The picturesque seaside, historic and tiny village, Robe South Australia has transformed from a local’s coastal town to a stylish and lively holiday hotspot during summertimes.

Robe lies around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Mount Gambier, this charming seaside town has a significant history. South Australia’s rugged Limestone Coast, Robe was founded by the colonial government in the early 18th century and later in 1847, the town was proclaimed as a port.

Robe’s distinctive combination of the wonderful ocean, dense bush, historical buildings, gorgeous lakes and big commercial fishing vessels is widely appreciated.

You can also take your furry friend to Robe as this tiny village offers a lot of dog friendly sites to make your experience more memorable. You can also check out 7 top cosy Caravan Park and Robe Accommodation for your upcoming trip. 

These are the best experiences that should definitely be on your to do list when you book your trip to Robe South Australia.

Historical attraction in Robe South Australia

The best way to learn about the history of the town is to visit the Historical Interpretation Centre, the Robe Institute, the Lapwing Art Gallery and the Robe Public Library which are found in the same building as the Visitor Information Centre, located in the Foreshore area of Robe in South Australia.

Other places I would suggest visiting are:

Robe Fishermen’s Memorial 

The Fishermen’s Memorial was established as a tribute to those fishermen who died at sea. It is situated near the port, entrance to Lake Butler Marina and this amazing memorial displays the early history of Robe.

Seafarer’s Memorial 

Just next to Fishermen’s Memorial is the Seafarer’s Memorial, situated beside the mound on Mundy Terrace and Royal Circus. This memorial is important as it marks the meeting of Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders at Encounter Bay in 1802.

Maritime and history lovers will relish visiting both Fishermen’s and Seafarer’s Memorial.

Historical Robe Gaol Ruins

Historical ruins of The Robe Gaol were first built earlier during 1861 to accommodate all the prisoners who had to serve their mandated sentences or even trial in Adelaide, South Australia. These partly restored ruins which were carved out of stone are an important landmark as they portray the fascinating dark side of the region.

Star Shaped Lighthouse and The Robe Obelisk

A star-shaped concrete tower built in 1972, was planned to guide vessels away from hazards. The Robe Lighthouse is slanted towards 196.85 inches wide at the top and 137.80 inches wide at the bottom.

A pyramid-like structure, The Obelisk was constructed in 1855 on Cape Dombey as a ‘day guide’, painted with two red and three white stripes so that vessels entering Guichen Bay could be seen in ordinary weather with a distance up to about 16 kilometres out to sea.

Unique Robe Town Brewery

Back in 1869, Robe Town Brewery was first established by George Lord Snr to supply fine brews in the local market. In 2013, the Brewery was re-established with the use of traditional brewing methods which were used by George Lord Snr. The first locally prepared ale was served at Criterion Hotel which was known as the old Frankfort Hotel.

You can enjoy hand-crafted speciality beverages and ales and depending on the season, visitors can taste ranging between ten and twenty different products at the brewery tasting room.

Experience truly unique flavour made with locally produced barley and other foraged home-grown ingredients.

Family Friendly Beaches in Robe South Australia

There are plenty of beach options available in Robe such as Long Beach, Hooper Beach, West Beach, Fox Beach and many more but out of all the beaches,12 kilometres long, beautiful white sand and gentle tides of Long Beach is one of the best beaches in Robe.

Incredible Long beach is ideal for swimming, making sand castles, walking or just enjoy the breathtaking scenery around you.

Long Beach is accessible for 4WDs during summertime as the sand is firm during that time. There are several great spots for fishing and you can catch salmon, garfish, flathead, whiting, mullet, and snapper that makes Long Beach also a famous place for fishing.

Fabulous Ice Cream Shop

Everybody loves delicious ice cream with a great ambience while enjoying your break on holiday. Well if you love ice cream then I would strongly suggest visiting the lovely Ice Cream Shop in Robe. Endless amounts of flavours, phenomenal atmosphere, amazingly decorated place is perfect for all ages.

Eat Out in Robe 

Traditionally a fishing port and seaside village, Robe is known for its seafood. If you are a seafood lover then Robe is heaven for dining out as you can eat fresh fish and chips, or choose fresh lobster from their tank, or other mouthwatering seafood platters.

Don’t be disheartened or don’t think you will go hungry if you are vegetarian or non-seafood lovers as there are plenty of restaurants which cater for all types of food according to your need.

Picturesque Robe Dairy

Robe Dairy is a beautiful and small family farm in the charming seaside village of Robe, South Australia. Usual business hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm but sometimes they are open for little longer hours during the holiday season or long weekends.

If you want to try locally produced fresh milk, yoghurt and a wide range of cheese then you will enjoy a great time visiting the Robe Dairy.

Robe South Australia Accommodation

The Caledonian Inn 

In 1858, a historic hotel was built, Caledonian Inn is one of the best hotels not only in Robe but also on the Limestone Coast.

The hotel provides onsite restaurants that serve locally produced and fresh products and ingredients, live music performances by local artists and of course free WiFi.

