When the Dutch Reformed Church bought the farm Zeekoegat from a local farmer the town was laid out on the bank of the Brakrivier watercourse in 1843.

It was named Victoria in 1844, after Queen Victoria . Later West was appended to distinguish it from a district in the Eastern Cape.

In 1871 a dramatic cloudburst caused a flood that shattered the community of Victoria West, killing 60 residents. The headstones of many of Victoria West's flood victims still stand in the town's old cemetery.

The main economic activity in the region is sheep farming.

Victoria West is crammed with tradition and has a long history of the varied cultures that make up the South Africa of today.

Victoria West has much to offer but can easily fool the traveler racing through. The main street lies to the west of the N12 Highway and hides much of the charming little town from the highway traffic. True rural hospitality and love for the rugged Karoo typify its residents.

Therefore, Victoria West warrants a closer look when planning your next holiday trip.