The suburb of Melrose in the city of Johannesburg is an exclusive area that has old money turn-of the-20th century homes interspersed with modern architectural creations, all hidden behind high walls. Melrose is surrounded by parks, sports fields, and country clubs and adjoins the vibrant Rosebank suburb, popular for its nightlife and café culture. Melrose sits along the spine of Johannesburg’s main road network linking the city with the Sandton business district and Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.
Once a quiet, leafy suburb, Melrose was awoken from its slumber by the construction of Melrose Arch in 2007, an ongoing project designed as a multi-functional urban space. This vast pedestrian-friendly centre is now the hub of after-hour business gatherings and enjoyed by locals partying or eating out at this safe venue.
One of Johannesburg's oldest independent schools is located in Melrose and the Gautrain (high speed rail service) stops here.
Melrose properties are large with established gardens and trees lining the streets, and when Johannesburg’s hectic lifestyle overwhelms, Melrose becomes a peaceful refuge.
Top 6 reasons to visit Melrose
1. Visit the trendy Melrose Arch to indulge in acres of retail and enjoy a meal on the piazza bursting with cafés and restaurants. The centre has plentiful parking. For the oniomaniac in all of us, the Sandton Shopping Centre and nearby Rosebank Mall has more shopping options.
2. The 10ha Melrose Wild Bird Sanctuary in James and Ethel Gray Park has a bird hide to view the wading birds inhabiting the reeds surrounding the dam. Over 100 bird species have been recorded here.
3. Acrobranch Melrose at the James and Ethel Gray Park offers fun and challenging obstacle courses for both parents and children. Obstacle courses include a big swing and ziplining ranging from 20m ziplines, 3m above the ground, to the mammoth 200m zipline, 9m above the treetops.
4. The prestigious Killarney Country Club welcomes visiting golfers to enjoy a round of golf on their challenging course. The narrow fairways require accurate driving off the tee.
5. Visit the unique Apartheid Museum to experience a part of South African history. The complex has 22 exhibition areas, was opened in 2001 and cost R80million to construct.
6. Ever watched a game of cricket? This sport is popular with South Africans and the historic Wanderers Club regularly hosts national and international games. The T20 series is the most popular, the game is made more festive by music and dancers, and various competitions are held during these fast-paced games.
Transport
Melrose is 35 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. National flights arrive and depart from Lanseria Airport, a 45 minute drive north west of Melrose. The Gautrain (express rail service) operates between the airport and Melrose. Several car rental companies operate at the airport and in the main centres, however, a rental can be booked online. There are a number of metered taxi and shuttle service companies operating in Rosebank or you could register with Uber and order a ride via your mobile phone.
Did you know?
In 1873, Scotsman Henry Marshall bought a block of land and called the area Melrose after a town with the same name in Scotland (incidentally, the birthplace of Sevens Rugby). His house is still standing in the suburb and he was responsible for the many oak trees growing here.
Mention the word Melrose to a South African and they will immediately identify a brand of cheese that has been around for 6 generations. In 1980, advertisers came out with a jingle ‘Oh Boy! Mum remembered Melrose!’ that is still today associated with the cheese.
