Kidds Beach, Sunshine Coast

The little seaside village of Kidds Beach, just 30 kilometres from East London, lies on the rocky shore of the Indian Ocean, its beach an uninterrupted landscape of white sand and sea, and little else to interfere with its sheer beauty. Kidds Beach serves as a great stopover for those journeying between the Transkei and the Garden Route.

Named after Charles Kidd, a former mayor of King William’s Town, Kidds Beach is all about the beach, lack of commercialisation and slowing down to a dawdle. The waves and tidal pool are renowned amongst surfers and children alike, and the surrounding hills are covered with a variety of indigenous flora and a considerable number of birds. Fishing too is a popular occupation and both the mouths of Igoda and Gulu rivers nearby are wonderful places to angle.

Kidds beach is a great break from it all and getting in sync with the surrounding nature. Life is simple here, and apart from a bistro, post office, bottle store and grocery store, there is little else to do but enjoy the bay for its great swimming and shelling opportunities, and the chance to explore hidden reefs and other beaches close by, like Shelly Beach, Cove Rock and Fullers Bay. Peter Pan Bay, adjacent to Kidds beach with wonderful tranquil waters and views that are just as stunning, makes for a pleasant alternative.