Newlands Spring, Cape Town, 7700

## Overview Newlands Spring is one of Cape Town's most treasured natural gems — a free-flowing public drinking spring tucked away in the leafy suburb of Newlands, fed by the ancient aquifers of Table Mountain. For generations, locals have made the pilgrimage to this unassuming cul-de-sac to fill bottles with water that is widely regarded as pure, sweet, and mineral-rich. The spring draws from Table Mountain's sandstone geology, which naturally filters rainwater through layers of rock that are estimated to be over 500 million years old. This geological heritage gives the water its celebrated clean taste and soft mineral profile. Newlands Spring has long been a gathering point for the community — a place where neighbours meet, conversations flow as freely as the water, and newcomers quickly learn why Cape Town residents speak of "their" spring with such pride. The spring is publicly accessible and free to use, making it a beloved resource especially during Cape Town's dry summer months and periods of municipal water restrictions. The water from Newlands Spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by residents and visitors alike, and many locals consider it among the finest-tasting natural water in the Western Cape. As with any natural water source, conditions can vary, and visitors should use their own discretion. ## Directions 1. From central Cape Town, head south along the M3 highway toward Muizenberg. 2. Take the Newlands / Paradise Road off-ramp and turn onto Newlands Avenue, heading toward the suburb of Newlands. 3. Follow Newlands Avenue and look for **Main Road, Newlands**. 4. Turn onto **Palmboom Road** — a quiet, narrow residential street. 5. Follow Palmboom Road to the very end. The spring is located at the cul-de-sac, where you'll see taps and often a queue of locals filling up their containers. 6. GPS coordinates: **-33.974701, 18.457406**. Parking is limited along the narrow road, so arrive early or be prepared to wait briefly for a spot. ## What to Expect Newlands Spring is a modest but charming site. At the end of a narrow suburban road, you'll find one or more taps where fresh mountain water flows freely. The setting is green and shaded, surrounded by the lush vegetation typical of Newlands — one of Cape Town's most beautiful and well-established suburbs, nestled right against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The spring can get busy, particularly on weekends and during the hotter months (November through March), when residents line up with an assortment of bottles, jugs, and large containers. There is a strong community ethos here — people are generally friendly and patient, and it's common to strike up a conversation while waiting your turn. Bring your own containers to fill. There are no formal facilities such as restrooms or picnic areas at the spring itself, but the surrounding Newlands neighbourhood offers plenty of cafés, restaurants, and the nearby Newlands Forest for walking and hiking. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is also just a short drive away, making it easy to combine a spring visit with a day of exploring Cape Town's natural beauty. The water flow is generally consistent year-round, though it can increase noticeably after winter rains (May through August). The spring is accessible at all hours, but visiting during daylight is recommended for ease of parking and safety.