Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary Picnic Spots. The sanctuary lies in Muckleneuk and is a regular Sunday afternoon picnic spot for families. Enjoy a leisurely picnic under the trees, and observe the multitude of water birds from the bird hive. The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was officially proclaimed as a nature reserve on 26 February 1985. The 11 hectare conservancy is home to over 170 bird species, including several species of water birds, the national bird and the endangered Blue Crane.
Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary Picnic Spots. The Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary is located in the Walkerspruit Open Space System. Two streams, the Walker and the Argo, feed water into wetland basins that attract a multitude of water birds. The veld type and vegetation of the Sanctuary is mixed bushveld. The area around the Blue Crane restaurant, which lies virtually on the dam and adjacent reed beds, attracts blue crane, grey crowned crane, rock doves, speckled pigeons and the odd Egyptian goose.
Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary Picnic Spots & Activities:
- Bird Watching: The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary has a wide variety of bird life that can be observed from the bird hide. Entrance to bird hide has no charge.
- Guided Walks: can be arranged, and there is an exhibition hall, up to 12 people per group. Bookings are only necessary for the guided walks – preferably 4 weeks in advance.
- Picnic Spots: regular Sunday afternoon picnic spot for families.
Visiting Hours:
Summer (September – April): 06:00 – 18:00
Winter (May – August): 07:00 – 17:00
How to get there:
From the Fountains Circle (on the R21), take the George Storrar turn-off. Travel east passing Florence Ribeiro (Koningin Wilhelmina Avenue), where George Storrar Drive changes into Middel Street. Turn left at the first traffic lights, Dey Street, and then left again at Boshoff Street. The entrance to the sanctuary is on the left.
Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar:
The Blue Crane Restaurant & Bar is situated next to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. It offers various exciting areas ideal for private or corporate functions. There is an inside dining area next to the fireplace, a brand new coffee deli on the outside deck of the extended restaurant, and a classy upstairs bar with its own deck overlooking the dam and the bird sanctuary. Try our famous breakfast and lunch buffet every Sunday! We went the extra mile by building a custom jungle gym for all our younger patrons which adds even more value to your unique experience.
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary Contact Details:
Tel: +27 (0)12 440 8316
Email: davidb@tshwane.gov.za / groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za
Website: www.tshwane.gov.za/sites/tourism/NatureConservation/Pages/Austin-Roberts-Memorial-Bird.aspx
Address:
Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary
Cnr Roper St & Boshoff St
Nieuw Muckleneuk
Pretoria
Coordinates: ‘S25 46 182 E028 13 661