Robe, South Australia

tay - Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 01:49 Tags: General Visiting

Robe from the air

Robe, sitting on Guichen Bay, is the crown jewel of the Limestone Coast in the state's south-east. It has pristine seas ideal for swimming, sailing, surfing and fishing.

Little Dip Conservation Park on its doorstep, and the aptly named Long Beach, which, with its 17 kilometer straight stretch, appeals to the Aussie ritual of taking your four-wheel drive for a sandy cruise.
Another summertime drawcard is the plentiful seafood on offer.

Aside from natural wonders, Robe is one of Australia's rare coastal communities to have preserved so many historic buildings, some 60 or so are heritage listed.

If you decide to drive the 350 kilometres from Adelaide, which passes through the stark landscape of Coorong National Park, Robe appears like an oasis, replete with cute Cornish cottages, sentinel-like Norfolk pines, lush lawns and fishing lakes.

So while it's great to parade here in thongs or Crocs in January, there is something rather dreamy about a seaside resort out of season when you can wander at a snail's pace, rugged-up, without having to trip over other tourists and mingle with shopkeepers who may have lost their tans, but also their harried demeanour as well.

Temperatures are a bit chilly, but a comforting thought as you steel yourself and grab a scarf for outside is that on your return there will
be a cosy abode and fire raring to go. One walk that mustn't be missed begins at Karatta Beach and takes you on to a bracing coastal trail that weaves along jagged, limestone cliffs. Wandering along these paths overgrown with wild grasses and heath scrub, being anointed with sea spray, it's not hard to picture a distressed heroine from a bonnet drama coming to these parts to clear her love-muddled mind.

Before reaching remote West Beach is the town's iconic red and white striped Cape Dombey Obelisk that clings precariously to the mainland.
It once served as a beacon, firing rockets to aid ships in distress bring their passengers to shore, and now serves as a reminder of the many perilous voyages made along the south coast.Beach in Robe

Of Course, to tackle a wintry escape properly, requires a can't put down book, and thankfully Robe has a near perfect book store in The Whistling Fish. In a bohemian space decorated with Scrabble letters, coloured glass bottles and owrn in Persian rugs, choose from an eclectic selection, or sit at the communal table with the paper and order a coffee. Owner Julian "JJ" Aitken takes his barista skills as seriously as his book collection, using the locally roasted Mahalia Coffee. (that's also available straight from the source a block away).

Underfoot you'll find a stocky dog named Mini lolling about while outside in the gardens is the stylish guesthouse, Grey Masts, filled with antiques and flotsam collected on globe trotting trips.

A particularly reliable source for self contained accommodation is Robe Lifestyle Properties. Whether you choose a sea themed family
house or private love nest for two, helping the transition into holiday mode is a complimentary local drop, seafood pate and crackers,
and breakfast supplies for your first morning. Each residence looks like it's been pulled from the pages of an interiors magazine
with flowers strewn over ever intentionally distressed surface.

To re-create the holiday look back home, drop into loaves and Fishes, previously under the same ownership, or simply splurge on one of their scarves or hand creams. A few doors away is Wilson's at Robe, an art gallery that Terry Johnson has run for 25 years. Alongside his own artwork hang other local works that have captured the area's picturesque scenery. The Harbor

The Caledonia Hotel, or "the Cally" as regulars call it, offers respite from the chilly weather. In various nooks are toasty fires to warm hands and bodies, and a piano in one corner waits patiently for someone to tinkle its ivories. Comfort food is the order of the day, and there are plenty of the area's cool maritime climate wines to try.

At Mount Benson, less than half an hour's drive away, you'll find 20 or so wineries, though only a handful are open to the public.
A striking feature of this province, that had its first vintage in 1992, is the youth and vitality of its mostly female winemakers.

Pull into the area's best known label, Ralph Fowler Wines, of a Sunday and you are likely to meet next generation winemaker Sarah Fowler behind the bar. In 2003 she established her own label. Frog Island, which includes the region's only pinot noir.

Then there is friendly Cape Jaffa Wines, whose winemaker is a mad keen surfer. But if you're short for time, Governor robe Wines is
handily placed in the heart of town, and has a very drinkable Merlot.

Back at the ranch, as you snuggle up to the fire with a rollicking read and glass of vino, you might wonder why Robe is not more
popular as a secluded winter escape. With its pretty fishing village outlook, atmospheric lodgings, wineries and natural beauty, what more could you ask for?

Accommadation in Robe varies in price depending on what your budget is this site has a great range of prices for everyone's budget.

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