Sterkstroom lies in the Sterkstroom River valley - a beautiful combination of the imposing Stromberg and Bamboesberg mountain amphitheatre and the rolling veld of the surrounding plains. Meaning 'strong stream', Sterkstroom was named after the strong flowing Hex River which flows past the town.

The Sterkstroom hiking trail, about 10km long, can easily be walked within a day. It ventures past the Marico waterfall, only accessible on foot as there are no roads in the vicinity. Other attractions in the area include the Henry Edward Halse Waterfowl Reserve and bass fishing in a few dams in the area.