Robe
With its seaside location, well-preserved historical buildings and the gorgeous South Australian countryside on its doorstep, Robe makes a fantastic location for a vacation. Lie on a beach, explore the ruins of an old jail and see ancient fossils in an underground cave.
Learn more about the history that shaped the town by visiting its heritage sites. Tour the 1863 customs house, now a maritime museum. See exhibits on shipwrecks and the thousands of Chinese immigrants who came here during the middle of the 19th century. Stop by the ruins of the 19th-century jail, which last housed prisoners in 1881. Study a visual history of the town at the Historical Interpretation Center.
As you make your way through the streets, shop for antiques, clothes and artworks and enjoy local hospitality in the cafés and restaurants.
Being a seaside destination, the coast is a big attraction. Surf, swim, fish and relax at the beaches around Robe, including Long Beach, where you can drive your car onto the sand.
Venture into the area surrounding the town for more attractions and activities. Exercise your leg muscles with hikes along walking trails that hug the coastline. Make your way up to Robe's southern headland to see the obelisk, which dates back to 1852 and historically helped guide ships navigating the entrance to Guichen Bay.
Go waterskiing on Lake Fellmongery and explore the caves of Naracoorte Caves National Park, about a 1-hour drive northeast of Robe. These underground grottoes have yielded tons of fossils of ancient animals. See some of their skeletons on guided tours.
Seek some refreshments in the Robe Wine Region, which encompasses several vineyards and is located on the eastern side of town. Also nearby is the Mount Benson Wine Region.
Robe is about 210 miles (335 kilometers) south of Adelaide. Arrive by bus, coach or car and have fun in a vacation destination with great beaches, beautiful countryside and a fascinating past.