Cullinan

The charming mining village of Cullinan is situated 37kms outside of Pretoria, and is famous for the Cullinan Diamond – discovered there in 1905. The 3106 carat Cullinan Diamond still holds the world record as the largest diamond ever found. 

The “Big Hole” was made by the removal of more than 300 million tons of ore in the quest of finding diamonds and covers an astounding 32 ha – four times larger than the Kimberley hole.

The quality of the rare blue diamonds mined here is world-renowned, and the Diamond Store boasts diamonds with the special Cullinan Star Cut. There is a wonderful range of stones and jewellery for anyone looking for something special. As the Cullinan Mine is still very much an active operation, you can take an interesting surface or underground tour through the mine (must be over 10 years old).

Cullinan is no bigger than a village, and with its quaint Victorian buildings, red porches and green corrugated roofs, it has retained a delightful old-world charm that belies its proximity to the ever growing megalopolis of Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Cullinan’s Oak Avenue, richly lined with both jacarandas and oak trees is a living museum. Beautifully preserved period buildings, restaurants and coffee shops all add to the ambiance.

The diamond rush and life in this era can be experienced by a trip back in time at the McHardy House Mini-Museum, which provides a window into life in those times through photographs and possessions of the mine’s first general manager. The museum is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and on weekdays only by prior appointment. For those interested in history, the History Room is in the old shed, across the road from McHardy House. In the History Room is an exhibition of various items from the mine and village, from the very first silver cups dating back to 1905 for which the football, rugby and tennis teams competed, to the old film projector installed in the Recreation Club in 1947.

Also worth seeing are the eight frescoes painted by Italian prisoners of war at the old Rec Club. The Second World War POW’s left behind amazing art works and architectural reminders of their stay in Cullinan and the surrounding areas. The largest allied prisoner of war camp in Africa was established here and the graves of 264 Italian prisoners are still preserved.

Other attractions and activities in and around Cullinan include hiking and game viewing at the Windy Brow Nature Reserve only a few kilometres from town.

For a different experience, book a trip on the steam train from Pretoria to Cullinan, and re-live the puffing billy era. The train takes about 2½ hours to Cullinan with a 4 hour stay in the town before the return trip.

Getting there: Take the M9 (Rivonia Rd) from Johannesburg, turning right into Grayston Drive toward the M1 offramp signposted for Pretoria. From the M1 you will take the N1 (make sure you have cash for the new toll gate). Just before Pretoria take the N1 Danie Joubert exit on to the R513 for Cullinan. Travelling time is about 1½ hours from Johannesburg and 30 minutes from Pretoria, depending on the traffic.