BATHURST: The little hamlet of Bathurst, named after Lord Bathurst is an eclectic mix of old and new and has excellent and well-preserved buildings and monuments dating back to the early 1820’s, including the famous Pig and Whistle, a national monument built in 1831. The Wesleyan and St John’s church both served as sanctuaries and forts during the Frontier Wars. In 1870, farmer Charles Purdon planted a few pineapple tops, and today Bathurst is credited with being the pineapple capital of South Africa. No visit to Bathurst is complete without a visit to the Biggest Pineapple in the World!
· MUSEUMS
There are four museums, click on the link below for details:
· ART GALLERIES
There are a number of spectacular Art Galleries on the Sunshine Coast. Numerous award-winning artists reside in the little hamlets along this stretch of coastline. Some must visits are:
Port Alfred | Bob MacKenzie Gallery, Wharf Street |
Maison Decor, Van der Riet Street | |
Richard Hammond Gallery, Tern Street | |
Bathurst | The Workshop, Nico Malan Drive |
Just off Centre Gallery, Nico Malan Drive | |
Richard Pullen Ceramic Studio, Nico Malan Drive | |
The Corner Gallery, Nico Malan Drive | |
Alexandria | |
Kenton-on-Sea | |
· SEA & RIVER CRUISES
An unforgettable Indian Ocean Sea Cruise is an unforgettable experience. If, however, you prefer a more sedate hydro experience, a trip up the beautiful Kowie River, navigable for 22km as it meanders from the mouth to Waters Meeting is a must do. One of the most popular activities is a scenic guided barge river cruise. There are a number of tour operators offering cruises from 1 hour to customized cruises of varying lengths. Cruises leave from the scenic Small Boat Harbour. Even though we have a stunning coastline, some would argue that the scenery around our river could easily compete being almost postcard perfect!!! Contact one of our registered tour operators for a never to forget experience.
o Blackfish Fishing Charters - skipper@blackfishcharters.co.za - 0466242306
o Integrity Cruises - skipper@blackfishcharters.co.za - 0466242306
o Kowie River Cruises - bookings@kowierivercruises.co.za - 0712904949
o Port Alfred Houseboats - houseboatsportalfred@gmail.com - 0834613849
o Halyards Boat Activities – 0466043355
· SPORT & RECREATION
Opportunity awaits you! There are so many choices when it comes to sport and recreational activities. Join in and have fun. There are a number of sports clubs you can join if you wish.
o Croquet - Try something different & make new friends, whilst getting some exercise & learning a few more skills! The PORT ALFRED CROQUET CLUB will be happy to teach you the game of Croquet! Social playing days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays afternoons. Coaching of beginners is free & takes place on Wednesday mornings. There are no specific dress regulations, except that one must wear fairly smooth flat soled shoes. For further information, contact Janet Thatcher on 046 604 0489. At present we only play the shorter & more social game ~ Golf Croquet. Unfortunately due to dwindling numbers & interest, the more classic & longer game, Association Croquet, seems to be dying out. However, there are still members who play that version & are more than willing to teach anyone wanting to learn it. They usually arrange games on Friday afternoons.
Croquet was first played ‘as a club’ on the old Hospital grounds & officially became part of the Port Alfred Bowling Club in April 1989. We started up a club in East London on the East Bank at St Andrews in 2002. We have hosted 2 SA Masters Croquet Tournaments & 2 SA National Croquet Championships. We have several qualified National Golf Croquet Referees, some of whom have officiated at both World Golf Croquet Tournaments held in South Africa & have even had a couple of our members playing in International Golf Croquet Tournaments overseas!
Our Club is a very social & active Club, so if you are looking for some different fun & exercise, we’d love to meet & teach you our game! No need to buy your own mallet, as we have plenty for you to borrow! For further info please phone Phyl Russell on 046 624 5541/0798727801 or Mercia Kruger 046 624 2639 /0843103282.
o Cycling - There are many cycling routes in and around Port Alfred, ranging from family friendly routes to challenging 50km routes. The scenic abundance of the town lends itself to cycling along the beachfront and river. There are also superb mountain biking trails available. Pop into the Tourism Office for a copy of the Adventure and Leisure Map for some ideas. Cycle Asylum – Port Alfred
o Outdoor Focus –
§ 0765930749
We offer a number of outdoor adventures… Dune boarding, canoeing/kayaking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, snorkelling, river cruises, horse riding, stand up paddle boarding, skiing, wake boarding, tubing, knee boarding, river/surf fishing, surfing, and team building for companies and children and first aid courses. Children’s activities include parties, and Kiddies Day Out. Outdoor venue hire for those special occasions – all at popular Kiddies Beach.
Visit us for any outdoor adventures.
· GOLF
The Royal Port Alfred Golf course has a view of the sea you will never forget. On a clear day you can often see whales and dolphins at play. And as if this wasn’t enough to put you off your swing, you’ll also encounter many species of game during your round. Enjoy golf and a game drive all in one go.
This scenic course was laid out between 1907 and 1915 and was given royal status from King George V. Expect an 18-hole, 72-par course. Contact 046 624 4796 to book your round.
The Alexandria Golf Club is located in Alexandria, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It was built in 1955 and features a 9-hole course. The club can be contacted at 046 653 0207 or via email at alexandriagolfclub1@gmail.com. The club also has a Facebook page.
§ Kleinemonde Mashie Golf Seafield
Locally established 9 hole Mashie Golf Club, where life long friends are made. For tee-off times call: 072 864 1234. https://www.facebook.com/kleinemondemashiegolf/
· HORSE RIDING
A beach ride is one of the most unique horse-riding experiences you’ll ever have. Now imagine spending 7 days on horseback experiencing the Sunshine Coast.
