No. 5 Red Robe review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

There are no shortage of accommodation options in Robe and over the years we have tried a few different ones. But we had never had a true beachfront experience. Until now.

There’s a lot to love about Robe. Although it’s important to keep that rosy thought in mind when strapping in for the four-hour drive from Adelaide, particularly once you leave behind Tailem Bend (and its award-winning bakery).

Even with caravans, and trailers of jet skis and boats on the road ahead, regularly frustrating progress and making a long journey even longer, I am always glad to make the effort.

Especially when Larry the Lobster welcomes you as traffic tootles off the Princes Highway and takes you through Kingston. The sight of the giant imitation crustacean somehow makes you feel a little more South Australian. It also ticks off one more marker on the “good parenting” handbook when you can introduce the kids to big Larry.

Anyway, back to Robe. There are no shortage of accommodation options in Robe and over the years we have tried a few different ones. A favourite was one that overlooked Lake Fellmonger, one of the bodies of water you pass as you enter Robe from the Adelaide side.

But we had never had a true beachfront experience. Until now.

You reach this particular house by taking a right at the ever-popular fish and chip shop on Victoria St, drive past the primary school and head towards the sea.

The house has actually been split in two and, in a trap for the unwary, we spent a few minutes trying to enter a code into the wrong house.

No. 5 Red at Wrattonbully St, Robe. Picture: Tom McGuire

No. 5 Wrattonbully St is designated as either Red or Blue. Turns out we were in the red house. Possibly not a promising start. There was certainly a sense of relief when the numbers opened the key box and we were able to find our way inside.

The front door opens into a hallway that leads past the three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and into an inviting front living area, with kitchen.

But the real attraction are the big windows with a view out to the sea. There is always something soothing about being able to see the sea.

The view from No. 5 Red at Robe. Picture: Tom McGuire

But viewing is one thing. Action is another. No sooner had the bags been dumped into bedrooms than we were out the door, crossing the sand dunes and heading for the beach. It took all of 30 seconds to hit Town Beach.

It’s quite surprising how close you find yourself to the middle of Robe. It’s much quicker to go via the beach side into the town than it is to retrace the route you arrived in by car.

There is the venerable Caledonian Hotel a few moments away. It feels like you’re right in the middle of the action, with the added bonus of having a beach at your doorstep.

As it is Robe, there are plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants sprinkled along Victoria St. If you fancy a good pizza, try out the back of The Project.

The beach itself is safe and fun for kids of all ages, and there are rocks to clamber over and explore.

The house itself is functional rather than flash, but at least the bathroom has been restyled all white in a recent update with a decent sized bath.

There are three bedrooms, one with bunk beds. There is a barbie on the lawn out the back, with a table, making it a lovely spot to sit and eat and drink, and watch the day fade away over the horizon.

It all adds up to a perfect beachside vibe that makes it a tremendously relaxing spot to spend some time.

The kitchen is well stocked with all sorts of necessities. There’s even a coffee machine but bring your own pods.

Alternatively, hit the nearby cafes, or stock up at Mahalia Coffee in Flint St. While you are there, make sure you pat Hugo the factory cat.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in December 2019 and details updated in March 2021.

• Wrattonbully St, Robe
• 1300 760 629
• robelifestyle.com.au
• LOCATION Robe is 360km southeast of Adelaide.
• ACCOMMODATION Three bedrooms, one with a king bed, one with two single beds and one bunk bed.
• FACILITIES Open-plan design has a full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and coffee machine, dining table, lounge, one bathroom, laundry, BBQ and outside table, split-system airconditioner, TV with DVD player.
• PRICE From $265 a night, up to $325 and $430 in high season. Minimum stay of two nights or seven nights in summer.