Robe Travel Guide

Discover the charming town of Robe in South Australia with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the top things to do, places to see, where to stay, and more.


Robe, located in Limestone Coast in South Australia, is an idyllic coastal town famous for its natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back lifestyle. Visitors will fall in love with the town’s pristine beaches, towering sand dunes, picturesque harbors, and breathtaking landscapes. Robe is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In this comprehensive travel guide to Robe, we will explore the top things to do, places to see, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Robe

Robe is a charming coastal town located in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. Founded in the mid-19th century, the town has a rich history and numerous cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the town’s historic buildings, museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.

Robe is also a nature lover’s paradise, offering visitors access to some of the state’s most stunning natural wonders. The town’s beaches, rugged coastline, rolling hills, and towering sand dunes provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and whale watching.

List of Places to Visit in Robe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Robe has a rich history, and there are many museums and historical sites that visitors can explore to learn about the town’s past. Some of the must-visit culturally important attractions include:

  • The Old Gaol Museum: This museum was originally built as a prison in 1860 and welcomes visitors to explore its cells, exercise yard, and other historic features.
  • Robe Customs House: Robe’s Customs House is a National Trust-listed heritage building with exhibits dedicated to the town’s maritime history.
  • Robe Railway Station: Built-in 1881, Robe Railway Station is now a museum, exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia from the town’s railway history.

Natural Attractions of Robe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Robe is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning natural attractions that offer visitors breathtaking views and endless opportunities for adventure. Some of the must-visit natural attractions include:

  • Long Beach: Long Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Robe, with its long stretches of pristine sand and turquoise waters.
  • Little Dip Conservation Park: This park is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers, with its rugged coastline, towering sand dunes, and high cliffs.
  • Cape Dombey Obelisk: Located at the end of a scenic coastal walk, Cape Dombey Obelisk offers visitors breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Robe

Robe offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking, with numerous trails that allow visitors to explore the town’s natural beauty. Some of the best hiking and biking routes include:

  • Robe to Long Beach Walk: This scenic walk takes visitors along the coast from Robe to Long Beach, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • Little Dip Conservation Park Trails: The Little Dip Conservation Park has numerous tracks that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s rugged coastline and towering sand dunes.
  • The Robe Cycle and Walking Trail: This popular trail takes visitors through some of the town’s most stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, wetlands, and native forests.

Best Things to do in Robe: Activities and Tours

Robe offers plenty of activities and tours that cater to all types of visitors. Some of the best things to do in Robe include:

  • Beach fishing: Robe’s beaches are famous for their excellent fishing opportunities, with many visitors catching whiting, salmon, and snapper.
  • Explore Robe’s art galleries: Robe has several art galleries showcasing work by local and regional artists, including the Robe Art Group Gallery and the Tasmanian Tiger Gallery.
  • Boat tours: Robe’s harbor is the perfect launching point for boat tours of the rugged coastline and the Southern Ocean.

Week-Long Itinerary for Robe

Robe offers so much to see and do that one day is certainly not enough! Here is a sample week-long itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic landmarks of Robe, including the Old Gaol Museum and the Customs House.
  • Day 2: Discover Robe’s beaches, with a visit to Long Beach and a hike along the Robe to Long Beach Walk.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a boat tour of the rugged coastline and the Southern Ocean.
  • Day 4: Hike one of the Little Dip Conservation Park’s trails and explore the park’s towering sand dunes.
  • Day 5: Go fishing on one of Robe’s beaches or explore the local art galleries.
  • Day 6: Explore the town’s food scene and enjoy some of the local cuisine.
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy the town’s beautiful scenery, including a visit to Cape Dombey Obelisk.

Food and Drink Scene of Robe

Robe’s food and drink scene is a testament to the town’s rich history and cultural diversity. Visitors will be able to enjoy flavorful dishes and local wines.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Robe Lobster: Robe is famous for its fresh lobster, a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
  • Sausage Rolls: A classic Australian dish that is a local favorite in Robe.
  • Caramel Slice: A delicious dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Local Beverages

  • Limestone Coast wines: This region of South Australia is known for its excellent wines, with many local wineries offering tastings and tours.
  • Robe Beer: Robe has its own brewery, the Robe Town Brewery, where visitors can sample some of the town’s finest beers.

Where to Stay in Robe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Robe has an excellent range of accommodation options to suit every budget and style. Some of the best places to stay in Robe include:

  • ‘The Union’ Robe: A luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the town.
  • Robe Nampara Cabins: A budget-friendly option for those seeking self-contained cabins close to the beach.
  • The Caledonian Inn: A historic guesthouse that offers comfortable accommodations and excellent pub food.

What to Buy in Robe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Robe offers a range of unique souvenirs and local products that make perfect gifts for loved ones or a perfect reminder of your trip. Some of the best souvenirs and local products include:

  • Lobster-themed souvenirs and products, including lobster-shaped bottle openers, mugs, and tea towels.
  • Local wines and beers, available at many of the town’s wineries and breweries.
  • Handmade arts and crafts, including pottery, paintings, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Robe

Robe has a rich cultural and historical legacy that is visible in its architecture, museums, and art galleries. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local culture and customs and learn about the town’s history and heritage.

Best Time to Visit Robe

Robe can be visited any time of the year, but the best time to experience the town’s natural beauty is during the summer months (December to February). The town also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Robe Easter Fishing Competition.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rob

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Protect the natural environment and wildlife.
  • Try the town’s local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment or historical landmarks.
  • Disrespect local traditions and customs.
  • Approach or disturb wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Robe

Robe is a safe destination for visitors, but as with any tourist destination, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take common-sense precautions, such as locking valuables in a safe when staying in a hotel or guesthouse.

Health in Robe

Robe has a medical clinic and a pharmacy for basic medical needs. Visitors should have travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical emergencies.

Getting to Robe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Robe is located around 350km southeast of Adelaide, and visitors can access the town by road or air.

Airports Near Robe

  • Mount Gambier Airport is the closest airport to Robe, located around 130 km from the town.

Bus Stations Near Robe

  • Premier Stateliner runs coach services between Adelaide and Robe daily.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular option for those exploring Robe and the Limestone Coast region.

How to Get Around in Robe

Robe is a small town, and visitors can easily explore the town’s attractions on foot or by bike, or by renting a car from one of the town’s car rental services.

Where to Go Next from Robe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations that visitors may like to explore after visiting Robe, such as:

  • Mount Gambier: Located just a short drive from Robe, Mount Gambier is home to the stunning Blue Lake and offers visitors excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
  • Coonawarra Wine Region: Just a short drive from Robe, the Coonawarra Wine Region is home to some of Australia’s finest wines, with numerous wineries offering tastings and tours.
  • Kangaroo Island: A short ferry ride from the South Australian mainland, Kangaroo Island is home to stunning natural beauty, including beaches, national parks, and wildlife reserves.

Conclusion

Robe is a beautiful and charming town that offers visitors a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. With its stunning beaches, scenic coastal walks, and excellent range of accommodation options, Robe is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Limestone Coast region of South Australia.