Best Things to Do in Robe: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

Nothing recharges the soul like a weekend escape to the charming seaside village of Robe, South Australia. With just 1,500 residents, Robe may be small, but it makes up for it with plenty of character. Think of slow days strolling a historic town centre, sipping coffee in charming cafes, taking in the views from coastal walks to the Robe Lighthouse and lounging (or driving) on postcard-perfect beaches.

Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, Robe is ideal for quick getaways and longer stays. Ready to lock in a visit to this underrated beachside town? Our guide to the best things to do in Robe is here to help you plan the perfect trip to the Limestone Coast.

Best Things to Do in Robe: Eat

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Mahalia Coffee

Looking for that perfect cuppa to start your day? A visit to Mahalia Coffee is here to please. This cosy coffee roastery and cafe is the best spot in town to relax and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, made from their beans roasted on-site. Buy a bag of beans and coffee brewing equipment to recreate the magic at home, or spend time browsing through their unique collection of gifts.

Hungry for more? Grab a table and devour a cooked breakfast, lunch or a delicious homemade cake for afternoon tea.

2 Flint Street, Robe 

Drift Cafe

A beautiful setting for breakfast, lunch and coffee in between, Drift Cafe is an architecturally designed, coastal space we can’t get enough of. Perfect for relaxing on the deck, picnicking on the lawns, or heading inside to stay warm by the fire when the temperature drops, seasonal fresh produce and native foraged greens are the stars of the menu. And what’s more, it’s pet-friendly!  

3 Victoria Street, Robe

Olive’s

Whether you’re dining in or taking away, Olive’s serves up slices of some of the best pizza in Robe. Settle into the light-filled space for the ‘Bee Shrimpy’ with prawn, pancetta, fior di latte and chilli honey, or the ‘Plumpy Pumpkin’ with pesto, roast pumpkin, red onion and mozzarella. Not feeling pizza? Order a hearty bowl of carbonara or ravioli and a selection of fresh sides. Bring the whole family along, they have a great kids’ menu!

4 Victoria Street, Robe 

West Beach Cantina

For good times, refreshing margs, and loaded Mexican bowls, look no further than West Beach Cantina. A local burrito shop, it’s a hit among locals and tourists alike, suitable for a quick lunch or fun dinner where the drinks flow, the table loads up with chips and guac, fish tacos, pulled pork and chicken burritos, and the evening lights up with big laughs and bigger smiles. 

Closed during winter.

30-32 Victoria Street, Robe 

Robe Ice Cream

The makers of house-made premium gelato ice cream and home of the Robe Art Map, created by the artist in residence, Neil Welsh, Robe Ice Cream is as small-town as it gets. It’s the place to be come summer, with ice cream, milkshakes, signature iced coffee, and doughnuts served inside a tropical oasis garden.

35 Victoria Street, Robe 

Sky Seafoods

At Sky Seafoods, it’s all about indulging in the freshest catch-of-the-day, direct from the nearby pristine waters. Whether grabbing a succulent lobster and a dozen oysters for a feast back at your accommodation, or pulling up a seat for a fresh feast under the brollies, you’re in for a treat. Order seafood platters brimming with lobster, prawns, and oysters, or dig into crispy fish and chips that are as fresh as the ocean breeze. The seafood baskets are piled high with golden, battered goodness, making this a seaside dining experience you won’t want to miss.

58 Robe Street, Robe

Best Things to Do in Robe: Drink

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Caledonian Inn & Loophole Brewing Co.

When it comes to having a bite and a pint on holiday with friends and family, a classic pub is hard to beat, and Robe has a beauty in its hands with the Caledonian Inn. First licensed in 1858, it’s a historic English-style pub that’s both cosy and convivial, offering a charming place to dine and unwind, or even spend the night. For lunch or dinner, enjoy hearty dishes like chargrilled Angus steak with chips and your choice of sauce, or keep it light with fresh local oysters, prawn buckets or a pumpkin and beetroot salad.

Next door, discover the innovative beer selection of Loophole Brewing Co., where sustainability and environmental awareness take centre stage. Stop in for a casual tasting, or jump in the car and head to the brewery at Cape Jaffa Wines Cellar Door for a tour and deep dive into a world where IPAs, hazy Pale Ales, sours, and creative collaborations with Cape Jaffa Wines are crafted 100% off-grid.

