With established homes along wide streets and lined with large trees, it’s no wonder that Waverley has its fair share of guest accommodation in this garden suburb of Johannesburg.
Waverley is located such that you are within a short distance of industry, shopping and medical facilities, and Johannesburg’s many attractions and bustling nightlife. Sports centres and country clubs are on Waverley’s doorstep with the national highway bordering the western end of the suburb for easy access to either Johannesburg or Pretoria.
The suburb has two girls schools, one the oldest in Johannesburg, a few parks and various places of worship.
Top 6 reasons to visit Waverley
1. The Melrose Bird Sanctuary adjoins Waverley and the unusual Hindu temple in the sanctuary grounds is worth a visit. The original temple was built in 1899 by immigrant Tamil Hindus working as washermen in the old Melrose steam laundry. During festivals held at the temple, thousands of worshippers attend.
2. Splurge out at the Hyde Park Corner shopping centre, complete with high-end stores and top restaurants, and a good chance of bumping into a celebrity (or high profile business personality).
3. Melrose Arch is a lifestyle centre with over 120 stores on the premises, however, the centre is mostly frequented by restaurant goers. The restaurant scene draws diners from all over Johannesburg where many a high-powered deal has been struck over an excellent dinner.
4. Join the Wanderers Club Social Sunday Morning Run for a challenging 10km or 15km race, depending on your fitness. Meet the locals and enjoy a breakfast at this exclusive club.
5. There are exceptional golf courses practically surrounding Waverley to enjoy a round, all rated amongst the top 100 SA courses: Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club is ranked 9th, Wanderers Golf Club (58th), Houghton Golf Club (62nd) and Killarney Golf Club (71st).
6. Dress up and head for Rosebank after midnight. The suburb has some of the top nightclubs in Johannesburg that cater for all genders, whether they be Ms, Miss, Mr or Mx!
Transport
Waverley is 25 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. National flights arrive and depart from Lanseria Airport, a 45 minute drive north west of Waverley. The Gautrain (express rail service) operates between the airport and nearby Rosebank. 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?
The Melrose Shree Siva Subramaniar Hindu Temple was almost lost in 1926 when the grounds were placed on auction. During the auction, followers threatened that any buyer would be cursed by their Gods if they purchased the property and demolished the temple. When there were no takers, the auctioneer agreed to sell the property to the worshippers for the token sum of 1 Pound, however, a white nominee had to make the purchase to conform to government regulations at the time.
St Mary’s Anglican School for girls in Waverley, aside from being the oldest, is on the list of top 10 most expensive schools in the country.
