Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best Things to Do at Benoni: Top Local Attractions and Hidden Gems
- Fish at Homestead Dam
- Go on a picnic at CR Swart Park
- Score great deals at Northmead Mall
- Enjoy Mediterranean food at Piatto Farrarmere
- Place your bets at the Rock Raceway
- Get up close with the various animals at the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park
- Sweat it out at Bullfrog Pan
- Immerse yourself in the history of the area at Benoni Museum
- Hang out and have a cold one at Cool Runnings
- Learn about local culture at OR Tambo Cultural Precinct
Benoni is currently known for its steel and iron works, but did you know that in the late 1800s, the spot was a mining camp? Local miners discovered gold onsite resulting in the development of the area and its eventual declaration as a town in 1907.
With what the area has to offer now, I think you’ll still find “gold” here in Benoni. From outdoorsy fun to gastronomic experiences, we listed the top things to do when in town with your family and friends!
1. Fish at Homestead Dam
From speedfreakbabe
Address: 78 Wilge Rd, Kleinfontein AH
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
Homestead Dam is one of our family’s favourite spots in Benoni. It’s a popular site to fish in and is one of the best locations to stroll in.
There’s a grassy field right in front of the lake where we usually hang out and see other visitors having a picnic or playing light sports like frisbee.
The lake connects to the dam leading to a stream where locals usually go fishing and enjoy the relaxing view of the lush greenery surrounding the area.
| Pro Tip: We saw some visitors bring their dogs here and let them loose! |
2. Go on a picnic at CR Swart Park
From lizettesart
Address: Vlakfontein 69-Ir
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
CR Swart Park is a public park I recommend if you want to enjoy tranquil views and relaxing moments without having to spend a single rand. Entrance to the park is free, and you can do a ton of activities here with your family and friends.
I visited this park to catch up with a few buddies of mine, and we set up a plastic picnic table and a few chairs where we drank a few cold beers. The views of the dam were phenomenal, with its calm waters and the surrounding greenery.
To the edge of the bank, we saw a couple of locals casting their fishing rods in the hopes of catching the next big one.
| Pro Tip: Play a round of golf at the nearby Ebotse Golf and Country Estate. |
3. Score great deals at Northmead Mall
From trinergyhealthfitness
Address: 1st St, Northmead
Website: https://northmeadmall.co.za/
Contact number: +27114253738
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Benoni is home to one of the most popular community shopping malls in the city: Northmead Mall. What I like most about it is the variety of items on sale and the relatively affordable prices of their goods.
I saw a few quality shirts at Clothing Junction and Pick N Pay Clothing and some of the latest mobile phones and gadgets at Cell Clinix and Electro Gadgets. We also bought some discounted groceries in bulk from the Pick N Pay Grocery.
| Pro Tip: Stay updated on the upcoming promotions of the mall by checking their website promotions tab. |
4. Enjoy Mediterranean food at Piatto Farrarmere
Address: Shop no 80, The Square, Farrarmere
Website: http://www.piatto.co.za/
Contact number: +27114254849
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Another gem to look out for when in Benoni is Piatto Farrarmere, a Mediterranean restaurant that offers some of the freshest dishes I have ever tried in the city. It has indoor and outdoor dining areas, but I usually go for the latter. There, I get an amazing view of the surrounding urban area and sit comfortably.
During my last visit, I ordered their burger. It’s a classic cheeseburger with a thick grilled patty with some sweet, salty, and savoury sauce. What elevates this burger for me is the medley of textures in one bite, thanks to the fresh and crispy veggies and that delicious melted cheddar cheese!
| Pro Tip: Buy a voucher for personal use or as a gift! |
5. Place your bets at the Rock Raceway
From nokuthulaomuhlewakankosi
Address: 18 Main Reef Rd, Gov Gold Mine Areas Cons
Website: http://www.rockracing.co.za/
Contact number: +27117408315
Operating hours:
- Depends on the schedule of races
Our family is a big fan of car races, and fortunately, we don’t need to go to an F1 Formula Event to watch one. We have the Rock Raceway for that!
During our last visit, we saw a couple of supercars like the Mitsubishi Evolution, Mustang, and Nissan Type Z. There was also an informal car show off to the side with vintage cars like a Volkswagon Beetle and Toyota Starlet.
It’s thrilling to see these machines go head to head hoping your contender gets to the finish line first!
| Pro Tip: Check out their website to learn about their events. |
6. Get up close with the various animals at the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park
Address: 244 Swallow Rd, Rynfield AH
Contact number: +27721261829
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Benoni is also one of the best places in the city to see some cute animals. We checked out this park a few months back and saw a ton of critters that got our little kids excited about wildlife!
Some of the animals here are tigers, turtles, giraffes, white tigers, llamas, and chimpanzees. I thoroughly enjoyed the colourful show put on by the park’s peacocks!
Our little ones also had fun at the outdoor play area with colourful slides and swings.
| Pro Tip: Check out their Instagram to learn about their upcoming events. |
7. Sweat it out at Bullfrog Pan
From tamwise_gamgee_za
Address: 170-172 President Brand Rd
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
Bullfrog Pan is another great spot for you to check out if you want to do some physical activities and spot some fauna. We visited a few weeks ago to do some jogging and cycling, and we had a fantastic time!
The kids rode their bikes near the banks of the pond while we adults appreciated the scene especially when we spotted a group of flamingos in the distance.
| Pro Tip: We saw a couple of areas near Bullfrog Pan that are fenced off. Read the signs and follow the instructions (like keeping the gate closed and no dogs allowed) to avoid any untoward incidents. |
8. Immerse yourself in the history of the area at Benoni Museum
From benonicitytimes.co.za
Address: 60 Elston Ave
Website: https://www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/
Contact number: +27119996835
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Benoni was a mining centre many years back, and the history of the area is well-preserved at the Benoni Museum. It’s not the largest museum in the city, but it’s a great spot to learn about the area’s culture and heritage.
During our visit, we saw a couple of interesting items such as antique closets and musical instruments coming from different parts of the continent. I spotted a wooden flute from Botswana and Kenyan maracas!
The museum staff also told us they sometimes host historical talks.
| Pro Tip: Visit their website to learn more about their upcoming events. |
9. Hang out and have a cold one at Cool Runnings
Address: 49 High Rd, Norton’s Home Estates
Website: http://www.coolrunnings-africa.co.za/
Contact number: +27105934456
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Cool Runnings is one cool pub and grill you can check out during your trip to Benoni. The place has a casual feel to it thanks to its wooden ceilings, red brick walls, and open and outdoor dining areas where my buddies and I usually hang out.
Last month, we dropped by to catch up. We ordered our favourite chicken wings with fries and garlic mayo and our preferred beer, Carling Black Label Beer. As expected, their chicken wings were perfectly cooked and smothered in sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
| Pro Tip: Check their IG to learn about their upcoming events. |
10. Learn about local culture at OR Tambo Cultural Precinct
From jda_joburg
Address: 3061 Dame Ave, Wattville
Contact number: +27119993222
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
There are a ton of things you can do as a family at OR Tambo Cultural Precinct, and during our visit, we tried each one of them.
We first checked out the OR Tambo Narrative Centre which showed us the history of the area through exhibits. We then proceeded to the craft centre which featured murals honouring the cultural heritage of South Africa.
The amphitheatre here hosts cultural events, but unfortunately, there weren’t any during our visit.
| Pro Tip: The best time to visit is in October, which is OR Tambo Month! |
