Observatory, Gauteng (original) (raw)
Observatory, Johannesburg
The pretty suburb of Observatory situated on a hill for obvious reasons, is home to the observatory site that stands on a 35-hectare site, declared the city�s first meteorological observatory site in 1903.
The stone building is small and attractive and, because it lies on a ridge, offers some of the most splendid views over Bellevue and Sandton. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Voortrekker Monument, just south of Pretoria.
It�s probably one of the best reasons for staying in the leafy suburb of Observatory - the views - which extend over the eastern side of the city and Bez Valley, and the feeling of being remote from the hum drum of city living. Pretty and large homes sit on broad streets in a part of Johannesburg that has remained surprisingly quiet and sedate, despite its proximity to the melting pot of Yeoville, a little further south of Observatory.
Observatory is just up the road from the Bruma flea market, Kensington and Eastgate shopping mall. The Observatory Golf Course might be one of the lesser known courses in Johannesburg, but it�s as good as many of its more famous neighbours.
Newtown is about 20 minutes from Observatory - the hub of the city centre�s regeneration project and the site of the Market Theatre - whilst a visit to Gillooly�s farm in Bedfordview over a weekend is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
GL Cottages
GL Cottages offers guest accommodation in a haven of peace and tranquility in the midst of Johannesburg's thriving metropolis. We have 21 en-suit...
Guest House
Fuhara Guest Lodge
Fuhara Guest Lodge provides bed and breakfast accommodation in eight en-suite rooms. The rooms all have tea / coffee making facilities, DStv, air...
Hotel
Garden Top Hotel
The Garden Top Hotel offers accommodation in Johannesburg in the Bezuidenhout Valley, just 3.5km from Kensington and less than 20 minutes from OR...
Guest House
1945 On Kloof Guesthouse
1945 On Kloof IS a charming guesthouse conveniently situated on the corner of Kloof Road and Frederick Street. The prime location offers easy acc...
Things to do in the area
Malls & Shopping
Eastgate Shopping Centre
For guests who choose to stay in Bedfordview, Eastgate Shopping Centre is Conveniently situated between the city centre of Johannesburg and the O...
Farm Stalls & Markets
Victoria Yards Market
The Victoria Yards Market is held on the first Sunday of every month and makes for a really great day of quirky innovation for anyone that is enj...
Noteworthy attractions
Golf Courses
Crown Mines Golf Club
South Africa is famous for its gold, and Crown Mines Golf Club is built in genuine mining country, just a few kilometres southeast of central Joh...
Golf Courses
Observatory Golf Club
Observatory Golf Course is one of the less well known Johannesburg courses, but just as good as many of its more famous neighbors. A sophisticate...
Golf Courses
Randpark Golf Club
With two very distinct but different golf courses, Randpark offers golfers of varying ability an unforgettable experience on two of the finest an...
Golf Courses
Royal Johannesburg Golf Club
The World Atlas of Golf, which lists the great courses and how they are played, features just two South African clubs on its hallowed pages. One ...
Airports
OR Tambo International Airport
Formerly officially known as Johannesburg International Airport, the OR Tambo International Airport is a large airport near the city of Johannesb...
Landmarks
East Rand Flea Market
Just outside Johannesburg in Boksburg, the East Rand Flea Market lies right next to the East Rand Mall, and as a result, is open just about all w...
Shopping
East Rand Mall
The popular East Rand Mall takes full advantage of the prime position of this area and offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, chain stores a...
Museums
Absa Money Museum
Home to the largest collection of money used in South Africa�s past in the world, Absa Money Museum lies in downtown Johannesburg on Troye Street...
Landmarks
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is the story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Beginning in 1948, the white elected National Party governme...
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