By SANDY BIRCH, Sunshine Coast Tourism Manager
A WARM sunny welcome to all our visitors. We have an action-packed season lined up for your entertainment, whether it’s leisure or adventure you seek.
Our beautiful beaches stretch from Alexandria through to the Fish River. For your safety, lifeguards are on duty at the Fish River Beach, Kleinemonde East Blue Flag Beach, Kelly’s Blue Flag beach in Port Alfred, Kariega Blue Flag beach in Kenton-on-Sea and Bushman’s slipway. Visit East Beach in Port Alfred for surfing lessons, enjoy the beautiful rock pools at Shelly Bay in Kenton, Flame Lilly Beach, Port Alfred or Fish River. We have great horse riding trails along our scenic coastline catering for both experienced and inexperienced riders, or perhaps you may like to try dune boarding!
Rock and surf fishing along the coastline is excellent, or why not go on a deep sea fishing adventure. Our 10 rivers are also excellent playgrounds for swimming, fishing, canoeing, sap boarding or skiing. You may also like to try your hand at scuba diving or hydro-biking, available at Outdoor Focus Adventure Centre.
There are some great river activities in Kenton – on December 27, take the family along to Bells Cove and float down the beautiful Kariega River to Homewoods. Looking for something more adventurous? Try the float from Kariega to Horns Up – 5km with an afterparty – this is for adults only. December 29 offers an open water swim from Kariega slipway to Horns Up – 5km.
If all the activity exhausts you, enjoy our excellent restaurants, from top class sit down menus to al fresco dining. Visit our many farm stalls or the local craft markets and art exhibitions. There is an array of art galleries and exhibitions over the season, throughout Ndlambe. Have a look at the events guide for a list of activities and events.
A visit to Bathurst is an absolute must, for a quirky and fun experience. It is believed that this little village is the centre of the universe and it attracts many talented artists. Don’t forget to visit the Agricultural Museum and the Big Pineapple!
The area is also steeped in history – we have five museums for your enjoyment – Kowie History Museum, Bathurst Agricultural Museum, Vintage Car Museum, 43 Air School Museum and Richmond House Private Museum. A visit to Historic Warf Street in Port Alfred is a must. Visit our information centres in Port Alfred or Kenton for a heritage map, guiding you to all the interesting historic sites.
If you have young ones, pop down to Kiddies beach, a confined a sheltered tidal beach. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and take your children to the carols by candlelight service on December 14 at the Hospital grounds in Port Alfred.
Visit one of several Big 5 Game reserves in the Sunshine Coast. Each reserve offers a unique experience. Visit the home of Thandi our famous rhino survivor; experience a magnificent river cruise through game reserve combined with a bush experience; enjoy a breath taking beach / wildlife experience; visit a white lion breeding programme or simply drive yourself through one of our nature reserves.
Enjoy the thrill of an excellent game of golf at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Course, teeming with wildlife. Visit one of our bowling greens or tennis courts for a great game and meet the locals.
Looking for great entertainment? Enjoy a movie at our 3D Cinemas at Rosehill Mall in Port Alfred, alternatively there is an outstanding line up of music and shows throughout the season. Some top acts will be visiting Kenton, Port Alfred and Bathurst throughout the season, and don’t forget the legendary Ox Braai in Bathurst on December 29.
Please remember that fireworks are illegal and we ask in the name of our abundant wildlife, pets and sensitive people that this is respected.
Arrive as guests and leave as friends, we wish you all a very pleasant stay, season’s blessings and a prosperous new year to all. And most of all, we thank all those who come from afar for visiting our world, and wish you a pleasant stay.
