This Remote Coastal Town Might Be Australia’s Best Hidden Gem

I’ll admit, regional Australia has never really been high on my travel bucket list. Splitting my formative years between Adelaide and Brisbane, the idea of jet-setting somewhere even hotter with even more subdued nightlife never grabbed my attention quite like the colder climates of continental Europe or the twisting laneways of the United Kingdom. However, that is all changing and I’m not alone.

In the five or so years since COVID, tourism in regional towns has steadily grown, buoyed by renewed investment in localised services and a burgeoning interest in exploring our own backyard. Regions like Warrnambool, Mount Beauty and Trentham are all regulars on the list of best regional places to visit, but if you ask me, it is the small coastal town of Robe in South Australia that could well be our best hidden gem.

From sweeping ocean vistas and sprawling parkland to world-class seafood and historic watering holes, Robe is a rich tapestry of colonial influences and coastal beauty. For such a compact town, Robe has no shortage of pristine beaches and hidden inlets, offering a rare mixture of remarkable surf and protected privacy.

Robe Travel Guide

Located just under four hours from Adelaide, Robe is a historic town and fishing port on the Limestone Coast. Famous for its distinctive combination of historical buildings, ocean, fishing fleets, lakes and dense bush, the town is a favourite among four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, campers and those looking to enjoy life at a slower pace.

In response to growing demand and a wave of new tourism interest across the South Australian coastline, the town is steadily preparing for an influx of guests. Below, we’ve rounded up our ultimate Robe travel guide, covering everything from where to stay in Robe and Robe restaurants to the best things to do in Robe.

Where to Stay in Robe

If you are looking for places to stay in Robe, there is no shortage of different accommodation to sort through. Just out of town, caravan owners can book a spot at the Discovery Parks – Robe or the Robe Holiday Park, or venture further into the centre with a reservation at Sea Vu Caravan Park. Similarly, most of the local pubs offer accommodation and there is a bunch of great Airbnbs to look at. For a selection of tried and tested options, we’ve collated our favourite places to stay in Robe below.

Church on the Hill

Perched atop a towering hill overlooking the town centre, this original 1869 sandstone church is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Robe. The historic Church underwent a full renovation in 2022 and now combines the old-world charm of colonial-era Australia with a bevy of modern accoutrements. Complete with luxury finishes, contemporary appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Church on the Hill is a tasteful encapsulation of Hamptons-style design that pulls from the local environment.

At the heart of the beautiful, stone chapel is a Cheminees Philippe four-sided fireplace, surrounded by oversized, comfy sofas. The property sleeps up to 12 guests in five bedrooms, making it perfect for big families and entertainers. The Church on the Hill is available to book through Airbnb. Be sure to check for vacancies, particularly during the busy summer period.

Robe House

One of the most historic stays in the town, Robe House is like a time portal back into the mid-1800s. Originally built in 1847 as the home of the Government Resident, the property served an important role in the town’s development and has become an attraction in its own right. The locally quarried sandstone, high vaulted ceilings and rustic floorboards give Robe House a certain rugged charm that oozes through all five self-contained bed and breakfast apartments.

Situated at the western end of the main street and the marina, Robe House is a perfectly placed for a short stay or home base. From here, you can wander down to the ocean or take a coastal walk along the striking cliff edge. Once you are back home, you can take in the sea air in the property’s cottage garden, sit on the verandah or indulge by the log fire with a good book. If you are looking for a romantic getaway in Robe, this is your best bet.

Robe Hotel Accommodation

There is nothing quite like staying at a regional pub and the Robe Hotel is the best in town. First built in 1947, the property is the perfect place for a bistro dinner, cold beer and a good night’s sleep, with a total of 16 rooms available across two floors. Each room has its own balcony, which is a major plus when you consider the hotel is directly across from the water and set on one of the town’s most pristine spots.

Lakeview Motel & Apartments

The great motel revival is in full swing and in Robe, the best place to stop and stay is the Lakeview Motel & Apartments. Located on the shores of the stunning Lake Fellmongery, the short-stay property has everything you need for a good getaway. All guest accommodation features a private ensuite bathroom, television and heating, with some rooms including a kitchenette.

Best of all, it is close to natural bush land and pristine beaches of Robe, meaning you can enjoy the striking views from every guest room, whether it be the standard room, executive accommodation or luxury apartments. The family-run motel in Robe is perfect for anyone looking to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

Bask

Available through Airbnb, Bask is a romantic couple’s retreat in the very heart of Robe. Designed as a ‘home away from home’, Bask features split system air conditioner, a relaxing spa bath, gorgeous comfy leather lounge and a private outdoor courtyard complete with Webber Q BBQ, alfresco lounge, umbrella and sun lounges.

The property sleeps up to four, with a king ensemble in both the master bedroom and second bedroom. As an adults only escape, Bask is not available for families and instead caters towards couples and friends.

Where to Eat in Robe

Being a hotspot on the Limestone Coast, Robe is home to some of the best fresh-caught seafood in the country, but that isn’t all. From Southern Rock Lobster to wood-fired pizzas and gourmet café fare, Robe is a melting pot of cuisines and flavours, all backed by exceptional local produce. Here are some of the best Robe restaurants and cafés.

