History
The town was established in 1874 and named after the Cape Colony Governor Sir Henry Barkly. It developed as an administrative and farming centre for the Witteberg region's wool and mohair sheep farmers. The narrow-gauge railway built in 1905 to connect the isolated highlands to the main network — with its famous zig-zag reversal system over the Barkly Pass — became an engineering landmark of its era.
What Barkly East is Known For
Barkly East is known for the historic zig-zag railway (now a tourist attraction), Barkly Pass with its dramatic scenery, and the surrounding highland landscape that transforms with each season. The area is prime trout fishing country, and the Rhodes agricultural show draws visitors from across the region annually.
Key Areas & Neighbourhoods
The compact town has a central main street with essential services — fuel, banking, supermarkets, and farm supply stores. The surrounding district is open highland farmland with scattered wool and mohair farms. The historic railway station remains a landmark even with limited operational trains.
Economy & Industry
Wool and mohair farming are the economic backbone, with Barkly East serving as a market town for surrounding sheep farmers. Trout fishing tourism attracts anglers from across the country. Government services support the local and district community. The town functions as a supply hub for an isolated but productive farming region.
Tips for Visitors & New Residents
The Barkly Pass road offers spectacular highland scenery — drive it slowly. The zig-zag railway section is visible from a viewpoint near the old track. Rhodes, 60km away, is one of South Africa's best-preserved Victorian villages and worth the drive. Snow can close passes in winter — check conditions before travelling.