Durban's Mini Town

Description:

Durban's Mini Town was established in 1969 and after extensive renovations the new Mini Town may be on a smaller plot, but it still has all its charm and old attractions after 41 years on the Durban beachfront.

It is not quite a replica of Durban but the attraction does give a good impression of some of the city's landmarks on a 1:24 scale.

Many of Durban's most popular buildings are here - from the large sugar terminal and impressive Durban City Hall (the oldest exhibit) to the Holiday Inn Garden Court (the tallest exhibit) and the most recent addition, an ornate and impressive mosque.

The attention to detail in attractions such as a fun fair (with moving ferris wheel and swings), a circus (with animal enclosures outside) and a large cricket stadium (with tiny figures on the stands and field) are favourites with all ages.

There's also a miniature game reserve with thatched huts; a mini beach dotted with bathers, surfers, umbrellas, public toilets and a circular lifesavers' building; and, tucked away in a corner near the Mini Town entrance, a sweet little church with a wedding party emerging into a car park.

It's the large rail network with its moving trains that run across throughout the park that most excite young visitors, while the working harbour and moving planes on the airport are also big draws.

Durban's Mini Town now also boasts a new booking office and an upper deck area which overlooks the premises and which, with its benches and tables, has been designed with birthday party groups in mind.

Durban's Mini Town is open seven days a week, from 9.30am to 4.30pm (until 5pm in season). Admission is R15 for adults and R12 for children aged two to 13. Special school group rates are R10 for teachers and R8 for children, provided there are at least 20 pupils. The venue can also be booked for birthday parties.

• For more information contact 031 337 7892