16 unforgettable things to do in Robe

Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
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Planning to sit back and relax at this coastal holiday hotspot? Robe’s long list of attractions might have you thinking twice.

Whether you’re into hiking, viewing wildlife or something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of things to do in Robe – and we haven’t even touched on the R&R. Let our following recommendations get you started on making the most of this popular South Australian coastal getaway.

1. Take a walk to the Obelisk

an aerial view of The Obelisk at Cape Dombey
The 40-foot Obelisk stands majestically atop Cape Dombey. (Image: Benjamin Goode)

It’s hard to miss the brightly painted, 40-foot Obelisk, which stands on the point of Cape Dombey, but rather than viewing it from afar, why not commit to the 1.4-kilometre Obelisk to Lighthouse Robe Walking Trail?

The loop trail will take you past the famous red and white monument, built in 1855 to act as an easy-to-spot landmark for shipping, as well as the lighthouse.

2. Learn to surf at Long Beach

Surfer at beach in Robe, South Australia
Learn to surf in Robe. (Image: Jordan Kelly Studio)

There’s no shortage of spectacular beaches around Robe, but for those keen to learn to tackle the local surf, Charlies Surf School at Long Beach has got you covered. Having grown up around the breaks of Robe and worked in surf camps across the globe, Charlie is keen to share his love for his backyard with visitors, offering group lessons for kids, those of a ‘finer vintage’ and just about everyone else in between.

3. Hit the beach

Long Beach might be Robe’s shining star, but the town is home to at least half a dozen other beaches you can enjoy if you’d like something a little quieter (or smaller). Town Beach, with its gentle surf, is considered a great beach for young families in particular, as is Hooper Beach, which has some great snorkelling to take advantage of. Meanwhile, Karatta Beach is home to the Robe Yacht Club, which makes it the best place to sail from.

4. Take a tour of Humpalicious Camel Farm

camels grazing in the field at Humpalicious Camel Farm
See camels grazing in the field at Humpalicious Camel Farm. (Image: Mish and Kirk)

A short drive away from the town centre, you’ll find Humpalicious Camel Farm, a small-scale, solar-powered establishment keen to showcase the wonder of camel milk. Sure, you can drop by to buy camel milk gelato, coffee, and milkshakes, but it’s hard to go past the morning milking tour where you can watch the Humpalicious camels being milked (before hand-feeding the babies yourself) or explore the property on a solar buggy camel safari. Just be sure to book before you turn up.

5. Shop for a good cause at Transmutation

Whether you’re in the market for a new salad bowl or not, it’s hard to walk away from Transmutation, located in the industrial centre of Robe, empty-handed. A recipient of the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards, the team behind the recycling and manufacturing business transform ‘rubbish’ such as plastic bread tags into something beautiful and user-friendly, such as the aforementioned salad bowls and serving platters. Don’t feel bad about loading up the suitcase; you’re shopping for a good cause.

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6. Relax with a round of golf at Robe Golf Club

The sign located directly outside Robe Golf Club says it all: ‘Play golf, have fun’. Located close to the centre of town, this must be one of the country’s most relaxed – if not scenic – courses, offering pros and the golf-curious three distinct loops of six holes. You can choose to play six, 12 or 18 holes depending on your time, fitness and skill level. Golf equipment is available for hire.

7. Enjoy a guided boat adventure with Limestone Coast Boat Tours

a father and son sitting by Lake Butler Marina
Jump on a cruise from Lake Butler Marina. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Just off the coastline, scores of dolphins, Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals are waiting to meet your acquaintance. The best way of getting to know the locals (as well as seeing Robe Obelisk from the water)? A 90-minute cruise with Limestone Coast Boat Tours.

Setting sail from the Lake Butler Marina, the cruise (one of two options available from the operator) cruises along Long Beach’s shoreline, offering ample opportunity to meet and greet with the local wildlife.

8. Explore Little Dip Conservation Park

 

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Keen for the ultimate outdoorsy adventure? Located just two kilometres south of Robe, Little Dip Conservation Park is a rugged wilderness of unique coastal lakes, coastal dunes and thick groves of coastal mallee offering a wealth of four-wheel-driving, hiking, mountain bike riding, horse riding, bird watching and swimming opportunities. A quick visit will never do the park justice but the great news here is that Little Dip is also home to a variety of campsites, so why not stay and play awhile?

