Towns and suburbs

Milnerton

Milnerton is a suburb of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa, located along the coast near Table View. It is known for the Milnerton Lagoon, beaches, and views of Table Mountain.

milnerton

This guide covers Milnerton beaches, attractions, transport, history, and practical visitor information.

Milnerton is a coastal suburb of Cape Town, situated on the eastern shore of Milnerton Lagoon, with Table View to the north and Century City to the east.

It is known for its lagoon and coastal areas, as well as panoramic views of Table Mountain across the bay. The suburb connects residential areas with commercial zones and is a key link between Cape Town city centre and the northern coastal suburbs. There is access to nearby commercial hubs like Century City and Paarden Eiland.

Milnerton Beach has strong surfing and kite surfing conditions, and visitors also come here for walking, photography, and views of the Atlantic coastline.

A key feature is Woodbridge Island and its historic wooden bridge and lighthouse area, the suburb’s most recognisable landmarks.

History of Milnerton

In 1897, the year that saw the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the new High Commissioner for South Africa, Sir Alfred Milner (later Lord Milner), arrived at the Cape. In honour of his appointment, the promoters of a new venture decided to name the enterprise in his honour.  Sir Alfred Milner was the Cape governor from 1897 to 1901.

In August 1897, Milnerton Estates Limited was established under the Cape Company Act. It reflected some temporary optimism and an urge towards development and progress that had swept the whole country as the trauma of the Jameson Raid faded into the background.

The Cape Argus of 25 October 1897 carried a historic item in its advertising columns: “MILNERTON ESTATES COMPANY LIMITED Notify that they have bought Paarden Eiland and Jan Biesje’s Kraal for a Township and intend connecting it with a Railway.”  10,000 blue gums and 2,000 tamarisks were planted on either side of the line.

That year, 119 plots that were closer to Salt River station were auctioned. The sales encouraged Milnerton Estates to acquire additional funds to pay for the provision of water from Cape Town, the construction of roads, and the building of a retaining wall along the Diep River. Telephone communication was also planned.

Only in 1904, when the railway line was completed, could the development of the estate commence on the site of the farm Janbiesjeskraal. It is the oldest residential suburb in the northern area of Table Bay. There are spectacular views of Table Mountain from the beach, which is also a popular surfing venue. The water, however, is cold due to the Benguela current.

Cape Town to Milnerton Road, early 1900s

Cape Town to Milnerton Road, early 1900s

On 4 February 1902, the Cape Argus, in a historical article, announced: “Perhaps the finest and best-situated estate in the suburbs is that lying between the main line of railway, beyond Salt River Station, and known as the Milnerton Estates.

“Looking at the property from a distance, or from a passing train, it appears to be quite infertile waste, in fact, marshy, but on closer inspection, such as was afforded the representatives of the Press yesterday morning, this impression is altogether dispelled and, instead of a vast stretch of barren land, one finds an expanse of rich soil, planted advantageously with abundant trees, and irrigated by the river, which cuts right across it, a land capable of and eminently lending itself to cultivation, development and improvement.”

Milnerton railway

Milnerton had its own municipality from 1955 to 1996. The town council assumed a coat of arms, designed by Cornelis Pama, in October 1963

The postal codes for Milnerton are 7441 (streets) &  7435 (boxes)

Transport

Milnerton is served by MyCiTi Bus,  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Things to see and do in Milnerton

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

 

Useful Numbers in Milnerton

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: 021 528 3800
  • Fire: 021 400 6949
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital: Milnerton Medi Clinic 021 809 6500
  • Pharmacy; Ascot pharmacy 021 552 2077

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 0860 103 089
  • Electricity: 021 710 9430

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: 0860 103 089
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
  • Childline-116

  • Community & Safety

  • Childline-116
  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • SPCA: 021 700 4140

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office; 021 552 3500
  • Joe Slovo Recreation centre:021 814 1527
  • Milnerton Hall: 021 814 1527
  • Library: 021 444 0815
  • Tourism 0)21 529 9798

  • Schools in Milnerton

  • Milnerton High School-021 551 2217
  • Milnerton Primary School-021 552 2028
  • Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
  • The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 For all life or property-threatening emergencies. Call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K

Milnerton sits close to the Milnerton Lagoon and coastline, an area historically affected by maritime activity along the Cape route. For broader maritime history in the region, see shipwrecks around the Western Cape

Nearby suburbs: Century City Table View Paarden Eiland Montague Gardens Brooklyn

 

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

 

 

 

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors