Port Owen Experience: Escape to the Idyllic West Coast

On the shores of the Berg River, a short distance from the white-sand beaches of the West Coast, you’ll find Port Owen, an idyllic harbourside village where yachts and kayaks glide along canals lined with lush gardens and palm trees. It’s a tranquil getaway that brings to mind charming British port towns like Brighton and Tenby.

Among its attractions is the elegant Russells on the Port guesthouse, which in addition to providing luxurious Port Owen accommodation, is offering a two-day package in June that showcases the best of this picture-perfect piece of the West Coast.

Port Owen experience

The two-day experience includes accommodation at Russells on the Port, along with an itinerary packed with activities ranging from beer-tasting to boat cruises. As well as exploring Port Owen and the fishing town of Velddrif, guests will be treated to generous meals at Russells On the Port’s restaurant and Charlie’s Brewhouse.

Some of the destinations you’ll be visiting include:

SA Fisheries Museum This building dates back to the 19th century, and provides a glimpse into the fascinating history of the West Coast fishing industry.

Charlie’s Brewhouse A rustic pub restaurant with a range of local beers on tap, ciders and wines, as well as Poetic Licence Gin imported from the UK. The menu includes burgers, fresh West Coast mussels and bitterballen (a Dutch deep-fried bar snack). Take a seat inside on big-sports days (there are big-screen TVs), or outside on the glass-panelled patio with views of the river.

Bokkom Laan The oldest road in Velddrif is where you’ll see small fishing boats arriving at the jetty, and local fishermen hanging their catch out to dry, as they’ve done for generations. Watch out for pelicans, and their occasional attempts to steal scraps of fish from the daily haul.

Sounds like the perfect West Coast winter adventure!

Booking To book your spot for the Port Owen experience, contact Russells on the Port on the details provided.

The itinerary

Friday 7 June

2pm: Check in at Russells on the Port

3pm: Oysters and champagne on the terrace

4pm: Walk to Charlie’s Brewhouse with a guide for gin cocktails

5.30pm: Tollies boat trip on the marina (with pizza and wine)

6.30pm: Transport back to Russells on the Port

7pm: Dinner at Russells on the Port (a five-course meal plus Groote Post wine-pairing)

Saturday 8 June

9am: Breakfast at Russells on the Port

10am: Depart for Fish Museum in Laaiplek

11am: Depart to Bokkom Laan to explore. Enjoy coffee at Columbine, visit the River Studio Art Gallery and a working bokkom factory.

12.30pm: Transport back to Russells on the Port

2.45pm: Light lunch at pool area

Relax for afternoon

5pm: Transport to Charlie’s Brewhouse for beer tasting and brewery tour.

6pm: Charlie’s restaurant dinner

Transport back to Russells on the Port for the night.