summit of an ancient, now submerged mountain (linked to Blouberg, a mountain on the mainland, by an undersea saddle)
lower strata made of Malmesbury Shale, forming a rocky coastline. Over the years, over 22 ships have sunken on this coastline.
the island is low-lying. The highest point is Minto's Hill.
climate is mediterranean
characterised by strong winds and cold winters.
water is brackish.
the flora and fauna on the island has been greatly altered by human intervention on the island.
introduced species
- Alien Plants - Rooikrans, Manatoka and Eucalyptus.
- Animals - sheep, pheasants, cattle, rabbits and deer.
original species - penguins and seals
between 1939 and 1940 extensive building took place (15 000 tons of building material was transported from the mainland). One of the constructions was the current harbour at Murray's Bay. Unfortunately the builders destroyed former Dutch buildings from many years before.
other historic buildings on the island are the gun emplacements, underground magazines, plotting rooms, observation towers, quarters for the garrison and two coastal batteries.
the maximum security prison was built in 1960, as well as an ordinary criminal prison.
buildings in the village:
- leper church, built in 1895 and designed by Herbert Baker.
- the old parsonage
- English church, built in 1841
- The present school (once a lime-house)
- Dutch Reformed Church
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