The Romance of Robe

As one of the oldest towns in South Australia there are of course lots of historical artifacts and buildings in Robe.  Once a thriving port and part of the trading routes between Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in the days of sail, the town experienced a massive decline and had to reinvent itself. It has done this a historic tourist town.

The Robe Obelisk is probably the town icon. It's represented on everything. It was built as a navigational aide and had to be painted with stripes so it could be more easily distinguished against the hinterland. We were told by a local that mariners used the winds of the roaring forties, sailed north until they spotted the obelisk and then would turn right or left depending on their destination being Adelaide or Melbourne. Sounds plausible and we are gong with that.

 

Looking out to Cape Dombey and the Obelisk

Go on ... press the buzzer!

Life Buoys and other life saving equipment were stored in the Obelisk.
These were thrown off the cliffs to the shipwrecked below.

Robe is really a part of the Shipwreck Coast.
The 'more than a few' names of wrecked vessels are on the plaques on these steps.

The old Robe Customs House

The Attic House
Just another example of cute local architecture

A more modern perspective from the Marina
Good night!