1 Victoria Street, Robe

Robe Town Brewery

Heads up. This is the only wood-fired brewery in Australia. Locally loved Robe Town Brewery is unique in its process, making a range of delicious beers with an array of old-school and low-tech methods. They use no electricity or gas to boil the wort during the brewing process, instead relying on a wood fire. Their cellar door and tap room offer a stellar selection of beers to taste and take away, along with a range of local wines and other beverages.

Sitchu Tip: Check out the vibe at Robe Town Brewery during one of their regular live music nights – you’ll never want to leave! 

10 White Street, Robe

Woodsoak Wines

Woodsoak Wines in Robe’s historic Evans Cottage offers a delightful treat with a twist. This quirky, award-winning winery invites you to its outdoor wine room for a relaxed tasting experience. Sip on one of their unique wines, including selections named after the owners’ children—Vijay, Raj, and Rani—while enjoying the sun-soaked courtyard. Adding to the fun, an Indian bar rolls out daily, serving up samosas with mango chutney and pakora bowls with mint chutney. Pair your wine with BYO fish and chips or pizza delivery, and enjoy family-friendly games like Connect 4 and Giant Jenga.

20 Victoria Street, Robe

Cape Jaffa Wines

With a cellar door open seven days a week, there’s no reason not to visit the friendly and wine-savvy team at Cape Jaffa Wines. You can relax on the deck, order a beer from Loophole Brewing Co, graze on a delish cheeseboard filled with local produce, and most importantly, sample a glass of red, white or biodynamic wines produced at the vineyard.

459 Limestone Coast Road, Mount Benson

Best Things to Do in Robe: Explore

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The Obelisk via the Robe Coastal Walk

The Robe Obelisk, erected on Cape Dombey by George Shivas in 1852, was originally used to navigate the entrance into Guichen Bay and store rocket-fired lifesaving equipment. These rockets, carrying baskets to distressed ships to bring passengers ashore, were fired off the coast and saved many lives. It later assisted passing ships with navigation, but in 1862, after complaints that the white Obelisk was difficult to differentiate from Long Beach’s white sand hills, it was repainted in alternate red and white bands, as it stands today.

The perfect daytime venture, The Obelisk can be reached via the exquisite Robe Coastal Walk, stretching just over 6km from the Esplanade around to the Robe Lighthouse. The walk takes about 1.5 hours, but the generally easy trek is filled with breathtaking ocean views, bird-watching opportunities and endless photo ops. Easily one of the best things to do in Robe!

5 Obelisk Road, Robe

Shop on Victoria Street

We love visiting carefully curated boutiques in small towns, where every piece has been thoughtfully selected to appeal to discerning travellers and stylish locals. Dotted along Victoria Street, you will be delighted by the charming handful of stores. Browse artwork and ethically-produced clothing at independently-owned and operated Salibrious Hour (where they are also slinging smoothies from the back of the shop) or step into a cosy shopping experience at the concept store, Holiday Robe, where a beautiful collection of hommewares, clothing, jewellery and body products are housed within a gorgeous cottage.

Victoria Street, Robe

Long Beach & Glass Beach

Undeniably one of the best places to see when you visit Robe, the 14km stretch of Long Beach is a safe and expansive family-friendly beach with gentle surf and turquoise, clear waters. One of the few beaches where you can drive your car onto the sand, you can take everything you need to set up for a day of fun in the sun!

On the other end of town and along the Robe Coastal Walk, Glass Beach offers a different style of beach exploration, with rounded glass on the sand for collecting, while a gorgeous cove lends itself as a prime position to catch some of Robe’s infamously stunning sunsets.

Limestone Coast Boat Tours 

Set sail from the Lake Butler Marina in Robe to embark on an exhilarating coastal adventure with Limestone Coast Boat Tours. Cruise along Long Beach’s stunning shoreline, seize the opportunity to connect with the playful sea lions and long-nosed fur seals on Godfrey Island, witness the dance of seabirds, and, after a captivating wildlife encounter, the voyage comes to an end with awe-inspiring views of the iconic Cape Dombey Obelisk. 

