Roaming Through Robe

“Are you going to Robe?” Became a standard question, as we moved closer to the South Australian border. I didn’t think for a second it was going to live up to the hype, but I’m more than happy to say that it did. Perhaps it was the long overdue sunshine, or just being able to swim without pulling seaweed from your hair, but Robe already stands out as a highlight of our trip.

The town feels both old and new at the same time. Sandstone cottages sit snugly along modern beachside homes and strangely, neither feel out of place. There are none of the architectural monstrosities that poison the eyes, like some other affluent beachside towns. Whether by design or accident, Robe has succeeded in maintaining good taste.

Taste, in fact became the driving factor of our stay. Starting with some locally caught crayfish and sashimi grade tuna. We ate it in our caravan, but it still felt like we were dining at a five-star restaurant (the kids were asleep). We paired it with a local Cape Jaffa chardonnay, and it was bliss.

We discovered the Cape Jaffa winery by accident. I had read up on a local brewery, Loophole, and drove the twenty minutes out of town (incidentally, a beautiful drive), only to discover that it was primarily a winery, which had started brewing beer too. The beer was delicious, both the Pale Ale and Sly Fox DRyPA being fantastic, but they had become victims of their own success and didn’t have a whole heap on offer. The wines proved a happy substitute. There were a few other winery options in the area as well, but we only had time to try the one.

We stayed on Long Beach, which was very much like a postcard, with white sand and sunsets over the sea (pictured) – a nice surprise, as we weren’t really expecting this until we hit Western Australia. The sand is firm, and you can drive along the beach and find your own spot, if you like, but it was so quiet you didn’t really need to. There is decent surf to the north end of the beach. You can access the main break from the road, so no need to worry, if you’ve only got a 2WD.

There is plenty to explore in town. The aforementioned old sandstone cottages, make even a stroll around the main streets feel a pleasure, but the (almost completed) 12km coastal loop path is a must for those who feel up to it (you don’t have to do it all in one day). It starts at Long Beach and takes in the Old Gaol, the Obelisk, the jetty, Blowhole, lighthouse and a few other historical sites, along with some fairly spectacular views.

Finally, for the lactose tolerant, head to Robe Dairy and treat yourself to a chocolate milkshake. You will not regret it.