Port Alfred lies in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and is famous for the Kowie River and the Royal Alfred Marina. The Kowie River is the original reason for the town's existence and is still central to the business and leisure of the town. Deep-sea fishermen access the sea through the mouth of the Kowie while water-skiers and canoeists enjoy their sports upstream. Other leisure activities include tennis, squash, bowls, bird watching, hiking and horse riding. The beautiful, white beaches are perfect for long walks, swimming or sunbathing. Port Alfred is situated 150 km from Port Elizabeth and 50km from Grahamstown, the home of Rhodes University.