Lake Butler Marina, Robe

Little Dip Conservation Park

Don’t let the name fool you—Little Dip Conservation Park is a place you’ll want to stay a while. Scattered with small lakes, the park invites some serious exploration. Where Lake Eliza is open and marshy, Big Dip Lake is salty, while Fresh Water Lake is astonishingly deep. Beyond the lakes, a rugged coastline and sprawling sand dunes await. Little Dip Beach is perfect for beachcombing or surf fishing. As you wander, you’ll discover ancient middens left by the Boandik people over 10,000 years ago, adding a layer of history to this stunning natural escape.

Robe, South Australia

Best Things to Do in Robe: Stay

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The Woodshed

10 minutes by foot along the coast to Main Street and only 150 metres from glittering Glass Beach, The Woodshed‘s prime location is just one of many things to adore about this beautifully appointed and luxurious stay. Bringing a slice of Scandinavia to Robe, no detail has been left untouched, from comfy King beds fitted with Australian wool underlays, a Smart TV and a cosy fireplace, to a gorgeous garden, an authentic Finnish hot stone sauna and an ice bath for a touch of wellness. With no Wi-Fi and easy access to the coast, this getaway is your chance to disconnect to reconnect with family or friends, with room for four to sleep comfortably.

Book your stay at The Woodshed

Book your stay on Booking.com

1 Bermingham Crescent, Robe

Stony Rise Lodge

Effortless comfort meets laidback living at Stony Rise Lodge, a boutique stay in a private, nature-filled sanctuary. With morning yoga classes, outdoor adventures and 6:00pm sundowners on the infinity lawn, there is ample opportunity to come together with other visitors. If you prefer to keep to yourself, the luxury rooms are the perfect place to do so, with premium amenities, stunning views and plush linens for a comfortable cup of tea in bed.

Book your stay at Stony Rise Lodge

Book your stay with Booking.com

107 Douglas Dawson Track, Robe

Tempest 

With sleek, high-end interiors and an open-plan layout, Tempest is a modern beach house with a distinctly luxurious feel. Natural light streams in throughout the 3-bedroom home through glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the outdoor dining area boasts epic views over the harbour. Perched atop a hill and a short walk from town, there are beaches and walking trails nearby so you can make the most of what the area has to offer.

Book your stay on Airbnb

Address available upon booking

Tea Tree

Switch off and reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Tea Tree is a one-bedroom, contemporary-styled, self-contained home suitable for singles or couples. A uniquely handcrafted dwelling lined with local limestone and recycled timber, it has a warmth that will make you feel right at home. Tucked away on a quiet street close to town, it’s a fantastic location to relax, unwind and explore the beautiful Limestone Coast. Enjoy a glass of local red by the fire pit and slip into holiday bliss mode. 

Book your stay on Airbnb

Address available upon request

Karatta House

This charming seaside retreat is the ultimate romantic escape and the perfect base to explore everything Robe has to offer. A coastal holiday home built in 1858 for the Jones family to escape the inland heat of the dry Limestone Coast summer, it overlooks the sparkling waters of Karatta Beach and Lake Butler Marina. Karatta House is full of historic charm and is just as good for snuggling up on a grey rainy day in front of the fire with a good book and a glass of wine as it is to enjoy in the summer months.

Book your stay at Karatta House

Book your stay with Airbnb

Address available upon request

Mrs Banks

History, location and style combine effortlessly at Mrs Banks. Built circa 1846, this beautiful stay has been constructed with material salvaged from local shipwrecks. It boasts character and charm, albeit with modern conveniences, to make your stay a unique experience just steps from the centre of town. More good news: It’s also walking distance to the beach!

Book your stay with Robe Lifestyle

Book your stay with Airbnb

Address available upon request

The Salty Olive

Slow down and reinvigorate with unhurried mornings and leisurely walks from your dreamy base at The Salty Olive. This self-contained property has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and open plan living, where you can gather by the crackling wood fire with a glass of wine or sink into the sofa, guilt-free. You’ll find all that you need for your beach holiday in Robe.

Book your stay on Airbnb

Address available upon request

We hope our guide to the best things to do in Robe has helped you start organising your next adventurous weekend away! Can’t make it as far as Robe? Why not stay closer to Adelaide and check out Victor Harbor or Goolwa?

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