Milnerton Lagoon & Woodbridge Island Cape Town
Scenic coastal area with iconic Table Mountain views, offering birdwatching and beach access, conveniently located near Cape Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Milnerton Lagoon & Woodbridge Island Cape Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic coastal area with iconic Table Mountain views, offering birdwatching and beach access, conveniently located near Cape Town.
"Stunning views of Table Mountain and the ocean, perfect for photography and relaxing walks."
🚫 Avoid Lagoon Swimming
Water quality can be poor due to nearby treatment plants. Enjoy the scenery, but refrain from swimming.
🚗 Convenient Transport Hub
Utilize MyCiTi buses or Uber for easy access to the city and surrounding areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woodbridge Island Views
Woodbridge Island
Stunning panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for sunset strolls and photography.

Milnerton Beachfront
Milnerton Beach
Expansive sandy shores ideal for long walks, kite surfing, and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Lagoon Birdlife
Milnerton Lagoon
A haven for diverse bird species, offering peaceful birdwatching opportunities amidst natural wetlands.
Planning Your Visit
Lagoon Water Quality Advisory
Strategic Location & Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Avoid Lagoon Swimming
Water quality can be poor due to nearby treatment plants. Enjoy the scenery, but refrain from swimming.
🚗 Convenient Transport Hub
Utilize MyCiTi buses or Uber for easy access to the city and surrounding areas.
Milnerton by lagoon beach
Is Milnerton Central Safe ?
📸 Capture Table Mountain Views
Woodbridge Island offers iconic, unobstructed views of Table Mountain, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Enjoy Beach Walks
Milnerton Beach is perfect for leisurely strolls with ocean views.
Milnerton Beach
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Avoid Lagoon Swimming
Water quality can be poor due to nearby treatment plants. Enjoy the scenery, but refrain from swimming.
🚗 Convenient Transport Hub
Utilize MyCiTi buses or Uber for easy access to the city and surrounding areas.
📸 Capture Table Mountain Views
Woodbridge Island offers iconic, unobstructed views of Table Mountain, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Enjoy Beach Walks
Milnerton Beach is perfect for leisurely strolls with ocean views.
👃 Be Aware of Odors
Occasional sewage-like smells can occur, particularly after rain or due to plant maintenance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island for their stunning views of Table Mountain and the ocean, making them ideal for photography and leisurely walks. The area's convenient location and accessibility via public transport are also highlighted as major advantages. However, concerns about the lagoon's water quality and occasional unpleasant odors are frequently mentioned, deterring swimming and impacting the overall sensory experience for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island from the Cape Town CBD in approximately 20 minutes by car or Uber. The MyCiTi bus service also offers convenient routes to the area, making it accessible via public transport.
Yes, the area is well-served by the MyCiTi bus system, with stations located conveniently for access to the lagoon and Woodbridge Island. Uber is also readily available.
The travel time from Milnerton Lagoon to Blouberg is approximately 10 minutes by car, making it a great location for exploring both areas.
Driving is a common and convenient way to reach Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island. Parking is generally available, especially on weekdays.
Once in the Milnerton area, getting around is relatively easy. Walking is pleasant along the beachfront, and Ubers are readily available for longer distances. The MyCiTi bus also provides good coverage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island are public access areas and do not require tickets for entry. You can enjoy the natural beauty and public spaces freely.
Parking at Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island is generally free, especially during off-peak hours. However, during busy periods or specific events, there might be designated paid parking areas.
Milnerton Lagoon is an open natural area and does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Woodbridge Island is a residential area with public access to its beaches and walkways. There is no entrance fee to visit or walk around the island.
Yes, Milnerton Beach is publicly accessible at all times. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It is strongly advised NOT to swim in Milnerton Lagoon. Multiple sources indicate that the water is often polluted due to proximity to wastewater treatment facilities, posing health risks.
While swimming is not recommended, Milnerton Lagoon is excellent for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying scenic walks along its banks. The surrounding areas offer opportunities for kite surfing and beach activities.
Woodbridge Island offers fantastic photo opportunities, particularly with Table Mountain as a backdrop. The beachfront and the lagoon's edge provide scenic vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, Milnerton Lagoon is a recognized bird sanctuary and a haven for various bird species. It's an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
While there aren't many dining options directly at the lagoon, nearby Milnerton Central and Woodbridge Island have several cafes and restaurants. You can also find more options a short drive away in areas like Century City or along the coast.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island, especially for capturing Table Mountain.
For Milnerton Lagoon, a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and birdlife. A telephoto lens can be useful for closer shots of birds. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
Woodbridge Island provides some of the most iconic and unobstructed views of Table Mountain. The beachfront facing west offers excellent vantage points, particularly during sunset.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current local bylaws and aviation authority rules before flying a drone in the Milnerton Lagoon area to ensure compliance.
Popular photography subjects include the silhouette of Table Mountain, the diverse birdlife in the lagoon, the expansive beaches, and the dramatic coastal sunsets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Safety and Neighborhood Perceptions
However, some Reddit discussions highlight a nuanced view on safety. While the immediate vicinity of Woodbridge Island is often described as safe and stunning, there are mentions of historical incidents and the need for general awareness, as with many urban areas. It's also noted that some residents have encountered racist sentiments in local online forums, which is a social aspect to be aware of. The proximity to certain areas like Joe Slovo, Phoenix, and Brooklyn is mentioned as a factor influencing perceived safety, with advice to stay further away from these zones.
Crucially, while the area is safe for accommodation and general exploration, swimming in the lagoon itself is strongly discouraged due to potential water contamination from nearby wastewater treatment plants. Visitors are advised to enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities on land and along the coast, but to avoid direct contact with the lagoon water.
Environmental Considerations: Water Quality and Odors
Compounding the water quality issue, some residents have reported unpleasant odors emanating from the lagoon, particularly linked to issues at the water treatment plant, such as those caused by loadshedding. While these smells may not be constant, they can occur periodically, impacting the overall sensory experience of the area. Visitors sensitive to smells might want to be aware of this possibility, especially during certain weather conditions or after heavy rainfall.
Despite these environmental concerns, the lagoon remains a vital natural habitat. It serves as a sanctuary for a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography. The visual appeal of the lagoon, with its wetlands and birdlife, continues to draw visitors who appreciate its ecological significance, even if direct water interaction is not advised.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit