Welcome to the Sunshine Coast – home to 10 rivers, 150km of unspoilt coastline, with surrounding malaria-free Big 5 Game Reserves.  The Sunshine Coast boasts the most sunshine hours in the country and the very best of “Beach & Bush”.

Follow the R72 from Nanaga in the west and wind your way through dairy, chicory and pineapple country, past spectacular dune fields at Woody Cape and ancient coastal forests at Alexandria to pristine tidal rivers and magnificent beaches on the Sunshine Coast.

The valley bushveld is unique to the Eastern Cape, and supports more species of animals, birds, and insects per cubic metre than any other. Over 400 recorded species of birds make this area a Birders Paradise. There are several big 5 game reserves to choose from including the ‘’Big 7’’ Greater Addo Elephant National Park.

Other attractions include a full variety of water sports, scenic golf courses, historical trails, a variety of eco-walks and hikes, culinary delights, impressive artists and art galleries, and warm-hearted, friendly locals.

ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria is popular with hiking enthusiasts and has great ecological importance as the largest active shifting dune field system in the world. The stretch of pristine indigenous forests at Woody Cape is home to many naturally occurring mammals and diversity of birdlife. Quin Sculpture Garden, home of South African sculptor, Maureen Quin is a must visit. The small farming town is one of the most important chicory producing areas in South Africa and has numerous historical buildings. It was situated 90km northeast of Port Alfred and was established in 1840, named after Rev Alexander Smith of the Dutch Reformed church.

Visit:

• Anglican Church 1860
• Dutch Reformed Church 1896
• Karel Landman Voortrekker Monument
• Old Magistrate’s court and jail
• Quin Sculpture Garden: 046 653 0121

CANNON ROCKS

Bordering onto the Woody Cape of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park, Cannon Rocks owes its name to the wrecking of the Portuguese ship Sao Joao Baptista that ran aground here after a battle with two Dutch ships in March 1622. The survivors, 279 of them, began their arduous walk to Lourenzo Marques (Maputo since 1976) but only 28completed the journey. The old cannons and anchor from the wreck were discovered and remain on display in the village.

Visit:

• Ancient middens alongside the beach on the west
• The Cannon at west end of Alice Road
• Shipwrecks (submerged) on the Cape Padrone (west of Cannon Rocks) coastline

BOKNES

Portuguese navigator, Bartholomew Diaz, erected a cross, or padrao, in 1488. A replica has been erected on the same spot, 4km east of Boknesstrand. The area was originally part of Jammesfontein farm granted to Johannes Landman in 1788. In 1927 the farm was surveyed, and first holiday home built in 1928.

Visit:

• Dias cross: 1 hour’s walk along the beach

BOESMANSRIVERMOND (BUSHMANS)

Boesmansriviermond has been a well-known holiday resort since the mid 1800’s.   it has the second longest tidal river in the country with a tidal section of approximately 32km. There were many focus shipwrecks in the area, the best known being the Norwegian barque Volo, wrecked near the river mouth in 1896. The founder of Kenton on Sea, Charles Butt, was decorated for his bravery in saving the lives of the crew and the ship’s cat.

Visit:

• The unspoilt beach walks within the Addo Elephant National Park to Kwaaihoek (1 hour walk) and Dias Cross: 2 hours.

KENTON –ON-SEA

Referred to as “the Barefoot Capital of the Sunshine Coast’’, Kenton is blessed with magnificent natural assets- ocean, beaches (one has Blue Flag status), two rivers, the Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve (preventing any development on the bush covered dunes between the rivers). Virtually everything one needs in daily life is available in the village and there are numerous restaurants and coffee shops, some idyllic positions.

Charles Butt bought the land between the Kariega and Bushmans rivers from the Government in 1878 and established to a tobacco and vegetable farm. In 1924 the farm was sold to T.H. Tilt who named it Kenton after his birthplace in Kent, England. It was subsequently sold in 1935 to Alfred Pudney who divided the land into plots.

