Parys is a town situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Free State province of South Africa. Between its art, historical and adventure activities, there’s plenty to keep travellers occupied. Parys is often dubbed as an art and antique hub, so expect to find many quaint art shops all over the town.
Parys suspension bridge
The Parys Suspension Bridge is a unique attraction built in 1918 and crosses the Vaal river. Once used to connect golf island to the town, the bridge is now a popular tourist spot to hang a love lock.
Explore the art on Breë and Water Street
Take an afternoon stroll down to Breë and Water Street where you can meander along the quaint art galleries, gift shops and antique attractions. Perhaps you can purchase a few souvenirs for family and friends back home.
Vredefort Dome
Over two billion years ago, one of the largest meteors to ever hit the Earth collided with a spot 10km from the centre of Parys. It left behind the largest-known crater on the planet with an indentation 40km deep and 360km wide and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore it on a hike.
White water rafting
Bring your family, friends or colleagues, come and explore Parys and Upper Vaal white water rafting and experience a river trip you will never forget. Start in Parys town and raft down to the take out point at Rocky. This is in the Dome berg land conservation area part of the Vaal River and the most commercialised stretch of white water in South Africa. It is in a world heritage site and the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world.
Berry picking
For a day out with a difference, why not go berry picking at Bon-Af Berry Farm and experience picking berries straight from the bush. If you gather enough you can make your own jam when you get home! Also available are farm tours. Bon-Af have 65 cultivars of berries including frambois, bramble, blueberries and blackberries. After all your hard work you can enjoy a relaxing tea in the garden – scones and tea will be a perfect reward after all your manual labour. Harvest time is from November to April and you can also purchase frozen berries out of season.
Hadeda Creek
A tented camp situated on the banks of the tranquil Vaal River – serving as a base for River Rafting at its best! Hadeda Creek is situated in the beautiful, pristine tranquility of the Vaal River. Situated within the Vredefort Heritage site, their informal and enviro-friendly atmosphere allows for uninterrupted privacy in the bush.
Parys has retained the “magical charm” of small town atmosphere with all the amenities and luxuries of a modern city. Be sure to visit these places on our list. If you’re looking for exciting new career opportunities in South Africa, make sure you click through to our job section.
