Port Alfred, Sunshine Coast
Once you've booked your Port Alfred accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Port Alfred.
Port Alfred, with its stretches of sandy beach that extend for miles, lies on the banks of the Kowie River. Port Alfred was established by a group of English settlers in the early 1800s and, although now an active commercial and residential town, it has retained most of its English fishing village feel. Port Alfreds former thwarted attempts at becoming a major seaport, impossible due mainly to the sandbank at the mouth of the Kowie, have given rise to a huge yacht harbour and residential marina.
Port Alfred is known fondly as the ‘heart of the sunshine coast’ and lies on Route 72 equidistant from Port Elizabeth and East London. Port Alfred boasts a wonderfully temperate climate - never too hot or cold - with rainfall in the spring and autumn months. This makes it an ideal water sports destination enhanced by the fact that the Kowie is navigable for about 28 kilometers upstream. The Kowie River, which flows into the Indian Ocean, divides the town in two and the banks are linked by a couple of bridges. Boat cruises and various hiking trails navigate this river region, rich in indigenous vegetation, fauna and bird life.
It is also the venue for the Kowie River Canoe Trail - a 40km-long return paddle and a 12km hike. Participants navigate the river to Waters Meeting Nature Reserve near Bathurst and then hike through forests famous for sheltering endangered barred owls.
The town of Port Alfred is now much sought after and it attracts holiday makers to its shores, not least because of its wonderful swimming beaches. Much like Jeffrey’s Bay, you can collect shells on the beaches and over 1800 different types of seashells have been spotted, including perlemoen. Water sport abounds here and you can swim, surf, boat, water-ski and scuba dive when you’re not fishing.
For those seeking dry land, there is always the Gary Player golf course at the Fish River Sun hotel, just 20 minutes drive from the town and neighbouring game reserves such as Shamwari. There are a few shopping centres, although not very large, cinema, restaurants and a marketplace in Port Alfred.
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Port Alfred Reviews
"As a surfer, I loved Port Alfred. The waves were epic and the people were very welcoming. ..." - Connor, Miami
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Port Alfred Visitorial
I Love Port Alfred because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Port Alfred. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Port Alfred because ...
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Port Alfred
Fish River Country Club
With breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean from several of its holes, the Fish River Sun Country Club offers golfers a parkland type challenge along the beautiful and unspoiled coast. At 6 300 meters this Gary Player designed course is no push-over. High vegetated dunes and thick coastal ... more information
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
Africa's largest and most colourful cultural event offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent. Every year for 11 days (June/July) Grahamstown's population almost doubles, as over 50 000 people flock to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape for a feast of arts, crafts and sheer entertainment ... more information
Great Fish River Reserve
The spectacularly beautiful Great Fish River Reserve lies in the valley of the Great Fish River, between the town of Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort, extending eastwards all the way to the Kieskama River. It is a malaria-free area of enormous potential that has managed thus far to remain largely off the major ... more information
Royal Port Alfred Golf Club
Situated at Port Alfred, which is on the coast more or less halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, the club was granted its 'Royal' prefix when the Prince of Wales visited in 1927, and today his putter is mounted in the bar. One of the true links courses in South Africa, the Royal Port Alfred ... more information
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is the southernmost, Big Game, private reserve in Africa - Malaraia Free. This ultimate African adventure stretches along the Bushman's river, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. The 25 000 hectare game reserve ... more information
Sibuya Game Reserve
Sibuya Game Reserve covers more than 2000 hectares and incorporates the unique East Cape Valley Bushveld, Grasslands and Coastal Forests. Antelope abound, including the rare Bontebok and Oribi. Malaria Free and conveniently situated near Kenton on Sea on the Sunshine Coast, just 130 kms from ... more information
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Things To Do in Port Alfred
Lets go Fly a Kite
Where: Port Alfred
How much (per person): On Request
'Go fly a kite' has never been quite such a wondrous expression. High quality professional and recreational kites custom made from parachute ... more information
Mpekweni River Mouth
Where: Port Alfred
How much (per person): Free
At the Mpekweni River Mouth you’ll never be bored because there is plenty to keep you active. Enjoy a bit of dune boarding, see how m ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Port Alfred
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