07 August 2024
8 mins Read
Whether you’re into hiking, viewing wildlife or something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of things to do in Robe – and we haven’t even touched on the R&R. Let our following recommendations get you started on making the most of this popular South Australian coastal getaway.
It’s hard to miss the brightly painted, 40-foot Obelisk which stands on the point of Cape Dombey, but rather than viewing it from afar, why not commit to the 1.4-kilometre Obelisk to Lighthouse Robe Walking Trail?
The Obelisk symbolises Robe’s rich maritime history. (Image: James Dawson)
The loop trail will take you past both the famous red and white monument, built in 1855 to act as an easy-to-spot landmark for shipping), as well as the lighthouse.
The 40-foot Obelisk stands majestically atop Cape Dombey. (Image: Benjamin Goode)
There’s no shortage of spectacular beaches around Robe, but for those keen to learn to tackle the local surf, Charlies Surf School at Long Beach has got you covered. Having grown up around the breaks of Robe and worked in surf camps across the globe, Charlie is keen to share his love for his backyard with visitors, offering group lessons for kids, those of a ‘finer vintage’ and just about everyone else in between.
Long Beach might be Robe’s shining star, but the town is home to at least half a dozen other beaches you can enjoy if you’d like something a little quieter (or smaller). Town Beach, with its gentle surf, is considered a great beach for young families in particular, as is Hooper Beach which has some great snorkelling to take advantage of. Meanwhile, Karatta Beach is home to the Robe Yacht Club, which makes it the best place to sail from.
A short drive away from the town centre, you’ll find Humpalicious Camel Farm, a small-scale, solar-powered establishment keen to showcase the wonder of camel milk. Sure, you can drop by to buy camel milk gelato, coffee, and milkshakes, but it’s hard to go past the morning milking tour where you can watch the Humpalicious camels being milked (before hand-feeding the babies yourself) or exploring the property on a solar buggy camel safari. Just be sure to book before you turn up.
See camels grazing in the field at Humpalicious Camel Farm. (Image: Mish and Kirk)
Whether you’re in the market for a new salad bowl or not, it’s hard to walk away from Transmutation, located in the industrial centre of Robe, empty-handed. A recipient of the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards, the team behind the recycling and manufacturing business transform ‘rubbish’ such as plastic bread tags into something beautiful and user-friendly, such as the aforementioned salad bowls and serving platters. Don’t feel bad about loading up the suitcase; you’re shopping for a good cause.
The sign located directly outside Robe Golf Club says it all: ‘Play golf, have fun’. Located close to the centre of town, this must be one of the country’s most relaxed – if not scenic – courses, offering pros and the golf-curious three distinct loops of six holes. You can choose to play six, 12 or 18 holes depending on your time, fitness and skill level. Golf equipment is available for hire.
Just off the coastline, scores of dolphins, Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals are waiting to meet your acquaintance. The best way of getting to know the locals (as well as seeing Robe Obelisk from the water)? A 90-minute cruise with Limestone Coast Boat Tours.
Jump on a cruise from Lake Butler Marina. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)
Setting sail from the Lake Butler Marina, the cruise (one of two options available from the operator) cruises along Long Beach’s shoreline, offering ample opportunity to meet and greet with the local wildlife.
Keen for the ultimate outdoorsy adventure? Located just two kilometres south of Robe, Little Dip Conservation Park is a rugged wilderness of unique coastal lakes, coastal dunes and thick groves of coastal mallee offering a wealth of four-wheel-driving, hiking, mountain bike riding, horse riding, bird watching and swimming opportunities. A quick visit will never do the park justice but the great news here is that Little Dip is also home to a variety of campsites so why not stay and play awhile?
True, at first glance a series of stones out on Cape Dombey don’t look like anything special – until you consider that these partially restored stone ruins are the remains of a prison built between 1860 and 1861 to accommodate local prisoners. Slowly eroding from sea and sun, it’s best to see the (free) attraction before it’s completely gone and gain an understanding of the somewhat disturbing history of the area.
Crashing waves aren’t for everyone, and for those who like their watersports a little more tranquil, Lake Fellmongery (occasionally called ‘Ski Lake’) is the place to be. Having taken its name from its history of fellmongery, options now extend far beyond washing wool, with water skiing and kayaking popular pastimes.
One of the newest trails to be opened on the Limestone Coast, the 12-kilometre all-access Robe Coastal Trail is a fantastic way to get a feel for the rugged coves and bays of Robe, as well as its landmarks, beaches, maritime history and attractions. Cape Dombey Obelisk, Old Gaol Ruins and Doorway Rock are all covered along the walk, with many recommending putting aside a good six hours to do the experience justice. You can get started from the end of Long Beach, or West Beach.
Walk the Robe Coastal Trail to reach Cape Dombey Obelisk. (Image: Thomas Cowey)
Old police stables, wool stores, courthouses and historic pubs, just some of the 32 historic sites marked out on Robe’s Heritage Trail. Marked with a blue, oval-shaped information plaque and located within a two-kilometre radius, the sites are easily found (maps are available online), but those with a particular interest in Robe’s intriguing history are welcome to pop in at Robe Tourist Information to speak with a member of staff or pick up a hard copy of a map.
Consider yourself a bit of a birder? Even if you’re unsure if you fit that particular label, birdwatching opportunities abound at Fox Lake Bird Hide, which has been set up to make the most of the local bird life which drops into the area. Popular with those keen to observe wetland birds, including the migratory Latham’s Snipe and Red-necked Stint. It’s best you bring your own binoculars – and quite possibly, an endless supply of patience.
No need to drive 70 minutes into Coonawarra for a taste of the region’s wines; the wineries of Cape Jaffa are only 15 minutes north of Robe.
Visit Cape Jaffa Wines for premium wine tasting. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)
Empty the car boot and earmark Mount Benson Estate, Wangolina Wine and Cape Jaffa Wines in particular, offers a fun afternoon out, with local platters overlooking the vineyard and live music and regular events.
While away the afternoon sipping on wines at Cape Jaffa. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)
Kickstart your heart with a four-wheel drive around Robe’s rugged coastline, courtesy of Robe Tours. The perfect way to gain access to those spectacular, yet difficult-to-reach spots – whether it be caves, reef swimming pools or private beaches, a 4X4 Back Beach Adventure tour will give you a look behind the scenes of this spectacular seaside destination. Tour options include tag-along in your own vehicle, or a guided tour in the driver’s own.
You came, you conquered, you ate your body weight in fresh seafood and now the time has come to grab a take-away coffee and head over to watch the crashing waves surrounding Doorway Rock. A patch of sea cliff – complete with dramatic erosion, the rock not only adds a point of difference to the coastline, it is a great spot to also check out another angle of Robe’s famous obelisk.
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