VISIT:

• Lusiba Ceramics: handmade ceramics studio off R343; 073 596 1341
• Rose Deary Art Gallery 083 469 6847; 083 442 2446
• Explore the unique shops and restaurants in the main street
• Walk the coastline between the two rivers(2km)

KASOUGA

Kasouga is home to the largest population of Oribi antelope in the southern hemisphere and was proclaimed a Natural Heritage Site in 1989. This tiny enclave is part of the original 1825 Bovey farm, split up in 1880, and is the oldest resort in the Eastern Cape. It has been the site of many shipwrecks, the first being the Osborne (1893), whose ships bell can be seen in the clubhouse at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club. Next followed the Competitor and Margarita, as well as two others whose names are unknown. Cape St Blaize went aground in 1965, and local hero Ronnie Samuels was responsible for saving the lives of many the survivors.

Visit:

• Wonderful examples Khoisan middens which become exposed from time to time on the beach

PORT ALFRED

Port Alfred, the heart of the Sunshine Coast, is a modern picturesque town with long stretches of pristine beaches, including East Beach, a sought-after surfing destination, and popular Kelly’s Blue Flag Beach.

The tidal Kowie River, navigable for 22km, flows through the centre of town and is a playground for water sports enthusiasts. Historic Wharf Street, a tourist attraction, is the oldest commercial street in Port Alfred, dating back to the early 1820’s and has fine examples of buildings from that time, along with various artefacts along the riverbank.

The town offers excellent accommodation options, fine restaurants, shopping malls, a variety of sporting facilities, including the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club, one of only four “Royals” in the country. It has a private airfield and is home to Stenden SA, an internationally accredited university and 43 Air School.

Port Alfred was named in honour of Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria, who was visiting South Africa at the time. It has had 8 name changes over the years and is referred to locally as “the Kowie”. The potential of the river mouth as a port was realized by the 1820 settlers, when the Locust, a small brig, crossed a sand bar at the mouth of the river. 10 years later, attempts to develop a viable port were scrapped, and in 1841 William Cock, a local resident, formed the Kowie Harbour Improvement Company. His efforts led to diversion of the river flow to a new channel, and the harbour was reopened in 1863. For the following 20 years, up to 100 vessels called in annually. The advent of steam ships with a deeper draft, the development of new harbour facilities on the Buffalo River at East London and the opening of a rail link from Grahamstown to Port Alfred in 1884, led to a decline in the importance as a commercial harbour, and it finally fell into disuse in the 1890’s. In 1989 harbour life was revitalized with the opening of the small craft harbour on the newly built residential Royal Alfred Marina, where pleasure craft of all kinds find safe anchorage.

Visit:

• Anchorage Mall: in CBD has mix of interesting stores and restaurant facing the Duck Pond Buffalo Tug Wreck: ran aground in 1889 and still visible at the end of Wharf Street
• 43 Air school: World War Il memorial, situated off R67 Restaurant on site with landing strip views.
• Heritage Mall: situated in the CBD with many stores. Historic Wharf Street: boasts an antique shop, restaurants, craft brewery, and more (many within the historic buildings of mid 19th century).
• Indoor Heated Pool Port Alfred: situated at turn off to Small Boat harbour. 079 312 4356 Mansfield Private Reserve: family fun day out. Hiking and walking trails, abundant wildlife, bird watching, picnicking, fishing, canoeing and game drives. 046 624 8199 Kiddies Beach safe bathing and next to Outdoor Focus which offers adventure activities.
• Kowie Museum: Railway Station in Pascoe Crescent, open Tuesday Saturday 9:00 13:00. The building dates from the early 1880s, built by George Pauling.
• Richmond House Private Museum: situated on Wesley Hill. View by appointment. 082 456 7437
• Rosehill Mall: situated on the outskirts of Port Alfred is modern shopping complex, home to many leading retail stores. 046 624 1436
• Settlers Church: Bathurst Street, built in 1827 and rebuilt in 1835 after being destroyed during the Frontier wars Van der Riet Street: a tourist must do. Eclectic mix of restaurants, gift stores, boutique hotel and sports bar.
• Vintage Private Car Museum: view by appointment. 082 453 2618

NEMATO

Nemato, a vibrant township, was named after Nelson Mandela in 1993. It was the first liberated township to stage a protest march, where members of the community marched from Nemato to the City Hall in Port Alfred in protest of Apartheid. A township tour is a “must do”.

