Learn more about what it's like to live in the suburb of Melkbosstrand.
About Melkbosstrand
Translated directly as “Milkbush beach”, Melkbosstrand is so named because of the Euphorbiaceae bushes that grow on sand dunes in the area, emitting a milky substance. “Melkbos”, as locals know it, is just over 30km from Cape Town and has a relaxed seaside holiday feel to it when compared to the frenetic pace of the city. In fact, many prefer to live out there and commute to the city.
Melkbos has developed a lot in the last decade. These days, the area boasts plenty of beachfront restaurants, lots of supermarkets and shops and a variety of property types: apartments on the beachfront, cluster homes, standalone houses, retirement villages and Atlantic Beach, the well-known residential estate.
Resident Ciska Austin says she was drawn to Melkbos initially because of a new job but has come to love the almost Mediterranean lifestyle that the area offers. “The food, the wine, the people – living here makes you feel like you’re permanently on holiday,” she says. Ciska also sites the proliferation of great schools as an attraction, with the likes of Van Riebeeckstrand Primary, Melkbos Pre-Primary and Melkbosstrand High all in close proximity.
There is a friendly, strong community and a very active neighbourhood watch
says resident, Gillian Boshoff, who moved to Melkbos six years ago from Table View. Gillian was attracted initially to the area because of the superb stretch of beach, which she says is where you’ll often find the local teenagers congregating. “We don’t have a mall so they meet on the beach instead,” says Gillian, who also enjoys cycling to work and notes the wealth of mountain biking trails that are available at nearby Koeberg Nature Reserve.
Other activities to do in the area include bodyboarding, surfing and kite-surfing, or joining the Melkbos Athletic Club. After all that exercise you could head out with friends or family for a delicious meal at local restaurants like Damhuis Beach Restaurant, Cafe Orca or Trattoria Maranello.
Living in Melkbos makes me feel like I’m permanently on holiday
Ciska Austin, resident
Best in food:
- Damhuis Beachfront Restaurant for family-friendly fare
- Delicious seafood at Cafe Orca
- Tasty Italian at Trattoria Maranello
- I Love Melkies for great pizza
- Castella Amare for outstanding views
Top schools in the area:
- Van Riebeeckstrand Primary
- Melkbos Pre-Primary
- Melkbosstrand High
Nearby nature:
- Take the dogs for a walk on the beach
- Join the Melkbos Athletic Club
- Try your hand at kite-surfing or bodyboarding
- Go mountain biking in Koeberg Nature Reserve
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.