Port Shepstone Geography The Hibiscus Coast, with its sun-drenched Blue Flag beaches and sub-tropical forests, stretches from Hibberdene to Port Edward and takes in the coastal town of Port Shepstone. Located along the southern KwaZulu-Natal coast, Port Shepstone is 120km's south of Durban. History Port Shepstone, the largest town on the tropical KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, was founded in 1867 when marble deposits were discovered near the mouth of the Mzimkulu River. A harbour was built and the first ship entered the harbour on 8 May 1880. This was the start of a strong trading connection between Durban and Port Shepstone. The 200 Norwegian settlers who were brought out to farm the area helped develop the trade potential of the harbour, and by 1893 Port Shepstone was being used as a full fiscal harbour. When the railway from Durban reached Port Shepstone, the harbour fell into disuse and the river silted up. Today the town is the administrative -, commercial -, distribution - and transport centre of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Arts & Culture Visitors can discover the cultural history of the region at the Port Shepstone Museum with its fascinating exhibits on shipwrecks and the world famous Sardine run. The church on the outskirts of the town was the cultural and social core of the Norwegian settlers. Science & Nature The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a spectacularly scenic and very popular reserve. Visitors to the gorge will enjoy the bizarre rock formations and waterfalls, as well as the abundant bird life. Entertainment Many of the activities to be found in Port Shepstone are centered on the water of the river. Visitors can go boating and river rafting; and swimming in the tidal pool is also great fun. Take a romantic, and unforgettable trip on the Banana Express - a narrow gauge steam train that travels from Port Shepstone to Paddock via the scenic Oribi Gorge. Sport Travellers who remembered their golf clubs will be in for a treat at the highly rated golf course at the Port Shepstone Country Club. Did You Know The Mzimkulu River is the largest on the South Coast and meets the see at Port Shepstone. Its mouth was large enough for coasters to sail into. |
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