Exploring the Observatory Historical Area
By:
Jim Hallinan
Date:
Sat, 29/08/2026 - 11:00 to 13:00
Branch:
Western Cape
Venue: Black River Business Park, 2 Fir St, Observatory
Cost: Free for members, R50 for non-members and R20 for student non-members.
Please click here to RSVP using the Google Form link. Deadline: 17:00 on 27 August 2026.
Please send queries to the Archaeology Field Club at afcingthepast@gmail.com
About the Outing
In his research Jim found that Varschedrift had in fact two stories to tell. The first was the wider story of the Varschedrift and the importance this locality held for the indigenous Cape herders or Khoekhoen as the main cattle drift/crossing and watering point to and from Table Valley and into the Liesbeek Valley. So important, that when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) attempted to claim this land and settle aspiring farmers here in 1657 - this action provoked what in two years became the first armed resistance in South African history (First Khoekhoen-Dutch War) waged between an indigenous people and what would soon prove to be a ‘colonial’ power, the VOC. The second story is then more narrowly focused on the archaeology and revealed written history of the Varschedrift farmstead itself (built c1783) and how this property evolved in response to the needs of different owners and the growth and development of greater Cape Town over the next 180 years.
About the Host
Jim Hallinan has lived and worked on the Cape Peninsula for over 30 years. During his career, he has served as Nature Conservation Manager at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cultural Heritage Resources Manager for Table Mountain National Park, and has worked with the City of Cape Town to conserve its heritage resources. Jim is a specialist in environmental interpretation and a well-known public speaker on the natural and cultural history of the Cape Peninsula.
Additional Information
Direction: Proceed as if going to the SAAO auditorium. At the 4-way traffic intersection (Liesbeek Parkway, Station Road, Observatory Road, Malta Road) continue straight (1,5 km?) on Malta Road with sports fields on your left. Take first turn left, between sports fields. Proceed to T-junction (Fir Street), facing buildings of the Office Park. Turn right. Proceed through security barrier and bear right. The venue will be on your left – last building - recognizable by a broad staircase. Park on verge at boundary fence of the complex. Proceed up the stairs into the spacious courtyard. Meet at the 3 interpretation displays on the right.
Cost: Free for members, R50 for non-members and R20 for student non-members.
Please click here to RSVP using the Google Form link. Deadline: 17:00 on 27 August 2026.
Please send queries to the Archaeology Field Club at afcingthepast@gmail.com
About the Outing
In his research Jim found that Varschedrift had in fact two stories to tell. The first was the wider story of the Varschedrift and the importance this locality held for the indigenous Cape herders or Khoekhoen as the main cattle drift/crossing and watering point to and from Table Valley and into the Liesbeek Valley. So important, that when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) attempted to claim this land and settle aspiring farmers here in 1657 - this action provoked what in two years became the first armed resistance in South African history (First Khoekhoen-Dutch War) waged between an indigenous people and what would soon prove to be a ‘colonial’ power, the VOC. The second story is then more narrowly focused on the archaeology and revealed written history of the Varschedrift farmstead itself (built c1783) and how this property evolved in response to the needs of different owners and the growth and development of greater Cape Town over the next 180 years.
About the Host
Jim Hallinan has lived and worked on the Cape Peninsula for over 30 years. During his career, he has served as Nature Conservation Manager at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cultural Heritage Resources Manager for Table Mountain National Park, and has worked with the City of Cape Town to conserve its heritage resources. Jim is a specialist in environmental interpretation and a well-known public speaker on the natural and cultural history of the Cape Peninsula.
Additional Information
Direction: Proceed as if going to the SAAO auditorium. At the 4-way traffic intersection (Liesbeek Parkway, Station Road, Observatory Road, Malta Road) continue straight (1,5 km?) on Malta Road with sports fields on your left. Take first turn left, between sports fields. Proceed to T-junction (Fir Street), facing buildings of the Office Park. Turn right. Proceed through security barrier and bear right. The venue will be on your left – last building - recognizable by a broad staircase. Park on verge at boundary fence of the complex. Proceed up the stairs into the spacious courtyard. Meet at the 3 interpretation displays on the right.
Before leaving the office complex, we will go up to a viewing deck to overlook the nearby construction site. Thereafter, we will view the two rivers (Liesbeek and Black) flanking the Valkenberg area.
Finally, we have arranged a visit to the historic Valkenberg Manor House (now a Protea Hotel). Lifts can be provided by arrangement. Please complete the relevant sections on the Google Form.
For those who would like to continue the discussion over lunch (at their own cost), the Wild Fig Restaurant is near the outing venue. Refunds are not available for this outing.