Visit:

• Township Tour: You can expect to see the Nemato Monument, erected as a memorial to the fallen heroes of the struggle, the dumpsite, Ingubo Project, Mama Mathew’s Spaza shop, Wally’s traditional tavern, a visit to a Sangoma and a school visit. Cultural music and dance as well as a traditional meal can be experienced. Advance bookings are essential and can be arranged through the Tourism office. Tel: 046 624 1235

BATHURST

This 1820 Setter village is an eclectic mix of old and new and was established in May 1820 by British settlers and named after Lord Bathurst. Many of the original buildings have been preserved and there is an increasing population of artists, academics, and retirees who choose to live in this tranquil rural environment. You can expect to see excellent Art studios, restaurants, agricultural museum, antique shops, the Historic Pig and Whistle and much more.

Bathurst was briefly the majesty of the Albany district. In 1822 the administrative headquarters for Albany was transferred to Grahamstown and the Bathurst Settlers were abandoned and had to cope with droughts, floods, crop failure and stock raids. A series of raids during the Frontier Wars further decimated their lives and the Wesleyan Chapel and St John’s Church both served as sanctuaries and forts during the wars.

Visit:

• The Workshop is a gallery featuring local artists’ works from exclusive pottery to hand spun wools. 073 392 9436
• Richard Pullen’s Studio & Gallery is a working studio with a great selection of pottery on display. 046 625 0166
• The Corner Gallery a collection of local art, craft and produce featuring design, ceramic, fabric printing and sewing creations by Tori Stowe on site. 046 625 0114; stoweandco.co.za
• Bathurst Fresh Produce /Craft Market open every Sunday morning in the village centre.
• Weslyean Chapel: Built by Samuel Bradshaw in 1832. Besieged in Frontier Wars, the porch is a later addition, and the roof was originally thatched.
• The Toposcope: The spot where the 1820 Settlers’ locations were surveyed. On a clear day you can see forever. The stones in the wall are taken from ruins of original Settlers homes.
• Pig and Whistle: A national Monument, built in 1831 by Thomas Hartley, an 1820 Settler. It is the oldest operating Inn in the country and over the years, many important people have stayed there.
• John’s Anglican Church: The oldest unaltered Anglican Church in South Africa, designed by Major Mitchel R.E and built of Bathurst freestone by Samuel Bradshaw. The church served as a sanctuary during the Frontier wars.
• Bradshaw Mill: A National Monument icon of the wool industry and built by Samuel Bradshaw. The Millis now set on private land. Guided tours 076 294 6516
• Bathurst Agricultural Museum: a fascinating museum to delight young and old 046 625 0853
• Bathurst Primary School: the oldest primary school in South Africa, opened in 1820 in Donkin Terrace
• Village Green Complex: Tourist Information Kiosk, antiques, restaurants and pubs, crafts, artist studio.
• Engage Art Centre: Artist’s hub and studio, Main Road 046 625 0109 engageartcentre.co.za
• Clayworx: Art studio at the Village Green Heart Felt Creations: Bespoke hand crafted felt products including hats, scarves, and slippers. 082 853 4109 heartfeltcreations.co.za

KLEIEMONDE, RIET RIVER & RUFANES

Surrounded by several, rivers, offering great canoeing, birding, and horse-riding opportunities. The unspoilt beaches are flat and ideal for hiking, and riverbanks crowded with indigenous vegetation. Easy walk along the beach to the Great Fish River Lighthouse to the east.

Visit:

• Adéle’s Mohair: an internationally acclaimed cottage industry producing designer knitting yarns, accessories, and home textiles. Located east of Kleinemonde. Tours available. 046 675 1090; 082 328 3678; adelesmohair.co.za
• The Great Fish River Lighthouse: was built in 1898 and is a 9 metre octagonal masonry tower, 76m above sea level and 800m from the shoreline. The light flashes once every 10 seconds and has an approximate candle power of 5,000,000 with a range of 32 nautical miles. The lighthouse is open for tours Monday – Friday, 10h00 – 15h00. Contact: 046 675 1067 or 083 675 1492.