milnerton
the cape west coast
HOW TO GET THERE
(GPS: 33 52S 18 29E)On the R27, 10km north of Cape Town.
TOURISM OFFICE
Cape Town Tourism - Blaauberg office· Tel: 021 521 1080
ORIGINS OF THE NAME
Named after Sir Alfred Milner (1854-1925)(later Lord Milner) Governer of the Cape from 1897-1901.HISTORY
Laid out on the farm Biesjeskraal in 1902 and attained municipal status in 1955. Now a suburb of greater Cape Town, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Well known for its beautiful lagoon, post-card views of Table Mountain, golf course and stunning properies. The lagoon is formed where the Diep River enters the sea, and is home to a rich variety of bird life.A Wooden bridge was constructed over the river in 1899 during the Boer War by British Royal Engineers, using Australian Mahogany. The bridge was declared a national monument in 1987 and is now used for pedestrians.
From 1904 to 1956 a private railway operated from Milnerton to Woodstock where it joined the national grid.
A lighthouse, a cylidrical tower of 21m. was commissioned in 1960. Three white flashes of 800000 candellas repeats every 20 seconds and is visible for about 25seamiles.
The beach is a favourite for watersports. The water is ice cold, and only the brave, drunk & ignorant venture in without a wetsuit. Wave size varies from small to large and tend to barrel, best waves are usually found when there is a south-easter blowing.
POPULATION
30,000PLACES OF INTEREST
◊ Rietvlei Nature Area◊ AFB Ysterplaat
◊ Milnerton Lighthouse
◊ Century City / Canal Walk
◊ Klein Zoar, a National Monument in Wemyss Road, Brooklyn
◊ Milnerton Town Hall, Jansen Street, a National Monument
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
• Woodbridge Island• Milnerton Golfclub
• Ratanga Junction
• Annual Airshow, AFB Ysterplaat (September)
• See the accommodation page for accommodation in this area
