Robe is a charming town on the Limestone Coast, known for its rich history as one of South Australia’s busiest ports, and its delicious fresh seafood.
Each year, Robe transforms from a sleepy seaside town into a bustling holiday destination as the weather heats up, welcoming visitors who want to make use of the sandy beaches, seaside walks, and gourmet offerings.
Keep reading to discover the history of Robe, as well as its dining hotspots, accommodation and top attractions.
History
The Robe region is the traditional home of the Bunganditj and Meintangk people, who lived along the coastline and sustained themselves with the rich food sources including shellfish and muntries.
In 1846, Governor Frederick Holt Robe surveyed the area and deemed it a perfect location for a port. After a slow start, the area transformed into one of the most important ports in South Australia, serving a hinterland that stretched all the way into western Victoria.
In the late 1850s, Robe welcomed more than 15,000 Chinese immigrants, who landed in the bay on their way to the gold fields of Victoria. A tax of 10 pounds had been placed on all Chinese immigrants landing in Victorian ports, so Robe was one of many places where these hopeful gold panners could make their way to the fields while avoiding the extra payment.
Robe is also well known for its wool industry. Between 1856-1866, more than $1 million worth of wool passed through the port on the way to England. During peak season, wagons carrying wool from inland stations could stretch kilometres out of town while they waited for their turn to unload.
Eat and drink
Robe Town Brewery
Robe Town Brewery is the only wood-fired brewery in Australia, using wood fires (instead of gas or electricity) to heat the brewing kettle for rich, caramelised flavours. This old-school process adds character to the brews, harking back to older brewing traditions where beer was often cask-conditioned and served via hand pumps.
At the tap room, you can sample around 20 different brews, from easy-drinking crowd pleasers to red ales and stouts. The non-beer drinkers in your party will also find plenty of local wines, gins and cocktails.
During peak holiday periods (and on weekends during the off-season), Fire & Slice food truck serves delicious cheesy pizza in the beer garden. You can also build your own cheeseboard from a selection of cheese and crackers, or even BYO food.
Every Friday night and Sunday afternoon, local artists take the stage and perform to a welcoming crowd. The second Sunday of the month is an open mic and jam session, inviting anyone with an instrument to join in on the fun.
Sails at Robe
Combining a relaxed dining atmosphere with fresh dishes celebrating local ingredients, Sails at Robe is a must-visit restaurant.
All dishes are designed to be shared, with a special focus on the seafood that makes Robe so popular. Choose between a whole crispy barramundi with crying tiger dressing, or poached prawns with mango, avocado and chilli. Or, for special occasions, pre-order a whole fresh lobster, which can be served naturally, chargrilled with garlic butter, or Thermidor.
The menu is also designed to pair perfectly with local wines, and staff are happy to recommend the best drop for your meal. Whether you’re dining outdoors, or inside at the cosy Wine Bar, Sails at Robe is perfect for any occasion.
Robe Ice Cream Shop
Imagine outdoor dining with a beachy weatherboard vibe, and you’d be picturing Robe Ice Cream Shop. This local institution makes all its ice cream on site, with a second building dedicated entirely to lollies and sweets. Whether you’re after toffee, fresh cinnamon donuts, or fruity gelato, you’ll find it all here.
The Ice Creamery is also home to Robe Art Map, created by artist in residence, Neil Walsh. It gives the venue a charming, quirky look and you’ll find lots of easter eggs hidden throughout.
Robe Hotel
Built in 1847, Robe Hotel is one of the oldest licensed pubs in the region. It is located only a few minutes from the beach, making it a perfect spot to relax and dine with friends after a day in the sun.
The menu highlights the best local ingredients and producers, with Limestone Coast seafood and local meat paired with South Australian wines and craft beers. Enjoy all your pub favourites, as well as a rotating list of specials.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the hotel is filled with the sounds of live music from a range of genres including country, blues, and rock. Sports fans will love the dedicated sports bar, with a live schedule of games streamed on the big screen.
Once you’ve had your fill, head up to one of 16 comfortable guest rooms, and drift off to sleep serenaded by the sounds of crashing waves. Most rooms feature a private ensuite, and all come with tea and coffee-making facilities.
Woodsoak Wines Robe
The award-winning drops from Woodsoak Wines are produced from grapes grown on the family property. While the farm (which has been in the family for more than 70 years) has served as a cattle and sheep business for generations, it wasn’t until 2010 when current owners Will and Sonia planted 55 acres of wine grapes that the Woodsoak label was born.
Today, visitors can head to the cellar door to relax in the family and pet-friendly courtyard while sampling the range of wines. The indoor wine lounge is ideal for wine tasting sessions, while the vintage cocktail caravan bar offers experimental and classic drinks. The food menu is inspired by Sonia’s Indian heritage, so you can enjoy samosas with mango chutney while sipping on your wine. Or, you can even BYO food.
