East Bank, Port Alfred

If you're looking to trade the hustle and bustle of city living for tranquil coastal living, you'll find the perfect location in East Bank. This is a popular suburb in Port Alfred known for its picturesque views. Every day, you can be greeted by the sights of Port Alfred town, the Kowie River, the Royal Alfred Marina, and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. 

East Bank Beach, just a stone's throw away, beckons with its rolling waves, making this suburb a haven for surf enthusiasts. And if you own a boat or yearn to explore the open waters, East Bank's proximity to the Small Boat Harbour is nothing short of ideal. 

On your property hunt, expect to be spoilt for choice. East Bank boasts spacious freestanding homes, secure townhouses, upmarket retirement units, quaint guesthouses, and scenic vacant land. The suburb truly is a great choice for family living, peaceful golden years, or postcard-pretty holidays.

East Bank's airports/routes: travel effortlessly

When you have your eyes on the skies, East Bank is situated 127 km away from King Phalo Airport. This hour-and-20-minute trip offers stunning countryside views as you drive along the R72. For more recreational pursuits, the suburb lies only 15 minutes from Bathurst via Port Alfred Rd/R67 and 21 minutes from Kenton-on-Sea via the R72. 

East Bank's weather: discover the patterns

As part of Port Alfred, East Bank shares the same well-loved weather patterns as the rest of the town. In February, the area's hottest month, East Bank is pleasantly warm and breezy, ranging from a low of 19°C to a high of 27°C. In July, the area's coldest month, East Bank is only mildly cool and breezy. With a light jersey or jacket, you'll comfortably navigate temperatures ranging from a low of 12°C to a high of 21°C. 

East Bank's history: uncover the backstory

In the early 1820s, Port Alfred was established by British settlers who moved into the area as a buffer between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa people. The settlement was split in half by the Kowie River, forming two separate towns on the east and west sides. East Bank (literally on the eastern bank of the river) was originally named Port Frances. However, in 1860, after a visit by Queen Victoria's son Prince Alfred, the two towns combined and the name changed in his honour.

East Bank's schools: set your child up for success

Your child will have a great start at the nearby Port Alfred Primary School. Within the suburb, East Bank residents have easy access to Port Alfred High School. This school provides a balanced education, with stellar academics and a range of sports, cultural pursuits, events, and other enriching activities. For a private school option with an IEB curriculum, look to the new Calico Academy, just five minutes away from East Bank. The area also offers varsity education through Stenden South Africa and a variety of aviation courses through 43 Air School. 

East Bank's healthcare: get treated by the best

The suburb is close to a range of healthcare options, ensuring residents' well-being and peace of mind. You can visit general practitioners, dentists, pharmacies, clinics, and even the Kowie Veterinary Clinic for the fur baby in your family. Port Alfred Hospital is only two minutes away from the suburb; the 31-bed facility boasts professional staff in specialities such as anaesthesiology, general practice, gynaecology orthopaedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and radiology.

East Bank's shopping scene: enjoy some retail therapy

Whether you're after daily necessities or indulgent splurges, East Bank's retail scene is sure to impress. A short drive to Rosehill Mall gives you a pristine and laid-back shopping experience; its popular stores include Clicks, Woolworths, SUPERSPAR, and PEP. Heritage Mall also has a good mix of national chains and specialist shops. The Postmaster's Village is a quaint stop for small boutique shops, a delicatessen, and laundromat services. 

East Bank's special attractions: have a fun day out

With hidden gems and watersport activities at every corner, East Bank makes each day a memorable affair. 

Nearby East Beach is a local family hangout, known for its golden dunes and pet-friendly environment. The strong currents make it popular for surfing and it has been the venue for international surfing competitions. East Bank is notably the home of the Shaka Surf School and Surf Camp SA where you and your little ones can learn how to tackle those waves. The suburb places you close to the Kowie River and all its recreational pursuits: fishing, stand-up paddling, water skiing, tubing, knee boarding and canoeing, to name a few. 

East Bank also has some excellent restaurants; Skippers Catch is a must-visit for the quintessential fish-and-chip experience while Hibiscus Room Restaurant is ideal for a tasty breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.

Find a home that inspires you in East Bank

This Port Alfred suburb has everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle: coastal beauty, a good selection of amenities, and fantastic real estate to make your home. Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty invites you to become part of this welcoming community and have an adventure every day! Simply view our properties for sale or properties to let, and get in touch at your convenience.

Image 7 credit: Water ski skiing Eastern Cape South Africa by Andrew Moir | Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | tinyurl.com/53w6pf84