Robe, South Australia

This article is about the town in South Australia. For the associated wine region, see Robe wine region.

Robe South Australia
Looking west: the northern area of the town
Robe
Coordinates	37°09′51″S139°45′15″E / 37.164057°S 139.754134°E / -37.164057; 139.754134 [1]
Population	1,156 (UCL 2021) [2]
Established	19 March 1846 (town)
Postcode(s)	5276
Location	337 km (209 mi) SE of Adelaide 131 km (81 mi) NW of Mount Gambier
LGA(s)	District Council of Robe
Region	Limestone Coast
County	County of Robe
State electorate(s)	MacKillop
Federal division(s)	Barker
Mean max temp [3] Mean min temp [3] Annual rainfall [3] 18.2 °C 65 °F 10.9 °C 52 °F 631.6 mm 24.9 in
Localities around Robe: Ocean Guichen Bay Mount Benson Ocean Robe Mount Benson Bray Ocean Nora Creina Nora Creina Bray

Robe is a town and fishing port located in the Limestone Coast region in the south-eastern part of South Australia. The town's distinctive combination of historical buildings, ocean, fishing fleets, lakes and dense bush attracts many tourists. Robe lies on the southern shore of Guichen Bay, just off the Princes Highway. At the 2021 census, Robe had a population of 1252. Robe is the main town in the District Council of Robe local government area. It is in the state electorate of MacKillop and the federal Division of Barker.

History

The former customs house, a legacy of pre‑ Federation times when individual colonies collected customs duties, is typical of many heritage-listed places in Robe built of local limestone

Early history

Robe is situated on the ancestral lands of the Buandig and Ngarrindjeri peoples. ^{[4] [5]}

Europeans founded the town of Robe on 19 March 1846, ^{[1] [6]} ten years after the Province of South Australia was established, as a seaport, administrative centre, and township.^{[ citation needed ]}

Robe was named after the fourth Governor of South Australia, Major Frederick Robe, ^[1] who chose the site as a port in 1845. The town was proclaimed as a port in 1847.^{[ citation needed ]} It became South Australia's second-busiest international port, after Port Adelaide, in the 1850s. Robe's trade was drawn from a large hinterland that extended into western Victoria, and many roadside inns were built to cater for the bullock teamsters bringing down the wool, including the Bush Inn, still standing on the outskirts of Robe. Exports included horses, sheep skins, and wool.^{[ citation needed ]}

The Customs House has been listed on the South Australian Heritage Register since 1980. ^[7]

"Robe Walk"

During the Victorian gold rushes after the discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851, ^[8] the government of the colony of Victoria introduced a landing tax of £10 per person to deter Chinese immigrants – more than the cost of their voyage. To bypass the tax, more than 16,000 Chinese people landed at Robe to walk overland for 320 kilometres (200 miles) to the goldfields, mainly at Ballarat and Bendigo. The walk became known as the "Robe Walk". ^{[9] [10] [11]}

Shipwrecks

There have been a number of shipwrecks along the coast, with many occurring in the mid-19th century. They include: ^[11]

• Phaeton – 2 February 1857
• Sultana – 27 April 1857
• Alma 15 December 1861
• Livingstone – 16 December 1861
• SS Admella – 6 August 1859
• Koning Willem II – 30 June 1857, on Long Beach around 5 km (3.1 mi) east of Robe ^[8]

A stone obelisk was built on Cape Dombey in 1852 to help ships navigate safely into the bay, and an automatic lighthouse was built on higher ground in 1973.

Decline in economic importance

Robe's importance decreased with the building of railways in the 19th century to Kingston and Beachport, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) respectively to its north and south.^{[ citation needed ]}

Heritage listings

Robe has many heritage-listed places, including:

