About Milnerton Beach
Milnerton Beach, sometimes referred to as Woodbridge Island Beach is a long sandy beach, situated between Milnerton Lagoon Beach (the mouth of the Diep River) heading northwards to Sunset Beach, which is an approximate distance of 2.4Km along the coastline. Access to the beachfront is either via the vehicle bridge on Loxton Road or from the foot bridge coming off the walkway on Marine Drive.
Milnerton Beach can get quite busy at times, and the two small parking areas can fill quickly as people flock to the beach and to the various restaurants and bars adjacent. A third access controlled parking area is available for visitors to the Milnerton Links Golf Club and Bossa Restaurant, which are within a gated area.
Milnerton Beach is popular for surfing, kite-boarding and the likes thereof. Swimming is possible, but strong back-currents can make it dangerous and it is recommended to only swim in the demarcated area, when life guards are on duty. The Milnerton Canoe Club is also situated here, along the banks of the Diep River, where canoe enthusiasts are often seen paddling the river and lagoon.
Other popular activities include sunbathing, frequenting the many restaurants and bars or for the more health inspired, long walks or runs along the soft sands, which run uninterrupted all the way to bokkombaai in Blouberg. Dog walking, off-leash is currently permitted (Feb 2025), but laws change frequently, so keep a look out for updated signage.
Where to eat, sleep and play near Milnerton Beach
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
Nearby Activities
Note: Due to it’s proximity to the Milnerton Lagoon Beach river mouth, it is also a good idea to keep a lookout for any notices regarding poor-water conditions (i.e. unsafe for swimming due to contamination); unfortunately this is due to pollution that sometimes comes down in volume from ‘Diep River’, into the ocean.
Beach Features
- Free Parking (limited)
- Life Guard Station
- Public Toilets
- Restaurants & Bars
- Lighthouse
- Golf Course
Beach Activities
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- canoeing
- Lifesaving Events
- Dog Walking (off leash – See footnote)
Additional Information
The Milnerton Beach Lighthouse, built in 1960, stands proudly in the parking area. This is popular with tourists for photo opportunities, but is not accessible to the public. It’s revolving latern burns at 800 000 candle-power and it was established due to the high volume of ship wrecks that occurred along the coast, between Milnerton and Mouille Point.
The Woodbridge Island Housing Estate is an upmarket, access control residential estate, which is comprises many luxury homes and it also surrounds the historical seaside mansion built for Sir David Graaf in 1929. The mansion was named ‘Zonnekus’, after the old wooden bridge that was used during World War One to get munitions across the Diep River to the coastal artillery. The old bridge was replaced a few years back after much debate at an exorbitant cost. The entrance to the Milnerton Canoe Club is adjacent to the bridge on the Woodbridge island side.
Source: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
