A photo essay of a summer by the sea in South Australia

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Millie Brown captures the essence of a summer in South Australia in Robe on the Limestone Coast.

Given South Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, summer for me is all about being by the sea, chilling and relaxing, winding down and warming up. Throwing the shoes off and the bathers on. Feeling the healing energy of the sea and breathing in the salty air.

 

These photos reflect time spent outdoors under the big Australian summer sky, appreciating the beauty of nature and interacting with it. Ditching the sensible car and jumping in the Land Rover.

 

My images were taken at beautiful Long Beach in Robe, located on the stunning Limestone Coast of South Australia.

 

This beach is one of the few drive-on beaches we have in South Australia and it is one of our most beautiful and loved. A dear friend of mine has a wonderful beach shack here and I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many summer days on this glorious patch of sand.

 

Waking up to a sizzling hot breakfast on the deck, packing the Landy with an assortment of beach gear, food and drink, and heading down onto Long Beach to do nothing other than laze under the beach tent, sip a cool drink, play a little backgammon, and swim in the clear aquamarine water that this beach is renowned for, is magical.

 

As the sunshine fades, we pack up the Landy and cruise along the sand over to the famous Robe Obelisk to watch the sunset and the big beautiful waves of the wild Southern Ocean crash against the limestone cliffs. Sometimes the Landy needs a little help to get going, but mostly she is the perfect beach jalopy for the job.

Drive Long Beach in a Land Rover in Robe, South Australia

Millie Brown - collecting shells on Long Beach

Millie Brown - Views out over Long Beach in Robe

Millie Brown - Setting up on Long Beach for the day in Robe with the Land Rover

Millie Brown - Mother and daughter on Long Beach with

Millie Brown - view from inside the Land Rover on Long Beach in Robe

Millie Brown - The Obelisk in Robe

Millie Brown - checking under the bonnet in Robe

Millie Brown - inside details of the Land Rover

Millie Brown - Breakfast by the beach in Robe

Millie Brown - Swimming in the sea in Robe

Millie Brown - Driving on the sand in Robe

 

Visit our Reclaim Summer hub for more ways to experience the best of summer.

 

It’s time to #ReclaimSummer, time to be better travellers, and time to find our joy again; share your summer with us by using the hashtag and tagging @AustTraveller on Instagram  or Facebook .
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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
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    Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

    If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

    Staying in Healesville

    the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
    Inside one of the cosy villas.

    If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

    Dining out in Healesville

    small plates at No. 7 Healesville
    No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

    For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

    Drinking in Healesville

    a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
    Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

    Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

    the Boat O’Craigo winery
    Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

    Healesville highlights

    If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

    Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

    the Puffing Billy Railway
    Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)