3 Days in Robe South Australia

Located along South Australia's breathtaking Limestone Coast, just 3.5 hours from Adelaide, Robe is one of those rare coastal towns that perfectly balances history with beach life. With 1800s heritage stone buildings, pristine swimming beaches, and a surprisingly sophisticated food scene, this small town has become a favourite escape for those seeking authentic coastal charm without the crowds.

We recently spent three days in Robe camping at a local caravan ark and fell completely in love. Here's our what we did in our three days in Robe South Australia, covering everything from family beach adventures to pretty sunset walks.

Paddle Boarding at Long Beach

Beach days, and lots of them!

Just a few minutes from town, Long Beach in Robe is exactly what the name promises, a wide, seemingly endless stretch of coastline with soft sand and clear, swimmable water. This long stretch of coastline is pure freedom. Its shallow and calm and perfect for the kids to have a swim. We drove along the sand on Long Beach (so fun!), set up our beach spot for the day, and spent hours paddle boarding and swimming in the clearest water. Bring snacks, sunscreen, and no plans.

Walk the Robe Coastal Trail to the Obelisk

This was one of my favourite things to do in Robe. It’s the best way to soak in Robe’s dramatic coastline. Walking out to the Cape Dombey Obelisk along sections of the Robe Coastal Walk. The path starts near the marina or Esplanade and follows well-marked, accessible trails along cliff edges and rocky inlets.

The return walk is about 1.4 km (roughly 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace), making it a light outing suitable for most fitness levels. Historic signage along the way highlights the obelisk, built in 1852, and originally used as a navigational beacon painted red and white to stand out against the dunes of Guichen Bay

We timed our walk to arrive just before sunset, ideal for softer light and quieter paths. The views from the cliffs are striking, with ocean stretching out to the horizon and distant reef formations visible below . It’s a simple walk with real payoff. A mix of sea‑scapes, local history, and easy access to nature. Definitely one of the top things to do in Robe, South Australia.

Explore Robe’s Main Street by foot or bike

One of the best ways to experience Robe's small-town charm is by simply walking or riding through it. The town centre is compact, historic, and full of character. Stone cottages, coastal boutiques, art galleries, and sun-drenched cafés. We spent a morning slowly exploring the Main Street, popping into local stores and cafes.

With most things within walking or biking distance, there's no need to rush or drive. Whether you're cruising along the harbour, heading to the beach, or grabbing a coffee, it's easy to explore Robe without a car. The food scene is punching above its weight for a small town - wood-fired pizza, fresh fish and chips, and local wine bars all within a few blocks of each other. We found ourselves eating well and often, which wasn't hard to do when everything was just a short stroll away.

Stand Up Paddle Board & Surfing

If you’ve ever wanted to give surfing a go, Charlie’s Surf School in Robe is a great place to start. They offer group and private lessons for all ages and experience levels, and the instructors are friendly, patient, and genuinely passionate about getting people out on the waves. Most lessons are held at Long Beach, where the conditions are ideal for beginners. Our girls gave it a try and absolutely loved it, they were so proud of themselves for standing up!

We also brought the paddle boards along and spent time in the shallow, calm water at Long Beach. It ended up being one of our favourite moments relaxed, fun, and easy to enjoy as a family.

Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or with kids in tow, this part of Robe is perfect for dipping your toes into something new and soaking up the laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Why We Loved Robe

Whether you're stopping through on a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip, or planning a slow weekend by the sea, Robe is one of South Australia’s best and unique coastal towns. We swam, drove on the beach, surfed, explored, road the bike through town, ate fish and chips, walked the obelisk at sunset and relaxed.

We left feeling sun soaked, rested, and already dreaming of when we’d return.