Unforgettable Things to Do In Robe | Australian Traveller

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

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.

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

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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.

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.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

16 unforgettable things to do in Robe