club and food market – was used to pump out the water.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Two Oceans Aquarium

0.06 MILES

This excellent aquarium features denizens of the deep from the cold and the warm oceans that border the Cape Peninsula. It's a chance to see penguins,…

2. Nobel Square

0.09 MILES

Here’s your chance to have your photo taken with Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Larger-than-life statues of both men, designed by the artist Claudette…

3. Time Ball Tower

0.13 MILES

Built in 1894, this was once used to signal the time to ships in the bay; when the big red ball on the roof was lowered down a metal spike, ship's masters…

4. Maritime Centre

0.15 MILES

This small museum, stocked with model ships, houses the John H Marsh Maritime Research Centre (www.rapidttp.co.za/museum), a resource for those interested…

5. The Springbok Experience

0.15 MILES

You don't have to be rugby crazy to enjoy this attraction, which celebrates the history of rugby in South Africa and, in particular, the trials and…

6. Chavonnes Battery Museum

0.16 MILES

This museum houses the remains of an early-18th-century cannon battery, one of several fortifications the Dutch built around Table Bay. It was partly…

7. Cape Wheel

0.17 MILES

What was supposed to be a temporary attraction at the Waterfront has proved so popular that it's been made a permanent fixture. Your ticket gives you four…

8. Old Port Captain's Office

0.19 MILES

This beautiful gabled building, dating from 1904, was built for the Port Captain, whose office was previously located in the Clock Tower across the 'cut'…