Robe is an absolute seaside gem located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. One of the oldest towns in South Australia, Robe has a distinctive “relaxed country” feel, but with all the amenities and comforts of a busy town. A #winwin in our book!
WHERE WE STAYED
We hired a stunning two-level apartment literally on the beach near the Robe Marina (highly recommended!). Check it out here.
WHAT TO DO
A FULL DAY AT LONG BEACH
If you want to drive to the beach and ON the beach, then you’ve come to the right place!
Long Beach is exactly as the name suggests! Even in the peak of Summer there is so much space for everyone to spread out and set up their “beach camp” for the day. Keep in mind it is not a patrolled beach, so swimming needs to be strictly supervised! Also be watchful of your little people with cars passing by every so often.
An adorable little food truck named the Coastal Kiosk is only a walk (or drive) away depending on where you set up, serving hot and cold food (hello pasties!).
TWILIGHT BOWLS
Robe Bowling Club runs barefoot bowling for all ages and skill levels every Wednesday and Thursday night during the Summer holidays. Think ocean views, magical sunsets, happy kids, BBQ dinner, drinks, tunes, dancing after the sun goes down and lots of laughs! A perfect holiday activity for the whole family to enjoy!
VISIT A WINERY
It just wouldn’t be a trip to South Australia without a little wine tasting (or two!).
We chose Wangolina Winery for some delicious vino, a seafood nibbles board and some croquet on the grass for the kids!
If your timing is right, you may even catch the annual Cape Jaffa Festival!
Only a 20 minute drive from Robe where you can sample the region’s finest seafood, local produce and local wines from Mount Benson and Robe. The kids will be entertained with face painting, sandcastle and ball throwing competitions, while you relax and listen to the live music.
Wangolina Winery
Cape Jaffa Wine Festival – Image via www.capejaffafest.com
LEARN TO SURF!
Kids of all ages can join surfing guru Charlie for his iconic Surf School each morning and afternoon on Long Beach, 7 days a week! Perfect entertainment for the kids while you watch on and soak up the rays.
BEACH, BEACH, BEACH
There are several stunning beaches in Robe if you intend to stay more than a few days;
- Town Beach – super convenient to the shops and has a swim-out pontoon for jumping off and/or sunbathing.
- West Beach – a little trickier to get to with children, but great for a soft sand ‘workout’ (your legs will thank you for days afterwards!)
- Long Beach – as per above, aptly named and so convenient with vehicle access!
- Glass Beach – the kids will enjoy finding the naturally produced ‘sea glass’ from broken bottles and shipwrecks which have been rolled and tumbled in the ocean for years until all of the edges are smoothed off into rounded pebbles.
Our private beach in front of our accommodation.
ROBE MARINA
The perfect spot for fishing off the jetty with the kids and seal spotting too if you’re lucky!
Robe Marina – Image via www.robeharbourview.com.au
Cape Dombey Obelisk – Image via http://static.panoramio.com
TOP TIPS
- Visit the Robe Ice Cream & Lolly Shop on the main street – your kids will thank you for years to come!
- On the ‘average’ weather days catch a movie at the South Coast Cinema – you’ll love the old school, country charm.
- Order your ‘real coffee’ only at Mahalia Coffee HQ – a little out of the way but it’s an institution!
- Dine out at the Caledonian Inn – great for kids, especially if you can get a booking in the courtyard to enjoy the live music!
- Visit the Cape Dombey Obelisk, need I say more?
- Go 4-wheel driving to Little Dip Conservation Park – however a 4WD is a must!
Safe travels!