• Burr Street: Robe Cemetery ^[12]
• Cape Dombey: Cape Dombey Obelisk ^[13]
• 1A Hagen Street: Robe House ^[14]
• 2 Hagen Street: The Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Chapel and Schoolroom ^[15]
• 7 Karatta Road: Karatta House ^[16]
• Main Road: Lakeside ^[17]
• Main Road: Lakeside Stables and Coach House ^[18]
• Main South Eastern Road: Richmond Park Homestead ^[19]
• Millicent Road: Bush Inn ^[20]
• 2 Mundy Terrace: Robe Post Office and Telegraph Station ^[21]
• Nora Creina Road: The Hermitage ^[22]
• Nora Creina Road: CSIRO Field Research Station ^[23]
• Nora Creina Road: Dingley Dell (dwelling) ^[24]
• Nora Creina Road: Bellevue Homestead ^[25]
• Obelisk Road: Robe Gaol Ruins ^[26]
• Royal Circus: Royal Circus and Slipwall ^[27]
• 1 Royal Circus: Robe Customs House ^[28]
• Smillie Street: Robe Institute ^[29]
• Smillie Street: Criterion Hotel ^[30]
• 8 Smillie Street: Robe Courthouse, Police Station, Old Cells and Stables ^[31]
• 10 Smillie Street: Ormerod Cottages ^[32]
• 24 Smillie Street: Bank of South Australia Building ^[33]
• 26 Smillie Street: Campbell's Shop ^[34]
• 32 Smillie Street: Davison's Shop and Residence ^[35]
• 38 Smillie Street: Graymasts ^[36]
• 4-8 Sturt Street: Moorakyne House ^[37]
• 15 Sturt Street: Granny Banks' Cottage ^[38]
• 1 Victoria Street: Caledonian Inn ^[39]
• 5 Victoria Street: Wilson's Saddlery ^[40]
• 18 Victoria Street: Attic House ^[41]

Economy and facilities

Robe continues as a service centre for the surrounding rural areas and home to a fishing fleet; especially important in the local economy is the rocklobster fishery.^{[ citation needed ]}

Attractions and tourism

Aerial view of Robe

Robe has always been a popular holiday destination for South Australians, but since Victorian tourists have discovered it, it has become the most popular coastal town in the state. ^[42]

There are several beaches along the Robe and Guichen Bay coast. Long Beach, east of Robe and stretching up the eastern side of the bay, is 10–17 km (6.2–10.6 mi) long. ^{[42] [43]} During summer, the sand is very firm, and cars are allowed on the beach. ^[43] It is Robe's main surfing beach, and beach fishing is also a popular recreation along this stretch. ^[42] There is a surf school during summer months and a surf shop. ^[44] The largest surf is found past the third ramp. ^[45]

Other beaches include the Outlet, known for its birdlife; Fox's Beach, with a rocky reef off it; and Town Beach, which has a pontoon for swimming to. ^[43]

Demographics and governance

At the 2021 census, the town of Robe had a population of 1252. ^[46]

Robe is the main town in the District Council of Robe local government area.^{[ citation needed ]} It is in the state electorate of MacKillop ^[47] and the federal Division of Barker. ^[48] It lies within the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. ^[49]

The County of Robe is one of the 49 cadastral counties of South Australia, proclaimed by Governor Frederick Robe in 1846. ^[1]

Climate

Robe has a warm-summer mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb), with mild, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average maxima range from 22.7 °C (72.9 °F) in January and February to 13.9 °C (57.0 °F) in July, and average minima from 14.3 °C (57.7 °F) in January to 8.6 °C (47.5 °F) in July. The mean annual rainfall is 622.0 mm (24.49 in) spread on 165 days. The town has 56 clear days and 163 cloudy days per annum. Extreme temperatures have ranged from 39.6 °C (103.3 °F) on 14 February 1981 to −2.6 °C (27.3 °F) on 19 July 1982. ^[50]