9. Check out the Robe Gaol ruins

 

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True, at first glance, a series of stones out on Cape Dombey don’t look like anything special – until you consider that these partially restored stone ruins are the remains of a prison built between 1860 and 1861 to accommodate local prisoners. Slowly eroding from sea and sun, it’s best to see the (free) attraction before it’s completely gone and gain an understanding of the somewhat disturbing history of the area.

10. Enjoy watersports at Lake Fellmongery

Crashing waves aren’t for everyone, and for those who like their watersports a little more tranquil, Lake Fellmongery (occasionally called ‘Ski Lake’) is the place to be. Having taken its name from its history of fellmongery, options now extend far beyond washing wool, with water skiing and kayaking popular pastimes.

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11. Walk the Robe Coastal Trail

The Obelisk at Cape Dombey
Walk the Robe Coastal Trail to reach Cape Dombey Obelisk. (Image: Thomas Cowey)

One of the newest trails to be opened on the Limestone Coast, the 12-kilometre all-access Robe Coastal Trail is a fantastic way to get a feel for the rugged coves and bays of Robe, as well as its landmarks, beaches, maritime history and attractions. Cape Dombey Obelisk, Old Gaol Ruins and Doorway Rock are all covered along the walk, with many recommending putting aside a good six hours to do the experience justice. You can get started from the end of Long Beach or West Beach.

12. Get to know Robe’s history by tackling Robe’s Town Heritage Trail

Old police stables, wool stores, courthouses and historic pubs, just some of the 32 historic sites marked out on Robe’s Heritage Trail. Marked with a blue, oval-shaped information plaque and located within a two-kilometre radius, the sites are easily found (maps are available online), but those with a particular interest in Robe’s intriguing history are welcome to pop in at Robe Tourist Information to speak with a member of staff or pick up a hard copy of a map.

13. Go birdwatching at Fox Lake Bird Hide

Consider yourself a bit of a birder? Even if you’re unsure if you fit that particular label, birdwatching opportunities abound at Fox Lake Bird Hide, which has been set up to make the most of the local bird life that drops into the area. Popular with those keen to observe wetland birds, including the migratory Latham’s Snipe and Red-necked Stint. It’s best you bring your own binoculars – and quite possibly, an endless supply of patience.

14. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting

outdoor wine tasting at Cape Jaffa Wines
While away the afternoon sipping on wines at Cape Jaffa. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

No need to drive 70 minutes into Coonawarra for a taste of the region’s wines; the wineries of Cape Jaffa are only 15 minutes north of Robe.

Empty the car boot and earmark Mount Benson Estate, Wangolina Wine and Cape Jaffa Wines in particular, offer a fun afternoon out, with local platters overlooking the vineyard and live music and regular events.

15. Lock in a 4×4 day tour

Kickstart your heart with a four-wheel drive around Robe’s rugged coastline, courtesy of Robe Tours. The perfect way to gain access to those spectacular, yet difficult-to-reach spots – whether it be caves, reef swimming pools or private beaches, a 4X4 Back Beach Adventure tour will give you a look behind the scenes of this spectacular seaside destination. Tour options include tag-along in your own vehicle or a guided tour in the driver’s own.

16. Enjoy a coffee overlooking Doorway Rock

You came, you conquered, you ate your body weight in fresh seafood, and now the time has come to grab a takeaway coffee and head over to watch the crashing waves surrounding Doorway Rock. A patch of sea cliff – complete with dramatic erosion, the rock not only adds a point of difference to the coastline, it is a great spot to also check out another angle of Robe’s famous obelisk.

Keep reading for more insider tips on visiting the idyllic Limestone Coast town of Robe.

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Dilvin Yasa
Dilvin Yasa is a freelance journalist, author and TV presenter whose travels have taken her from the iceberg graveyards of Antarctica to the roaring rapids of Uganda. Always on the lookout for that next unforgettable meal, wildlife moment or 80s-themed nightclub, she is inexplicably drawn to polar destinations despite detesting the cold.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

    Elise Cullen Elise Cullen
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    Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

    Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

    From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

    vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
    From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Central Coast oyster experiences

    From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

    But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast, however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

    Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

    guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
    Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed. Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

    shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

    Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

    While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

    Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

    Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s.

    If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

    woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
    Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

    Organic dining

    What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

    The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

    Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics. Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

    farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
    See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

    Paddock-to-plate dining

    High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

    Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

    woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
    Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare. One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

    Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

    cocktail at Bells At Killcare
    Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

    Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.