8 reasons why you need to visit Robe

A recent visit to Robe had me dreaming of retirement (yes, it’s a long time away I know) and wanting to live in a tipi  spending days at a time on the beach.

Robe is one of my favourite places on the Limestone Coast, and now holds a super special place in my heart even more so- my other half and I got engaged on Little Dip Beach. All of the happy tears.

So if you haven’t been to Robe and you’re looking for a reason to go, look below, or on my previous ‘Getting lost in Robe post’ so you can start planning a mini vacay to this gem of a town.

1. Boutique & beautiful accommodation

On our recent stay in Robe we bunked at the incredible Trader Jacks cottage (through Airbnb). This cottage was open plan and well thought out- it boasted a full functioning kitchen, bathroom and laundry and a gorgeous outdoor area. It also had all of the luxuries like a wood fire place, freestanding bath next to the plush king sized bed and even Netflix for those rainy days. The visit before we stayed in Duilius– 2 cottages away from Trader Jacks with coastal interior and just a short walk from the town centre and beach. Bliss.

2. Wildlife, Conservation Parks and Walking Trails

Robe is home to some beautiful walking trails in and around the Little Dip Conservation Park (click on this link for details). The Fresh Water Lake Walk is tranquil and easy to do- the perfect way to have some time out and see some native birdlife. They also have a few park benches dotted around- a great spot for picnics in the shade. In terms of checking out the local wildlife, we managed to spot a whale at Long Beach and 2 seals playing in the rough waves by the Obelisk- thanks to the lovely crew at Robe Tourism Information.

3. The Freshest Seafood

Everyone raves on about Robe’s seafood and there’s no questioning why. If you are a keen fisherman you can throw the line in at one of their many fishing spots or jump on a charter. If you prefer to just eat seafood, then you are also well catered for. Sky Seafoods stock the best locally sourced seafood- perfect to take home and cook up yourself. If you want something fishy for dinner then head to Sails at Robe in the main street or Robe Seafood and Takeaway.

4. Pristine Beaches

This is one of the main reasons why we keep coming back to Robe. Their beaches are absolutely breathtaking. Some of our favourites include Long Beach (perfect spot for whale watching when its the season), Hoopers Beach (hidden out the way), Nora Creina Beach, Town Beach (a short stroll from the town) and my ultimate fav- Little Dip Beach (in Little Dip Conservation Park). Little Dip Beach is for 4wd access only, but most cars can drive to a certain point and then park and walk onto the beach. I love walking the whole stretch and up onto the cliffs- you will spot the clearest water and insane views of the coastline.

5. They have their own Micro Brewery

Robe is home to one very special little brewery, which proudly uses its hometown as its name. Robe Town Brewery stocks some delicious beer, with everything from Stouts to Amber Ales (both firm favourites of the other half). If you have time to pop into the brewery be sure to check out their wood fire brewing process and their other concoctions. If you arrive in Robe out of business hours you can also find their beers at restaurants and bottle shops throughout the town. If you are more into your wine then you’ll be happy to know the nearby wine regions of Mount Benson and Cape Jaffa are just around the corner.

6. Unbutton-the-jeans worthy Cafes & Restaurants

Rule number one when attending Robe- bring pants with elasticated waistbands. Because you will be indulging on great food all of the time. If you are into the breakfast/brunch scene you will be rather happy- pop Union Cafe, The Adventurous Spoon and No 4 on your list. When it comes to dinner you’ve got Sails at Robe (seafood galore), No 4 (only on select nights), Pizza Project (seriously bellissimo pizza and pasta) and the Caledonian Inn (a huge range of top notch fare). If you’re looking for a good old fashioned bakery, then Robe bakery in the centre of town has you covered. Our pick of places to eat is Gather Food and Wine. They serve incredible food using local and seasonal produce, all in a beautiful setting. The Robe Hotel is also right on the Esplanade so you have uninterrupted sea views.

7. Shops that will cause you to blow out the credit card

Shop-a-holics and homewares addicts, I strongly suggest you leave the credit card at home. Who am I kidding. Bring it along and bring a trailer to take home the purchases. My favourites include Holiday Trading Co, Loaves and Fishes and Me and Miss Jones. For clothes you need to stop into Steve’s Place (an amazing range of surf and street clothing at a great price) and Binny for beautiful clothing and accessories.

8. Locally Roasted Coffee

Coffee lovers unite, because you are going to love Robe’s favourite coffee roaster- Mahalia Coffee. This roaster/cafe dishes out the best cafe lattes and espressos, as well as small meals and cakes (because, coffee and cake?!). You can also buy bags of beans to take home and enjoy Mahalia brews in cafes and restaurants dotted around the town.

Have you ever been to Robe? What’s your ‘must thing’ to do while you are there? I’d love to know..