Climate data for Robe, elev. 3 m (9.8 ft) (1991–2020, extremes 1884–2025)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	39.2 (102.6)	39.6 (103.3)	35.8 (96.4)	31.7 (89.1)	26.5 (79.7)	20.4 (68.7)	21.2 (70.2)	22.8 (73.0)	26.6 (79.9)	33.3 (91.9)	36.3 (97.3)	37.1 (98.8)	39.6 (103.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	22.7 (72.9)	22.7 (72.9)	21.4 (70.5)	19.3 (66.7)	16.7 (62.1)	14.5 (58.1)	13.9 (57.0)	14.7 (58.5)	16.3 (61.3)	18.4 (65.1)	20.0 (68.0)	21.4 (70.5)	18.5 (65.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	14.3 (57.7)	14.2 (57.6)	13.0 (55.4)	11.7 (53.1)	10.5 (50.9)	9.1 (48.4)	8.6 (47.5)	8.9 (48.0)	9.7 (49.5)	10.6 (51.1)	11.9 (53.4)	13.1 (55.6)	11.3 (52.3)
Record low °C (°F)	5.2 (41.4)	5.1 (41.2)	5.0 (41.0)	2.2 (36.0)	0.8 (33.4)	−0.1 (31.8)	−2.6 (27.3)	0.2 (32.4)	0.8 (33.4)	2.1 (35.8)	3.3 (37.9)	3.9 (39.0)	−2.6 (27.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	18.6 (0.73)	19.4 (0.76)	28.5 (1.12)	39.3 (1.55)	66.5 (2.62)	92.1 (3.63)	99.5 (3.92)	91.8 (3.61)	63.2 (2.49)	40.1 (1.58)	34.1 (1.34)	28.1 (1.11)	622.0 (24.49)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm)	6.7	5.8	8.9	13.3	17.7	19.4	21.2	20.7	17.6	13.6	10.4	9.7	165.0
Average afternoon relative humidity (%)	63	65	66	68	75	77	77	73	70	67	64	64	69
Average dew point °C (°F)	13.0 (55.4)	13.5 (56.3)	12.7 (54.9)	11.5 (52.7)	10.9 (51.6)	9.5 (49.1)	8.8 (47.8)	8.6 (47.5)	9.2 (48.6)	10.0 (50.0)	11.0 (51.8)	11.9 (53.4)	10.9 (51.6)
Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology (humidity 1991–2010) [51]

Climate data is also available for Robe Airport, located 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) SE of the town. The inland weather station has a greater diurnal and seasonal range, and experiences slightly less rainfall.

Climate data for Robe Airfield (37º10'48"S, 139º48'36"E, 3 m AMSL) (2003–2024)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	42.1 (107.8)	41.7 (107.1)	38.4 (101.1)	33.5 (92.3)	29.1 (84.4)	24.3 (75.7)	19.8 (67.6)	26.5 (79.7)	28.0 (82.4)	35.0 (95.0)	38.0 (100.4)	43.3 (109.9)	43.3 (109.9)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	24.6 (76.3)	24.2 (75.6)	23.1 (73.6)	20.5 (68.9)	17.4 (63.3)	15.2 (59.4)	14.5 (58.1)	15.3 (59.5)	16.8 (62.2)	18.8 (65.8)	21.2 (70.2)	22.9 (73.2)	19.5 (67.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	13.0 (55.4)	12.8 (55.0)	11.4 (52.5)	9.6 (49.3)	8.6 (47.5)	6.7 (44.1)	6.7 (44.1)	7.2 (45.0)	8.0 (46.4)	8.6 (47.5)	10.5 (50.9)	11.9 (53.4)	9.6 (49.3)
Record low °C (°F)	4.0 (39.2)	2.7 (36.9)	0.6 (33.1)	0.4 (32.7)	−2.0 (28.4)	−3.5 (25.7)	−1.4 (29.5)	−2.0 (28.4)	−1.4 (29.5)	−1.0 (30.2)	1.8 (35.2)	1.0 (33.8)	−3.5 (25.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	19.8 (0.78)	21.6 (0.85)	23.5 (0.93)	40.3 (1.59)	66.0 (2.60)	90.7 (3.57)	97.0 (3.82)	88.0 (3.46)	53.7 (2.11)	35.1 (1.38)	32.7 (1.29)	29.0 (1.14)	599.5 (23.60)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm)	5.8	5.3	8.5	13.3	18.3	19.7	21.8	21.3	16.8	13.2	9.8	8.8	162.6
Source: Bureau of Meteorology [52]

Notable people

Notable people associated with Robe include:

• Jordan Dawson, AFL Footballer who as of 2025 ^[update] plays for the Adelaide Crows ^{[53] [54]} and has captained the team since 2023 ^[55]

See also

• Little Dip Conservation Park
• Lake Hawdon System Important Bird Area
• Woakwine Conservation Park