Caledonian Inn

A mainstay of the Robe pub scene, the Caledonian Inn is the ideal place to spend an afternoon in the sun with a few white wines and a good meal. The old sandstone building is located in the heart of the main street and offers a mixture of elevated pub fare and classic dishes in a quaint, English-style setting.

This popular Robe restaurant serves winter warmers, including a roast night every Wednesday through the colder months, alongside fresh seafood year-round, with locally caught crayfish over summer. If you are looking for recommendations, opt for the seafood plate, which arrives bursting with battered flake, salt and pepper squid, local oysters, Aussie king prawns and a generous serve of chips. Pair that with a pint of Coopers and you’ve got South Australia on a plate.

Drift Cafe

Perhaps the most aesthetic café in Robe, Drift is a beautiful little spot situated right on main street. The timber-clad building houses a thoughtfully designed interior that feels warm and inviting, even when the coastal breeze is blowing a gale. Best of all, the food is excellent and the coffee is consistently superb.

We went here every morning after our daily coastal run and the brews were always top-notch, the atmosphere was effortlessly relaxed, and the kitchen was always buzzing. It does get very busy, particularly on weekends, so be sure to arrive early and secure a table. That said, there is ample outdoor seating, so if you don’t mind being in the elements, you should be fine. I highly recommend the Big Drift breakfast.

Robe Town Brewery

Continuing Robe’s push into more hipster territory, the Robe Town Brewery has become one of the region’s most important destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. Located in the industrial area to the south of the main drag, the Robe Town Brewery is the local meeting point for families, friends, colleagues and tourists, offering a buzzing daily atmosphere and an impressive selection of craft beers.

From rich stouts and experimental releases to more familiar pale ales, this standout among Robe restaurants and bars has something for everyone—and not just in a glass. The venue also hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays, along with the occasional open mic night for those keen to take the stage. You’ll also find food trucks here regularly; however, if there isn’t one on-site, you are welcome to bring your own food.

Robe Hotel

Chances are, if you visit Robe, you will spend an afternoon or two at the Robe Hotel, and that’s hardly a bad thing. The historic pub is home to a stellar bistro and bar that serves local beers, produce, snacks and classics seven days a week. If you are after the best schnitty in town, the Robe Hotel is the obvious answer, but don’t stop just there. The hotel also has an extensive specials menu that rotates regularly and highlights the remarkable local seafood, produce and flavours of the Limestone Coast.

Woodsoak Wines

Being on the Limestone Coast, you simply have to stop in and check out some fo the local wine and at Woodsoak, you don’t even need to leave the main strip. The award-winning wine producer creates vino from grapes grown on a property that has been owned by the Legoe family for over 70 years.

In recent times, current owner and operator, Will Legoe married his love of fine wine and Aussie farming traditions with the vibrancy and colour of his wife Sonia’s Indian heritage. Now, three of Woodsoak’s nine wines are named after their children; Vijay, Raj and Rani. If you head into the shopfront and chat with the couple, they’ll likely joke that they ran out of children and had to come up with other names as the wine range expanded, and it’s a good thing that they did.

The portfolio includes: Zaahira Sparkling, Santi Sauvignon Blanc, Mayur Chardonnay, Rani Rose, Pyaar Pinot Noir, Raj Shiraz, Vijay Cabernet Sauvignon, Methode Traditionelle Blanc de Noirs and the most recent addition, Sonia Sparkling Red. If you are chasing an authentic Limestone Coast wine experience, Woodsoak is a great place to start.

What To See and Do in Robe

Robe is a charming coastal town with no shortage of day activities, great restaurants and pristine beaches. If you are planning things to do in Robe, the options are not endless, but there is a great opportunity to try a varied mix of relaxed, coastal experiences.

Stroll around the Robe Marina and admire the fishing boats, browse the quirky giftware stores or make your way up one of the many coastal walking trails that lead to the iconic Cape Dombey Obelisk. Coastal boat tours are also widely available and are one of the best ways to experience the ocean; however, more adventurous travellers might prefer to see it from above.

Tiger Moth Flights, which operate from the Robe airfield, will take you on a joy ride over Long Beach before climbing out across the sea and over the township for spectacular views. Be warned, however, Robe does get quite windy, so don’t be surprised if you start to feel your lunch rising from your stomach.

One of the great aspects of Robe is its walkability, which is a rarity for regional Australian towns. You can reach most places on foot, meaning you won’t necessarily need a car—ideal for families and leisurely escapes. I’d recommend walking from the town centre towards the historic Cape Dombey Obelisk, particularly at sunset. This paved trail, which snakes along the coastline, offers some of the most beautiful vistas on the Limestone Coast, with the 1852-built structure perfectly contrasting the rugged ocean spray.

We ventured up to point at around 6pm one evening and captured some incredible images of the western sunset, which painted the skyline in a stunning lavender hue. If you are a photographer or nature lover, there is arguably no better place for sunset views than next to the entrance into Guichen Bay. Just down the road, you’ll stumble across the Old Town Goal and the Robe Customs House Museum, which charts the town’s history, particularly its role in the 19th-century Chinese immigration.

For those looking to venture beyond the town centre, a short drive will take you into some of South Australia’s best wine country. Limestone Coast favourites Wangolina Station and Cape Jaffa are around a 30-minute drive from central Robe. Further afield, you’ll find the aptly named Humpalicious Camel Farm, where you can join morning milking tours and sample camel milk gelato, which might be the best and most unique way to finish up your next trip to Robe.

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