Robe: Coast, water sports and history

Robe brings together a range of interests: beaches and water sports, nature watching by the water, and places with maritime and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Robe, these highlights can help you plan your activities during your stay.

Beaches and water sports

Long Beach has about 12 kilometres of white sand. Visitors can drive onto the sand; check local conditions before setting off. The beach is considered a safe family beach for swimming and surfing. Hoopers Beach is suitable for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Town Beach has a pontoon you can swim out to. Karatta Beach is considered a starting point for sailing.

The activities described at the lakes also differ. Lake Fellmongery, also called Ski Lake, is used for water skiing. The Drain-L lakes offer non-motorised water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. This means water skiing and several non-motorised options are distinct activities to consider when planning.

Views, nature and trails

Beacon Hill Lookout Tower offers panoramic views of Robe. The Outlet is a good place to explore and watch waterbirds such as pelicans, ibises and herons. This gives you a clear distinction when planning: the tower focuses on views of Robe, while The Outlet is for exploring and birdwatching.

The Beacon Hill mountain bike trails were created and are maintained by the Robe Mountain Bike Association. Trail conditions can change, so check them before your ride. As well as activities on the water, you can explore Robe by mountain bike.

Maritime history and heritage

The obelisk at Cape Dombey is listed as state heritage on the South Australian Heritage Register. The listing does not guarantee public access. The obelisk was built in 1855 as a navigation marker and to house rocket-powered rescue equipment. Its construction reflects shipping and the rescue technology of the time; its current heritage status is a separate matter.

The Customs House was restored and reopened as a museum in 1971, run by National Trust volunteers. Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel was built in 1858 and was one of the first three Catholic churches in South Australia. The two places represent different aspects of heritage: the Customs House’s history as a museum and the Chapel’s early significance in church history.

The Old Gaol was built about 15 years after Robe was founded in 1860 to house prisoners who had previously been sent to Adelaide for trial. The Chinese Memorial commemorates 17,000 Chinese people who came ashore in Robe between 1857 and 1863 on their way to Victoria’s goldfields. Together, these places reflect different historical themes: the housing of prisoners and the arrival of Chinese travellers en route to the goldfields.

For the broader travel overview: District Council of Robe.