Richard's Bay, situated on the Indian Ocean at the mouth of the Mhlatuze River, is one of South Africa's leading ports. The deep-water harbor completed in 1976 was at first used only for the export of coal but now handles almost half the total turnover of South African ports. A 660km/410mi long railroad line links Richard's Bay with the Witbank
coalfields. After the new harbor came into use the town's industries developed rapidly (oil pipeline, manufacture of fertilizers, aluminum works).
Apart from the harbor Richard's Bay has no features of tourist interest, but there are some attractive sights within easy reach of the town.