Robe

Robe is a stunning town located on the Limestone Coast, about a 4 hour drive from Adelaide. It is relaxed town that is community minded and in the off peak season is home to a thousand or so people who call themselves locals.

In the holidays families, friends and those who love the coast will flock to this sea side town to snap up fabulous fresh seafood, dabble in nearby wine regions and bask in the sunshine on the several white sandy beaches that this gem has to offer.

Nearby you’ll find the Little Dip Conservation Park- the perfect place to explore and home to deserted beaches, lakes and bush walking trails. There is plenty of wildlife to watch as well as camp grounds and park benches where you can veg out and take it all in.

eat

When it comes to food in Robe you will find that you are spoilt for choice. Here are a few of my favourites-

Gather- Fine dining, locally sourced produce and incredible service. Expect to pay a little bit more than other restaurants in the town, however it is worth every single cent. This was hands down our favourite dinner in Robe.
no 4- A fabulous brunch list with the biggest of big breakfasts. They also have excellent coffee, plenty of seating and a cracking dinner menu.
Union Cafe- Super popular with just about everyone, Union has a long breakfast/brunch menu that will please everyone. They are kid friendly, do a cracking avo, feta and eggs on toast and serve locally roasted Mahalia Coffee.
Adventurous Spoon– Breakfast and lunch with lots of options, excellent smoothies and cocktails and wines for later on in the evening. Boasting a beautiful out door area with plenty of shade and even tables for the kids to colour in- perfect!
Sails– Clean, coastal inspired interior with attentive staff and huge meals. Most dishes are inspired by the ocean, they well known for their seafood plates and Southern fried calamari. Excellent specials and a cracking wine list to match.
Pollys Fish and Chips- Located on the Marina, this place is known for some of the best fish and chips in town. Try their battered snapper, it has turned a anti-seafood girl converted! Best enjoyed in the nearby park, beach or on the marina watching the locals fish.
Vic Street Pizza– A family friendly restaurant, dishing out dine in and takeaway gourmet pizzas. They also have a range of pastas, risottos and drinks- it was a great place for a casual feed.
Mahalia Coffee– The perfect stop for a coffee or tea, or if you’re feeling peckish, even a light lunch. It’s famous for it’s coffee and there’s no suprise why.
Robe Bakery– Excellent sweets, pies and all your typical bakery goods.
Robe Pub- excellent countery’s and a good selection of beers all beach side.
The Icecream Shop- The biggest range of icecream you will ever see. This place is heaven! They also make a mean coffee and sell hot donuts late into the night- perfect for a after dinner snack!

drink

Robe is home to one very special little brewery, which proudly uses its hometown as its name. Robe Town Brewery is located on Millicent road and has opened the doors to its boutique cellar door within recent months. Here you can try their specialty craft beers, have a chat with the head brewer Maris and even sneak a peak at the wood fire brewing process. They make a mind blowing amber ale as well as a few others that aren’t you standard ‘craft’ beers. You will struggle not to take a carton of brews home with you.
Of note are also the nearby wine regions of Mount Benson and Cape Jaffa. We didn’t have the time to check them out on our last visit but have heard some excellent things!

salty hair and sandy toes

Robe is known for its crystal clear waters and pristine beaches. There are so many hidden gems to explore- we spent 3 days there and still didn’t see them all. Some of our favourites include:

Hoopers Beach– a small beach, perfect for relaxing out of the wind and exploring.
Town Beach- swimming pontoons, kid friendly, hit with families as there is a park near by.
Long Beach– flat and sandy, just drive your car on and find the perfect spot for the day. No 4WDs required.
Little Dip Beach– untouched beach, sand dunes and turquoise waters. 4WD friendly but beware of sand flys in summer.
Long Gully Beach– Cliffs, raging surf and a great view from the 4WD track. Not suitable for swimming.
Nora Creina Beach– popular with day trippers, a safe and generally flat swimming beach.

shop:

This little town has plenty to offer for those who are looking for new clothes, home wares and even locally made candles and wine. Check out Binny, White Lily and Ocean Belle for beautiful threads and the surf shop for new threads for the whole family. When it comes to home wares look no further then Holiday, Retail Therapy and Holidays sale store next to Mahalia coffee. For beautiful children’s clothing and wares then get straight to Bright Star Trading Co- it got me awfully clucky.

to market to market:

On most Sundays you will find The Limestone Coast Farmers and Makers Market based out of the Robe Institute. It stocks everything from locally grown veggies to jams, chutneys and wine. Visit before your day out and make up a picnic to take down to the beach for the day! For more info and market dates click here.

sleep:

Robe caters all types of tourists as it is a tourist town. There is a variety of accommodation available from apartments, cottages, serviced rooms, houses, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds. Airbnb and accommodation websites like Stayz offer places at affordable prices, especially in off peak times when the weather is cooler and it’s not school holidays. There is the option to also stay close to the beach or on the marina if you are a lover of the sea.
We stayed at Duilius– a cosy cottage with beautiful coastal inspired furnishings, private courtyard, full kitchen and a few minutes walk from the beach. We couldn’t be happier with our pick and would recommend it to any couple looking to stay central.

locally:

The town itself has everything you will need- service stations, a massive Foodland (which stocks a great range of local artisan products and produce), bakery and a launderette. If you are after a butcher then go to Robe Fresh (excellent lamb) and for fresh fish and cray then head to Sky Seafoods- popular with everyone, not just locals. If you are a bit of a fitness junkie then check out Robe Gym, or find out about Yoga Classes that are held beachside.

explore:

There is plenty to see and do in Robe, with plenty of activities for those who like to get adventurous. Check out Charlies Surf School for those who want to try their hand at surfing. You can also hire Kayaks, Canoes and Stand Up Paddle boards from a few spots around Robe or bring your own fishing rods and boat and have crack at catching some the local fish in the Little Dip Conservation Park or at the Marina. You can also get serious about your fishing on a chartered trip with Southern Breeze Fishing Charters in nearby Kingston. A trip to Robe isn’t complete without a visit to the Obelisk- Robes favourite stripy icon.