Kowie River
Port Alfred is also known as Kowie River and was once a commercial port. This was a long time ago and today, nothing larger than a ski boat has attempted the rather tricky river mouth launch.
With its expanses of sandy beach and the river - navigable by a small craft for 25 km – the town developed on the eastern bank of the river around the harbour established in the 1820s to provide a port for the 1820 Settlers.
The town was renamed from Port Frances to Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria, when he visited the Eastern Cape in 1867. Among the town's many historic reminders are the original sneezewood bollard where ships tied up, the old mill on the western bank of the river, the drift where the 1820 Settlers crossed the Kowie River and the Methodist Church, built in 1823.
Air School
The 43rd Air School was opened in the little holiday dorp in 1942, with a Joint Air Training Scheme during World War II contributing to Port Alfred’s growth. Nearly five decades later, in 1988, this evolved into an airline pilot training school in Port Alfred, with pupils from around the world.
Kenton's Coast
Take a walk along the 24 km beach between the Kowie River in Port Alfred and the Bushmans River at Kenton-on-Sea. Go from either side and you will find that the holiday resorts might be packed during the summer holidays, but you don't have to venture too far to lose sight of all development and feel like you're on a private beach.
Royal Alfred Marina
The Royal Alfred Marina in Port Alfred is truly a gem for the sunshine coast town. The marina is tidal, so fresh water runs through the canals twice a day. It borders a small boat harbour with a launching ramp that can accommodate property owner’s crafts. Boats can travel up the Kowie River for about 20 km, or go out to the eastern side of the wharf to East Beach.
The marina is a fisherman’s paradise - you can cast your rod in the pristine river or take a chance in the waves of East Beach in Port Alfred. Swimming in the canals is also permitted, as well as canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. You might also spot a flock of Egyptian geese lazily floating about in the water.
St Francis Health Centre
The name of this health retreat in the Kleinemonde Valley, near Port Alfred, should give a hint as to what to expect. It is a virtual temple of modern health centres, where your body, mind and spirit will be pared down to the essentials; don't even try to obfuscate about yourself, because they'll have your number. People who have been there say it's quite uncanny - it's as if they just know stuff about you. And when you go home at the end of your allotted time there, you feel much more healed than just pampered or starved.