CommunityTowns and suburbs

Newlands

Newlands is a suburb of Cape Town known for its greenery, historic charm, and attractions like Newlands Brewery, sports stadiums, and access to Table Mountain.

newlands

Newlands is located just south of Cape Town city centre, in the Western Cape province in South Africa. It is bordered by Rondebosch to the east, Claremont to the south, and the slopes of Table Mountain to the north. The area is part of the Cape Town metropolitan area and is known for its parks, forests, and sports facilities, including the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground and Newlands Rugby Stadium.

History of Newlands

This is a suburb about 9 kilometres from Cape Town’s city centre. Originally known as Nieuwland, the area began its development in 1770 when Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel received it as a grant. He established a country residence, adding a modest lodge, garden, and oak tree plantation. The Dutch East India Company retained the property and used it as a residence for high-ranking VOC officials.

In 1791, the estate changed hands to private owners, briefly returned to government control in 1805, and then was sold again in 1826. During the 1860s, the government leased the property as a residence for Cape Governors. The village started to take shape when the railway line from Cape Town reached the suburb in 1864.

The manor house of Fernwood, part of the original farm estate, still stands today and houses a parliamentary sports club.

Newlands now ranks among Cape Town’s more upmarket suburbs. Locals often refer to it as Cape Town’s “green suburb” because of its high rainfall, making it the wettest area in South Africa. Situated at the back of Table Mountain and on the perimeter of  Kirstenbosch, the area offers spectacular views for its residents.

Things to see and do in Newlands:

  • Newlands spring
    The freshwater spring has historical importance in the area. The water is of high quality. Capetonians still collect water at these springs today. The water has played a vital role in the brewing industry, with the first brewery being set up and licensed in 1694 at Papenboom. Water was also used to power water mills from the mid-1800s.
  • Newlands Brewery, which was established in 1658, is one of the oldest commercial breweries in South Africa and is considered the ‘cradle of clear-beer brewing’ locally. It lies on the Liesbeek River. The Josephine Mill, which used a water wheel to grind the grain used for brewing, is now a historic monument.
  • Newlands Forest is part of the Table Mountain National Park. It is a popular area for outdoor recreation where Capetonians hike and walk their dogs. It includes remnants of the indigenous Afro-Temperate forest and Granite Fynbos. Historic sites include The Woodcutter Cottage and Lady Anne Barnard’s Path.
  • Paradise Park Outdoor Gym, Cnr Hiddingh and Alster Avenue.
  • Josephine mill
  • Liesbeek River Trail
  • Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. During January, a season of summer concerts is held at Kirstenbosch

Resources

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

 

Useful Numbers

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

  • Emergency Service

  • Police: Claremont Police Station -021 657 2250
  • Fire: Volunteer Wildfire Services Newlands Fire Base 083 977 2924
    Wynberg Fire Station – 021 444 9623
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital;Nurture Newlands Hospital-021 685 0292
  • Pharmacy;021 685 3011

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 0869 103 089
  • Electricity: 0869 103 089

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic Department: Hillstar Traffic Department – 0860 103 089
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

  • Community & Safety

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

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office;Kenilworth Post Office-021 762 4483
  • Tourism @ Kirstenbosch gardens  (0)21 762 0687
  • Residents Association: admin@newlandsresidents.org.za

  • Schools in Newlands

  • South African College High School-021 689 4164
  • Sans Souci Girls’ High School-021 671 7188
  • South African College Junior School-021 689 4001
  • Kildare Pre-Primary School-021 674 4360
  • Good Hope Studies – English Language School -021 683 1399
  • Barkly House  Pre-Primary School-021 671 1878
  • Groote Schuur High School-021 674 2165
  • 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
  • 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