Wilsons Wharf in Durban, South Africa

Anyone travelling to Durban, South Africa should enjoy at least one evening at Wilsons Wharf, although after one visit, you will most likely find yourself returning again and again.

A favourite hangout for local durbanites, and relatively unknown to tourists (meaning overcrowding is unlikely), the wharf provides an idea environment to relax, walk and enjoy a meal with friends and family, as well as stunning views of the city and harbour during the day or night.

It is of course also a great place for a romantic date!

If you are travelling to Durban, South Africa for the Football World cup 2010, make sure you take the time to enjoy the wharf, including a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. You will most likely find yourself surrounded by fellow sports enthusiasts, as South Africa loves its sport. Many of the restaurants will also likely have live televised games for you to watch, if you feel like one game away from the stadiums, but still want to know the score!

Boating enthusiasts will love the setting, as the wharf is situated within durban harbour (one of Africas busiest harbours) on a boating marina with working slipways. You can enjoy relaxing walks along the waterfront, watch boats pass by or look at some of them docked in the marina; see others relaxing as they set out to sea on their yachts, or enjoy a passing canoe. Some of the yachts docked nearby are totally stunning to look at, and you will soon wish you had your own, as you see those who do own one sitting on their decks enjoying a drink in the evening air.

South Africa is of course known world wide for it's rich sealife and the water at the wharf reflects this. People are often seen hanging over the rails watching the fish as they swim past. You may of course also see fisherman hoping for a catch, or even be able to by some fresh fish from a boat recently returned from sea.

The wharfside mall and shopping area cotains many specialty shops, including local crafts and other treats for you to browse and enjoy. A great place to start your evening, wondering through the shops, then once you are ready move on to the waterfront and find yourself a restaurant to enjoy a drink or meal.

Location:

Wilsons Wharf is very easy to find. Simply drive along the Victoria Embankment, the main road which runs along the Durban harbour, and you will soon see a sign to Wilson's wharf. Turn off the Embankment toward the harbour into a side road, which runs parallel to the embankment - called 'Boatman's road'. As you turn you will cross a railway line, then come to a roundabout (traffic circle) where you turn right, You will soon pass the yacht club on your left, but continue to follow along the long narrow raod, leading to the wharf. Once you are on Boatmans Road, you cannot really go wrong, just keep following the road until you see Wilson's Wharf.


Free Parking:

Fortunatly the Wharf has ample free parking, so you will not have any trouble parking nearby.



Catalina Theatre and Conference Company:

The Catalina Theatre provides a 165 seat with enjoyable entertainment and local shows.
More information about the current shows can be found at: www.catalinatheatre.co.za  or by phoning: (031) 305 6889

The area is filled with a great selection of restaurants, catering for a variety of taste. At one of these you can either enjoy a relaxing drink while looking over the water, or a full meal, which will not disapoint.

The restaurants on the wharf include:


Spur:

Spur, which has restaurants all over the world, is a favourite South African Steakhouse providing a great taste of South African steaks, as well as burgers and some sea food. Your visit to South Africa would be incomplete without a meal at at least one Spur! They also do great breakfasts for those wanting to venture out for a morning meal.

For the local Spur at Wilson's Wharf, phone: +27 (0) 31 305 1650


John Dory's

A well known fish & grill. The local one at Wilson's Wharf can be contacted by emailing wilsonswharf@johndorys.com  or phoning: +27 (0) 31 304 7669



The Pirate's Arms

Provides a varied menu, including fish and chips. Many who visit soon find it to be a favourite place to eat and return over and over.   Phone: +27 (0)82 494 3273


Charlie Crofts Dockside Diner

This is a more upmarket restaurant, where you can find live entertainment and often enjoy an afternoon of live jazz

The setting of Wilsons Wharf provide you with some of the most incredible views as you enjoy your meal. Whether you vist during the day or night, you will not be disappointed, with the Durban city skyline in one direction and the harbour in the other.

The water itself makes the setting incredibly relaxing, while watching boats come in and out of the harbour and at night, the entire city and harbour lights up for more of your viewing pleasure!


^{For more information, you can visit: http://www.wilsonswharf.co.za/}