References

1. "Search results for 'Robe, LOCB' with the following datasets being selected – 'Suburbs and Localities', 'Government Towns', 'Counties', 'Local Government Areas', 'SA Government Regions', 'Railways' and 'Gazetteer'". Location SA Map Viewer. Government of South Australia. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Robe (urban centre and locality)". Australian Census 2021. 
3. "Robe Climate Statistics (1974-1999)". Bureau of Meteorology . Retrieved 17 August 2024.
4. Horton, David R. (1996). Aboriginal Australia (Map). Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies – via Trove.
5. Horton, David R. (1996). "Map of Indigenous Australia". AIATSIS . Retrieved 12 May 2025.
6. Robe, Fred. H (19 March 1846). "Minute of 18 March 1846 re establishment of towns at Guichen and Rivoli Bays" (PDF). The South Australian Government Gazette. South Australian Government. pp. 108–109. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
7. "Nautical Museum (former Robe Customs House)". Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
8. Wrecks and Relics (PDF). Australian National Maritime Museum. 2024. ISBN   978-0-9756430-0-6 . Retrieved 11 May 2025.
9. Bradbrook, Sam (13 March 2024). "Robe Walk re-evaluated by historians studying mass Chinese gold rush migration to SA town". ABC News . Retrieved 11 May 2025.
10. "Dutch 'Konig Willem de Tweede' wrecked after bringing Chinese gold seekers to Robe in South Australia's southeast". Adelaide AZ. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
11. "Port Robe & Shipwrecks". Robe District Council. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2025. taken from the writings of Henry Dudley Melville, who served as Harbour Master, Sub Collector of Customs and Receiver of Wrecks, based at Robe, from 1855 to 1869.
12. "Robe Cemetery". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
13. "Cape Dombey Obelisk". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
14. "Robe House (former Government Residence)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
15. "The Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Chapel and Schoolroom". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
16. "Dwelling ('Karatta House')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
17. "Dwelling ('Lakeside')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
18. "'Lakeside' Stables and Coach House". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
19. "Richmond Park Homestead". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
20. "Former Bush Inn". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
21. "Dwellings (former Robe Post Office & Telegraph Station)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
22. "Dwelling ('The Hermitage' Homestead Complex)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
23. "Former CSIRO Field Research Station (including shed, water tank, yard fencing and gates)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
24. "Dwelling ('Dingley Dell')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
25. "Dwelling ('Bellevue Homestead')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
26. "Former Robe Gaol (Ruin)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
27. "Royal Circus and Seawall, including remains of slipway and Chinese Memorial". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
28. "Nautical Museum (former Robe Customs House)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
29. "Robe Institute". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
30. "Dwelling (former Criterion Hotel)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
31. "Robe Courthouse, Police Station, Old Cells & Stables". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
32. "Dwelling ('Ormerod Cottages') (former Old Barracks)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
33. "Bank House (former Bank of South Australia Robe Branch)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
34. "Shop & Cottages (formerly Campbell's Shop)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
35. "Dwelling (former Davison's Shop and Residence)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
36. "Graymasts – Former Woolstore and attached Cottage". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
37. "Dwelling ('Moorakyne House') (former Green Gables)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
38. "Dwelling ('Granny Banks' Cottage') (former Crazy Cottage)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
39. "Caledonian Inn". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
40. "Eating House (former Wilson's Saddlery)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
41. "Office (former Attic House)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
42. "SLSA Beachsafe". SLSA Beachsafe. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
43. Best, Jordon (19 April 2025). "Our 14 favourite things to do in Robe, South Australia". Glam Adelaide. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
44. "Head To The Beach!". Robe Holiday Park. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
45. "Robe, Attraction". South Australia. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
46. "Robe 2021 Census All persons QuickStats". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
47. "District of MacKillop Background Profile". Electoral Commission SA. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
48. "Federal electoral division of Barker" (PDF). Australian Electoral Commission. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
49. "Limestone Coast SA Government region" (PDF). The Government of South Australia. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
50. "Robe Climate (1860-2024)". FarmOnline Weather. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
51. "Climate statistics for Australian locations- Robe". 2 March 2025.
52. "Robe Airfield Climate Statistics (2003–2024)". Bureau of Meteorology . Retrieved 17 August 2024.
53. Smith, Fred (26 February 2024). "Politicians visit Robe". The SE Voice. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
54. "Crows fly south for summer". The SE Voice. 17 January 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025. It's a privilege to go home and I'm really passionate about showing the boys where I'm from, Dawson said.
55. Mottram, Seb. "Rory Sloane steps down as Crows pass captaincy to Jordan Dawson". SEN.

Further reading

• Susan Marsden (1985) A glimpse of golden days, District Council of Robe: Robe.

External links

• District Council of Robe
• South Australian History – Robe