Best Western Melaleuca Motel & Apartments

Situated at a very short walk from the beach and in central Robe, Best Western Melaleuca Motel & Apartments provides very cosy accommodation.

All rooms consist of an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, and DVD player (check out at the reception they have a cool collection of DVD) and of course to enjoy a great time in summer they have free barbecue facilities with a view of lovely gardens.

Lakeview Motel and Apartments

If you want to enjoy your time in Robe in a quiet location, or looking for rooms near native gardens and want to watch wildlife then I have great news for you as Lakeview Motel and Apartments is on the banks of Lake Fellmongery.

All rooms have amazing sights of Lake Fellmongery, air-conditioned, kitchenware, other facilities such as coffee/tea, toaster, a flat-screen TV and DVD player.

Robe South Australia Caravan Park

Robe Holiday Park

Popular among families, nestled in the secluded and quiet bushland oasis, beside Lake Fellmongery, Robe Holiday Park provides dog friendly cabins, powered sites for caravans and camping at very reasonable prices.

Sea Vu Caravan Park

Sea Vu Caravan Park is located in the heart of the beautiful town, Robe in South Australia. You will be amazed to see magnificent beach views from the park and within a short walk you will end up in amazing restaurants, beautiful wineries, classic local shops and many more places.

Plenty of spaces to accommodate all different types of vehicles and if you want a cabin then it has many features such as free Wifi, a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette equipped with a toaster, microwave, kettle, refrigerator, and the cabin has also an attached with private bathroom.

Lakeside Tourist Park

Around 3 minutes drive from the historic town centre of Robe, Lakeside Tourist Park offers cabins, villas, and options of powered and unpowered sites. Tourist Park is the perfect place for all those people who prefer freshwater spots over the beachfront.

The Lakeside Tourist Park provides a children’s playground so they don’t get bored, a BBQ area to enjoy a great time with families, laundry facilities, and is an idyllic spot for fishing and boating.

Robe South Australia Restaurants

Explore delicious and gourmet food in cosy restaurants in Robe South Australia

Sails at Rob

Sails at Robe has an extensive and varied and mainly seafood orientated menu. If you are a seafood lover you will be amazed to see great choices and a variety of food with flavours of the season, from sea and land.

Caledonian Inn

Historic English style pub, a local landmark and operational for more than 158 years, Caledonian Inn is the perfect place to enjoy fresh, delightful, plentiful food which is generously priced.

Union Café

Lovely location, superb food with plenty of options for vegetarian people, it is the perfect place for people who are looking for healthy and big breakfast in the early morning. You must try coffee at Union Café as they serve one of the best coffee in Robe.

Adventurous Spoon

Enjoy finger licking food and spent unforgettable times either with family or even by yourself at Adventurous Spoon. The restaurant has beautiful inside and outdoor sitting arrangements. Adventurous Spoon caters for those in need of a gluten free diet, vegetarian, and vegan customers.

 Summary of Robe South Australia

• Robe Fishermen’s Memorial :- The Fishermen’s Memorial was established as a tribute to those fishermen who died at sea. It is situated near the port, entrance to Lake Butler Marina and this amazing memorial displays the early history of Robe.
• Seafarer’s Memorial :- This memorial is important as it marks the meeting of Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders at Encounter Bay in 1802.
• Historical Robe Gaol Ruins :- Historical ruins of The Robe Gaol were first built earlier during 1861 to accommodate all the prisoners who had to serve their mandated sentences or even trial in Adelaide.
• Star Shaped Lighthouse :- A star-shaped concrete tower built in 1972, was planned to guide vessels away from hazards.
• The Robe Obelisk : – A pyramid-like structure, The Obelisk was constructed in 1855 on Cape Dombey as a ‘day guide’, painted with two red and three white stripes so that vessels entering Guichen Bay could be seen in ordinary weather with a distance up to about 16 kilometres out to sea.
• Unique Robe Town Brewery : – You can enjoy hand-crafted speciality beverages and ales and depending on the season, visitors can taste ranging between ten and twenty different products at the brewery tasting room.
• Family Friendly Beaches in Robe South Australia : – Incredible Long beach is ideal for swimming, making sand castles, walking or just enjoy the breathtaking scenery around you. Long Beach is accessible for 4WDs during summertime as the sand is firm during that time.
• Fabulous Ice Cream Shop : – Endless amounts of flavours, phenomenal atmosphere, amazingly decorated place is perfect for all ages.
• Eat Out in Robe : – Traditionally a fishing port and seaside village, Robe is known for its seafood.
• Picturesque Robe Dairy : – If you want to try locally produced fresh milk, yoghurt and a wide range of cheese then you will enjoy a great time visiting the Robe Dairy.
• Robe South Australia Accommodation :- Plenty of options available such as hotels, caravan parks, villas, cabins, and many more options of stay even near beachside or lakeside.
• Robe South Australia Restaurants :- Explore delicious and gourmet food in cosy restaurants in Robe South Australia