With miles of sandy beaches, billowing sand dunes, and bushwalking trails, Robe is the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Adventurers can enjoy beach driving in a 4WD along Long Beach (one of the few beaches in the state to allow it); go surfing, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding; or explore the rugged cliffs and rocky bays of Little Dip Conservation Park. Campers have options in Robe, too, whether you prefer a rural Hipcamp, a tranquil bushland campsite, or a beachside or lakeside tourist park or caravan park with powered sites, a camp kitchen, and a dump point.
If you’re bringing your campervan, the ultimate road trip along the Limestone Coast is the Southern Ocean Drive. Set out from Mount Gambier and follow the road for more than 940 kilometres, all the way north to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Highlights include the Canunda National Park and Beachport Conservation Park, both of which have great beachfront camping.
North of Robe, the wild beaches, dunes, and wetlands of Coorong National Park are among the hidden gems of South Australia’s coastline. Escape the crowds to enjoy scenic coastal walks, take to the water to boat, kayak, and canoe, or go bird-watching around the saltwater lagoons. When it comes time to camp, choose from 21 bush campgrounds, many of them remote boat-in tent campsites or 4WD-access only.
Head inland to explore the Limestone Coast’s wine country at Coonawarra, famous for its distinctive red wines. As well as hiking and wine tasting along the Vine to Wine walking trail, with 25 cellar-door wineries to choose from, you can also enjoy glamping in a luxury bell tent or park your campervan amid the vines.
Summer brings the crowds to Robe, but it’s often still warm enough for swimming and water sports from November through April. Don’t write off a winter visit, though—the coastal parks and lagoons can be even more impressive after rainfall, and winter is a great time for bird-watching along the coast.