Canter along remote beaches, swim through rivers and explore the coastal forests and grasslands with incredible wildlife along the way…
o Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve
§ reservations@oceanareserve.com
§ 0836160605
§ 083 281 3322
§ 083 459 3744
· SCENIC DRIVES
Woody Cape – Alexandria forest: drive along the R-72 heading in a Westerly direction for approximately 38km. Turn left at the Cannon Rocks sign and then follow the road down ‘the golden mile’ through some of SA’s finest dairy farms, pass Woody Cape, enjoy the magnificent views of the ocean, Bird Island, the southern hemisphere’s largest shifting dunes and then through the Alexandria indigenous forest and on to Alexandria.
(The road can also be accessed from Cannon Rocks. Go straight across the 4-way stop onto a short farm road/track and turn left at the T-junction)
‘Poor man’s game drive’: from Kenton drive 35 kms we on the R72, turn right at the sign to Ngcyo & Emlanjeni and take the dirt road flanked by Big 5 game reserves, over the Bushmans River, cross the R343, continue through game reserves, cross the Kariega River onto the Southwell Road and turn right back to the R72 and Kenton. The drive can be as rewarding as anywhere, is ten minutes from Kenton and costs nothing!
(These two drives can easily be combined into one – suggest Woody Cape first. Time required is approximately one and a half hours to ‘whatever’, depending on the number of stops to enjoy the beauty of the scenery and game sightings)
· TENNIS, PADEL & SQUASH
o Tennis: The Port Alfred Tennis Courts are situated alongside the Kowie River in the Civic Centre Gardens. Public are welcome to play a game on the courts. Entry to the courts can be obtained by collecting a tag at Multi Security in van der Riet Street. A refundable deposit will have to be paid in order to receive the tag plus a fee for using the courts. Please ensure that non-marking footwear is worn. Should you wish to join the club or partake in social tennis every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, you will be most welcome. Contact no. 082 329 3399 or patennis@border.co.za, https://www.facebook.com/groups/710443396950359.
o Padel: Our brand-new venue offers state-of-the-art courts, creating an exciting atmosphere for townsfolk and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a casual game with friends, improve your skills, or simply have a great time, we have you covered. Come and experience the thrill of Padel in Port Alfred – we can’t wait to welcome you! For more information or to book a court at 7 St Andrews Rd, Royal Port Alfred Golf Course, call: 063 404 1673. Insta: portalfred_padel/
o Squash: Public Squash Courts are available at the Port Alfred River and Ski Boat Club. Keys for the courts are available.
RESTAURANTS IN & AROUND PORT ALFRED:
· Blythe Cottage Garden Café - dstocks1411@gmail.com – Port Alfred - 0823440254
· Falcons Bar & Kitchen - edsons@vodamail.com – Bathurst - 0826946642
· Franny’s Cream & Co. - fransisca.anker@gmail.com - Port Alfred - 0727171861
· Graze by the River - njh4665@gmail.com - Port Alfred - 0636443878
· Hand Made Coffees - garvey@handmadecoffees.co.za - Port Alfred - 0793887654
· Highlander Pub @ Royal St Andrews Hotel – info@rsah.co.za – Port Alfred – 046 604 5400
· Interesting Things - greatstuff2me@gmail.com – Bathurst – 0620179050
· Kenny’s Sports Bar - mikebarbarak@gmail.com – Port Alfred - 079 766 6447
· Lily Restaurant - ask@mypondhotel.com - Port Alfred - 0466244626
· Mc Churro - m.coetzee1608@gmail.com - Port Alfred - 0727420650
· Motto Café and Restaurant - mottocafeandresto@gmail.com - Port Alfred - 0727031914
· Paper Nautilus Restaurant @ Royal St Andrews Hotel - info@rsah.co.za – Port Alfred – 046 604 5400
· Sandbar Floating Restaurant – Kenton on Sea - 079 544 6608
· TeaLeaf Tea Room & The Pink Lady Milkshake Parlour - TeaLeaf.batnut@gmail.com – Bathurst - 0835448154
· The Ploughman Pub - lihanitablet@gmail.com – Bathurst - 0662850605
· The Zone Ocean Plaza - guidosrest@gmail.com - Port Alfred – 0466245264
· The Goatshed – Kenton on Sea - 082 808 5976
· Guido’s Port Alfred - guidosrest@gmail.com - Port Alfred - 0466245264
· Beach Bar - guidosrest@gmail.com - Port Alfred – 0466245264
· Ski Boat Club - events@parsc.co.za - 046 624 4532
· The Thistle Restaurant @ Royal St Andrews Hotel – info@rsah.co.za – Port Alfred – 046 604 5400
· Volo Pub and Restaurant – Kenton on Sea - 083 458 2271
· Wheelhouse Bar & Carthouse Restaurant - Port Alfred – 0466043355
INTERESTING ACTIVITIES:
· True Colours Township Experience
We offer guided tours that highlight the rich culture and everyday life of Nemato, featuring local food, stories, Art and more.
o 066 111 9480
To all the beer-lovers in Port Alfred and those that come from far and wide to taste the spirit of the local brew at Kraft Alchemy, we want you all to engage with us and provide feedback on what could make our beer and brewery better.
o 046 624 5705
Built 800 meters from the shoreline and standing 75 metes above sea level, its warning light strength of 5 000 000 Candelas can be detected at a focal plane height of 85 meters above the high water mark as a result of its location elevation.
The Big Pineapple is 16.7m (55 ft) high and is the biggest pineapple building in the world.
o 068 761 5312
The Toposcope is a heritage site commemorating the 1820 settlers and their descendants. It is located on a particularly scenic hill with many landscape views. Plaques reflecting the names and ships of the parties arriving in the Eastern Cape in 1820 appear around the Toposcope.
o 0746957296
