Robe main street

Robe SA 5276 (Pop 1 000)

Robe is a former busy port town located 337 km s-e of Adelaide and surrounded by a ruggedly beautiful coastline. This charming settlement is considered one of SA’s most attractive historic towns together with being a popular holiday destination. The port flourished until 1860s with imports of Chinese miners and exports of wool, tallow and hides. Today fishing and tourism sustain the town’s economy. Robe Rodeo (Jan), Robe Surfing Classic (Easter), Blessing of the Fleet (Sept), Robe Village Fair (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Robe (45 historic sites) including The Lodge (1850), Bush Inn (1852), Moorakyne House (1856), Magnetic Telegraph Station (1858), Caledonian Inn (1859), Star of the Sea Catholic Church (1859), Karatta House (1860). Robe Customs House, Royal Circus (1863) a museum focusing on Robe’s Chinese and  early settlers’ history with displays, memorabilia and artifacts. Open (2pm-4pm) Tues/Sat/all Jan. Robe Institute Bldg, Mundy Tce contains the Historic Interpretive Centre housed within the old library (1868) with interesting historic displays and photographs.

Nearby:
Lake Fellmongery (1 km s-e) great waterskiing spot. Long Beach (2 km north) surfing and swimming beach stretching 17 km. Little Dip Conservation Park (2 km south) pristine environment of salt and freshwater lakes, sand dune formations and a diverse birdlife and wildlife. Great surfing, beach fishing, walking tracks and driving - some tracks 4WD only. Beacon Hill Lookout (2 km s-e) excellent town, coastal and lake views. Cape Dombey Obelisk (2 km west) (1855) prominent landmark and shipping marker that can be seen 15 km offshore.

Accommodation:
Robe has half a dozen motels, 3 hotels, a resort, a couple of B&Bs, many holiday apartments/cabins/cottages and 4 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Robe Institute Bldg, Mundy Tce. Tel (08) 8768 2465.

Airports:
Naracoorte Airport (NAC), Aerodrome Rd, Naracoorte. (113 km east); Mount Gambier Airport (MGB), off Riddoch Hwy. Tel (08) 8725 1112. (129 km s-e).

Hospital:
Kingston Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Young St, Kingston S.E. Tel (08) 8767 0222. (44 km north).