Cullinan: Diamond History and Local Culture

Cullinan brings together the history of diamond mining with glimpses of local history and streetscapes. Three types of tours are listed at the old diamond mine, along with a place to view replicas of diamonds and a diamond-cutting demonstration. Museums, historic churches and Oak Avenue, lined with large oak trees, complete the picture. You can get to know Cullinan through a range of themes: mining, history and its streetscapes.

Diamonds and Tours in Cullinan

Surface, motorised and underground tours are listed at the old diamond mine in Cullinan. The names alone indicate different ways to experience the mine, making the choice of tour a decision in its own right when planning your trip. Before your visit, check which types of tours and guided tours are available on your chosen date.

The Diamond Hub in Cullinan offers a different perspective on diamonds alongside the mine tours: you can view replicas of some of the best-known Cullinan diamonds and watch a diamond-cutting demonstration. While the replicas focus on the stones, the demonstration focuses on cutting them. This lets you compare two different interests: the diamonds themselves and how they are worked.

Mining History on Display

On a guided tour of the McHardy House Museum, visitors can view old family photographs and hear stories about Cullinan’s mining pioneers. This brings together personal mementos and the history of mining. Those particularly interested in the people and family stories behind this subject will find a different focus here than on tours of the old mine.

The Cullinan Tourism and History Building displays historic items from the village’s and mine’s past. It also has a DVD featuring photographs from 1902 and newsreel footage from 1912. The open-air mining museum, by contrast, focuses on various pieces of equipment used at the Premier Mine over the years. Together, these offer different historical perspectives: photographs and film, items from the village and mine, and mining equipment.

Churches, Art and Local History

Cullinan’s churches also have specific historical details associated with them. The Presbyterian Church was built in 1908, and Thomas Cullinan laid its foundation stone. St. Peter’s Catholic Church houses a cycle of oil paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross, which Donald McHardy donated to the church in 1913 after his father’s death. These details highlight different aspects: the history of the building in one case, and a dated work of art in the other.

Oak Avenue and Other Interests

Cullinan’s Oak Avenue is lined with large oak trees, as well as shops, cafés and restaurants in a traditional style. The trees and local businesses together shape the streetscape. Cullinan also has various antique shops. Jan Harmsgat se Agterplaas is used as a venue for group events.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Cullinan, you could first consider whether you’re most interested in diamond and mining history, churches and historic art, or the streetscape. This focus can guide your trip planning without requiring you to follow a fixed itinerary. If you’re travelling with people who have different interests, you can consider these themes side by side and plan your days around what appeals to you most.

Discover more destinations: Rayton, Bronkhorstspruit, Tierpoort.

Return to the main travel overview: Metsweding.