Children will love playing giant Connect 4 and Jenga in the garden, and you can keep an eye on them from your table.
Woodsoak now also produces gin inspired by the flavours and landscapes of the Limestone Coast. The Peacock Gin is infused with juniper berries, orange blossom, and blue pea flower (which gives it a striking blue colour). By adding a splash of tonic, you can watch it transform into a beautiful lavender. The ocean imagery on the bottle represents Will and Sonia’s love for the beach and coastline of Robe.
Where to stay
Stony Rise Lodge
Immerse yourself in the luxury and rugged beauty of Robe at Stony Rise Lodge. Each room offers complete privacy, while the three shared spaces are all about connecting with fellow guests. The lounge boasts underfloor heating, tan leather couches and an open fire, while the dining area includes a fully-stocked bar, Zip Hydro Tap and an ice machine. In the warmer months, the 250-metre infinity lawn, with outdoor speakers and a firepit, is designed for relaxed afternoons before the 6pm sundowner cocktail service.
Every guest is invited to make use of the complimentary amenities and services, including communal morning yoga, hiking trails, cocktail sundowners and Australian made luxuries such as wool bedding and eco-friendly toiletries.
The friendly staff are happy to organise your daily itinerary based on your needs, whether you’re after a beach excursion or culinary tour through town.
Stone Rise Lodge is also dog-friendly. Simply let the team know in advance if your pup will be joining you, and they will handle the rest.
Harbour View Motel
As the name suggests, Harbour View Motel offers eight newly-rennovated rooms with panoramic ocean views, as well as a penthouse apartment and stand-alone beach house. All rooms include a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, luxury bath and body products, and free wifi.
Downstairs, the HV Cafe serves fresh coffee and sweet treats during peak seasons. In the afternoons, guests can also enjoy a glass of local wine or craft beer, paired with a cheeseboard.
The Caddy Shack (the stand-alone beach house) has space for up to four adults and four children, with two comfortable queen bedrooms and two sets of bunk beds for the little ones. The outdoor deck space is designed for evenings relaxing with a glass of wine while the kids play in the garden. Plus, it’s only 100 metres from Long Beach.
The family-run business is on a mission to become a premier Robe destination, and owners Tim and Kate pride themselves on creating a warm and friendly environment.
Discovery Parks Robe
To stay amongst the action, check out Discovery Parks Robe. This holiday park is perfect for families, with caravan and tent sites, as well as large cabins with fully-stocked kitchens, bedrooms and private balconies.
The kids will love the massive adventure playground, bouncing pillow and games room. Plus, they can hire pedal carts and race around the property all day long. Adults should make sure to visit the heated indoor swimming pool for a dip no matter the weather, and make use of the complimentary wifi.
There’s also a kiosk, camp kitchen and laundry on site. Discovery Parks Robe is located walking distance from the town centre. When visiting the office, the knowledgeable staff are happy to help you book a 4WD tour, wine tasting, or recommend the best local dining spots.
See and do
Robe Lighthouse was built in 1972 to replace the historic Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. The star-shaped concrete tower is 3.5 metres wide at the bottom, and 5 metres wide at the top, with a light that can be seen up to 37 kilometres away. The unique shape of the lighthouse makes it a great place to snap a photo, and is easily accessible on the western side of town.
Marine history-lovers should also check out the Robe Obelisk, which was built on Cape Dombey in 1855 as a ‘day guide’ for ships entering the bay. The landmark can be seen 16 kilometres out to sea in good weather, painted with three white and two red stripes so that it stands out against a pale backdrop. The obelisk is also used to store rocket equipment for the local lifeboat crew, and remains one of the most iconic Robe attractions.
Keep walking past the Obelisk, and you will come across the ruins of the Old Gaol. As Robe was once the administrative centre for the South East of SA, it was also the location of the region’s first gaol, which officially opened in 1861. At the time, the complex featured a stone building with four holding cells, a receiving yard, and a keeper’s residence.
Before being permanently closed in 1881, the gaol was scrutinised for the three men who managed to escape custody. Today, it is a popular historic site that tells the story of Robe’s early history.
Nature lovers should take a trip to Little Dip Conservation Park, where you can go four-wheel-driving, fishing, bushwalking, camping and mountain bike riding. There are also several lakes throughout the park, including Lake Eliza and Big Dip Lake, where native birds like to rest their tired wings on the water’s edge.
Long Beach is a family-friendly beach with gentle waves near the entrance and bigger waves further north. It’s also one of the few beaches where visitors are allowed to drive their car onto the sand and explore 12 kilometres of coastline.
Getting to Robe
Rex flies to Mount Gambier, which is just 1.5 hours from Robe by car. For more information, head to the Rex website or check out the route map below.
To read our guide to the culinary hotspots of the Limestone Coast, click here.
