Great Brak River (Afrikaans: Groot-Brakrivier) is a coastal village which nestles in a perfect Garden Route setting situated midway between George (30 km) and Mossel Bay (27 km).

It is a historic village built around the lagoon of the Great Brak River, 17 kilometres north-northeast of the town of Mossel Bay.

It was founded by the Searle family of Surrey, England, of which the elder brother, Richard (originally a labourer), emigrated to South Africa under a government-sponsored scheme in 1845. He arrived in Great Brak River to work for the Central Road Board in 1850. 

Richard’s brother, Charles, and sister-in-law, Pamela, are credited with founding the village in 1859. The Searle family went on to become toll keepers (toll houses were operated by private contractors during the 1800s), and would establish shopping, accommodation, shoe-making and timber businesses in the village.

Sweeping panoramic views complement the outstanding characteristics of this jewel of the Southern Cape. The beautiful, unspoiled beaches in the area, and the lagoon, offer safe swimming. The presence of Southern Right and other whales from May till November is one of the town’s main attractions.