Riversdale is situated on the Garden Route and is known for its exquisite floral beauty. The town was established on the farm Doornkraal in 1838 as an agricultural centre for the surrounding farms. It was named after Harry Rivers, Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Swellendam from 1834 to 1841.
Activities in Riversdale include 4x4 routes, abseiling, horseback safaris, hang gliding and fishing. The town is surrounded by wheat farms and beautiful displays of flowers. Other attractions are Jurisch Park, which includes a section for exotic plants, and the indigenous Van Riebeeck Park, noted for its variety of aloes. Among the town's historic buildings are St Matthew's Church, established in 1856, and the Old Prison, which was established in 1859.