As soon as the bell rang on the last day of school, the four of us would pile into the family car, stopping off for a pie and a small bottle of milk each (what were my parents thinking, feeding this to children as roadtrip food?) before heading for the coast.
Thinking back now, family roadtrips must have been a real challenge for my parents. My sister and I would go to great lengths to make each other as uncomfortable as possible. We would insist that there was no room for the padkos at the back with us, and my poor mom would be forced to travel with her knees up around her ears and her feet on the cooler box.
Of course, we'd no sooner have hit the highway than we were moaning to be fed. (Despite the pie and milk we would have just devoured) So my mother would have to do some serious acrobatics, reaching for sandwiches or a couple of pieces of cold boerewors and passing them back to us.
As was tradition, my dad would wake us up where we would be asleep in the back seat with "who can see the sea?" and us shouting gleefully "me, me, me! I see the sea and the sea sees me!" It was as if my parents would visibly relax and my sister and I would forget to irritate each other as we settled into holiday mode. There really is just nothing like a family road trip.
A family road trip on the Sunshine Coast, named for the many daylight hours shining down on this region, has loads to offer. The Sunshine Coast has been referred to as "the Adventure Province", with quad biking, surf sailing, deep sea fishing, kite surfing, skiing and hiking on offer. With accommodation options to suit every budget, you could spend your holiday camping, renting a private home or in the lap of luxury.
The Sunshine Coast spans Port Alfred, Kenton-on-Sea, Alexandria, Bathurt and the smaller surrounding areas.
Alexandria
Gateway to the Sunshine Coast
A small farming town, Alexandria is just 100km from PE, on th way to Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. Known for pineapple plantations and dairy farming. Alexandria is the perfect place to get city-dwelling kids to engage with the ways of the land. A family hike through the Alexandria State Forest is just the thing to get some fresh air into suburban lungs.
Wildlife in the area includes bushpig, buskbuck, Cape Grysbok, steenbok, common duiker. Vervet monkey, grey mongoose and a huge variety of bird life.
Quinn's B&B
+27 (0)46 653 0121
Two Bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and sitting room. The B&B offers an opportunity to walk around in the Quin Sculpture Garden and Gallery; Maureen Quin is a well respect international sculptor.
Woodtouch Guest House
+27 (0)73 820 2369
5 Bedrooms (all en suite) self catering accommodation in the heart of Alexandria.
Port Alfred
Heart of the Sunshine Coast
Stop off here for a boat cruise through the Royal Alfred Marina, a round of golf at the Royal course, or a game drive to experience some of South Africa's magnificent wildlife. If your road trip happens to fall in July, you'll be lucky enough to experience the popular Grahamstown Festival, where arts and culture on celebrated on a grand scale.
Spinning Reel Beach Cottages, Log Chalets & B&B
+27 (0) 46 624 4281
Situated on the beach in Port Alfred, offering secluded self catering beach cottages, exquisite log cabins with breathtaking sea views, and bed and breakfast accommodation overlooking the beach.
Halyards Hotel
+27 (0)46 604 3355
The Halyards Hotel stands as a beacon on the Kowle River's Royal Alfred Marina, situated midway between East London and Port Elizabeth.
Bathurst
Cradle of the Sunshine Coast
Originally a port for 1820's settlers, Bathurst is the historic highlight of your road trip. Many buildings from the 1820's have been preserved and offer a fascinating look at the forgotten Colonialist life.
Kingston Farm
+27 (0)46 625 0129
Fully equipped family apartments. The farm is a working Appaloosa stud as well as the venue for what some consider best restaurant in the Easter Cape.
Pig & Whistle Hotel
+27 (0)46 625 0673
Established in 1832, this is South Africa's oldest licensed premises. Family rooms, en-suite rooms, traditional old fashioned rooms with communal bathrooms, tours and picnics by arrangement.
Kenton-on-Sea
Jewel of the Sunshine Coast
This is a watersports fan's dream! Boating, canoeing, skiing, wakeboarding and even water based bird-watching, this is the ideal location to spend a little time in the water. For land-lovers there are endless opportunities too, including game viewing and hiking trails.
Kariega Game Reserve
+27 (0)46 636 7904
Kariega Game Reserve stretches across 9,000 ha of pristine wilderness, incorporating luxury safari lodge accommodation, spectacular vistas and magnificent Big 5 game viewing. A 10 minute drive from Kenton-on-Sea.
Sibuya Game Reserve
+27 (0)46 648 1040
The reserve spans the meandering Kariega River After arriving at Sibuya's reception near the river mouth in Kenton-on-Sea, guests embark on a meandering 40-minute boat cruise. Luxury en-suite tents on raised wooden decks, with just four or eight luxury tents in each camp. Professional guides are able to offer personalised game drives.
With acknowledgement to SPAR Savour Magazine.