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.
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Why settle for another landlocked weekend away when you could spend a thrilling few days sipping cocktails poolside with friends and family, taking in a Broadway-style musical, and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all without leaving Australia?
Royal Caribbean’s summer 2025/26 season packs all the excitement and variety of a cruise holiday into a new lineup of weekend getaways. There’s something for everyone on board, from your mum who just wants to relax at a spa to your adrenaline-junkie mate who is keen to skydive in a simulator on the deck. With two world-class ships making debut voyages from Brisbane and Sydney, there’s never been a better time to plan the ultimate short getaway with a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise.
Why cruise?
The ultimate adventure, close to home.
On a short cruise holiday, you’ll set sail with zero planning stress, booking drama, or traffic woes, knowing your itinerary is jam-packed with fine dining and adventure (or relaxation, if that’s more your vibe). And everyone’s needs will be catered to, from your parents to your gourmand partner to your toddler niece. All main meals* and most onboard activities are seamlessly included in your fare, from Royal Caribbean Entertainment to the Adventure Ocean® Kids’ Club.
The ship
Scale new heights at sea with onboard rock climbing.
Sailing from Sydney for the first time, Anthem of the Seas® is an award-winning ship. It boasts 360-degree views from its thrilling North Star® observation capsule – the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship, anywhere, stretching an astonishing 91 meters above the ocean. And it offers tailored adventures for families and friend groups alike.
Thrill-seekers can on the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, or try out the bumper cars. For those looking to chill, relax poolside at the adults-only Solarium with a cocktail in hand. Experience some culture and show-stopping entertainment with a Broadway-style production of We Will Rock You.
Or set sail aboard Voyager of the Seas® , making her debut voyages from Brisbane this summer with a turbo-charged slate of activities, including mini golf and ice skating, as well as The Perfect Storm℠ – a three-storey high-speed waterslide.
Onboard activities
The onboard dining scene is legendary.
Royal Caribbean’s onboard dining scene rivals what you’d find in any top global city, bringing top chefs and inventive flavours from around the world right to your ship’s deck. From Japanese sushi bars to old-world Italian joints, late-night cafes, private room service and five-course, white-tableclothed Chef’s Table culinary journeys, there’s something to suit every mood and palate.
For those craving relaxation, the Vitality℠ Spa and Fitness Centre offers a full menu of massages, facials, hair and nails, teeth whitening and even medi-spa treatments to plump skin and smooth wrinkles. Not to mention state-of-the-art gym facilities. Or take in the pristine views at the adults-only Solarium, a serene retreat space featuring tranquil pools and whirlpools.
Meanwhile, the thrill-seekers in your group can pack more adrenaline into three or four nights than most holidays do in a week. Royal Caribbean’s signature RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator* delivers the singular rush of a freefall without ever boarding a plane. And the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator lets everyone from beginner boogie-boarders to advanced shredders catch a wave without ever leaving the deck. Launch yourself down a multi-story waterslide against a backdrop of ocean views or grab the whole crew for Battle for Planet Z℠*, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Top it all off with rock climbing, ice skating, pickleball, or a game of basketball on the sports court.
When night falls, the drama amps up with a slate of award-winning shows: We Will Rock You, the Queen musical playing on board Anthem of the Seas®, or Ice Odyssey, a dazzling and futuristic spectacle performed on Voyager of the Seas® ’ very own ice rink. Or bar hop before catching some live music, a comedy show, a silent disco, an outdoor film night, and so much more.
Where can you sail?
Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef.
Departing from Brisbane, take a four-night getaway to stunning Airlie Beach, Queensland on board Voyager of the Seas®. Along the way, spend time immersed in Airlie Beach, where you can take a Segway tour, hop on a glass-bottom boat and try an ocean rafting eco-adventure. Book a Shore Excursion and take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, or hike to secluded beaches in Molle National Park.
If you prefer to depart from Sydney, hop on board Anthem of the Seas® for a five-night holiday to Hobart, Tasmania. You’ll spend time docked in Hobart experiencing Tasmania’s other-worldly beauty and famous culinary scene, from hikes and horse rides on Mount Wellington to strolls through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to winery tours in the countryside and up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils.
Days at sea are a chance to create your own adventure and savour it all, from the ships’ astonishing breadth of dining experiences and activities to the serenity of the open seas to unhurried moments with loved ones – the most memorable part of any holiday.
Book a short getaway that everyone will love (and don’t compromise on forever memories) at RoyalCaribbean.com.au.
*T&Cs apply. Specialty dining and select beverages and some activities incur an additional cost. Activities vary by ship.