The coastal town and fishing port of Robe is located in the southeastern corner of South Australia, along the Limestone Coast. A popular destination during the warmer months, find out more about what to do and where to stay when visiting Robe with a dog.
Dog-Friendly Walks in Robe
Robe was first settled by Europeans back in 1846, although its importance later diminished in the 19th century when railways were built to other towns along the coast. Thanks to this, it has many heritage listed sites.
A great way to explore Robe’s heritage plus admire its coastal scenery is to follow the Robe Coastal Walk. When completed, this walk will be a full 12km long loop path, constructed of crushed gravel or hardened bitumen and suitable for prams, with dogs on a leash allowed along its full length.
For now, the best part of the walk to follow is the western section, which starts near the modern Robe Lighthouse, just off Adam Lindsay Gordon Drive. It then loops around the headland on the western edge of Robe, terminating at Victoria Street.
The 3.5km long trail passes close to the Robe Obelisk, one of the area’s most distinctive sights and a symbol of the town. Further along you’ll pass the ruins of the Old Gaol, which are free to explore with your pup.
Other highlights along the walk include the Robe Jetty, Lake Butler and the former Customs House, now a museum. More details about the many sights along the way are provided in this handout.
Retrace your footsteps (and pawsteps) at the end of the path along the same trail or cut back across Backler Street for a shorter return route. Make sure you take your own water and a bowl for your dog.
Dog-Friendly Beaches at Robe
Just south of Robe Lighthouse and the start of the walk is West Beach, the best off-leash beach to visit with your dog right in Robe. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach all day long with no time restrictions. It’s best to access the beach on foot at the northern end or via 4WD at the southern end from Evans Cave Road.
Another dog-friendly beach you can visit in Robe with your dog is the small Hoopers Beach, accessed off Seafarers Crescent, although there are off-leash restrictions. Dogs are only allowed off-leash from after the Easter long weekend to the end of November, then before 9am or after 8pm the rest of the year. Between 9am and 9pm from 1st December to the Easter long weekend they need to be leashed.
North of Robe, dogs are also allowed off-leash on sections of Long Beach at various times. In between the second and third ramp, dogs are allowed off-leash except for between 9am and 8pm between the 1st December and the Easter long weekend.
Alternatively, head north of the third ramp where dogs are allowed year-round, as far north as Boatswain Point Beach but excluding Guichen Bay Conservation Park. Dogs are also allowed off-leash at Boatswain Point Beach but with time restrictions between December and Easter.
On other beaches in the area, including the southern end of Long Beach, Town Beach and Karatta Beach, dogs must remain leashed and are not allowed off-leash.
Many beaches around Robe are open to 4WDs driving on the beach, with the suitably named Long Beach one of the most popular. Vehicles are allowed access onto the sand north of the second ramp – also the section where dogs are allowed off-leash during at least part of the year.
For a full listing of off-leash dog beaches in the surrounding region, see the council website.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Robe
In addition to off-leash dog beaches, dogs are also allowed off-leash at one park in Robe, Lipson Park. This park is situated on the southern side of Lake Butler. If you complete the Robe Coastal Walk around the headland you’ll like pass through the walk on your way into town.
While benches and poo bags are provided, be aware that the park isn’t at all fenced and a road runs alongside it.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Robe
There’s plenty of dog-friendly spots to dine at in Robe with your pup by your side, no matter what time of day.
One of the best spots in Robe to head for breakfast or lunch is Drift Cafe, located in the town centre on Victoria Street. Open daily from 7:30am to 3pm, there’s a large outdoor dining area at the cafe where dogs are welcome to join you. It’s best to head there early when it gets busy during the summer holidays.
Alternatively, later in the day head next door to the Caledonian Inn. This historic sandstone English-style pub, first licensed in 1858, is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving up pub classics and seafood plates. Dogs are welcome to join you outside in the beer garden.
Another place to head during the afternoon (plus Friday evenings) is the Robe Town Brewery, located in the industrial area on the south side of town. The only wood-fired brewery in Australia, dogs are warmly welcome both inside and out. Enjoy a tasting flight chosen from their extensive range of beers. A food truck is usually onsite during holiday periods and on weekends, with pizzas also served from Friday to Sunday.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Robe
Each of the four caravan parks around Robe allows pet dogs, but only outside of peak holiday times, generally the Christmas and Easter school holidays. It pays to call the parks and double check the dates, as the blackout dates vary.
At Lakeside Tourist Park, the Christmas blackout dates generally end about a week into January, making a dog-friendly holiday during the second half of the summer school holidays possible. As well as sites, dogs are also allowed in selected pet-friendly cabins – call up to find out more details and make a booking.
Discovery Parks – Robe is located right next to the on-leash stretch of Long Beach. Pets are allowed both on sites and in selected Two-Bedroom Cabins. It’s requested that pet owners call up directly to make a booking due to the holiday restrictions.
If you’re looking for a motel or holiday apartment, a great dog-friendly motel in Robe is the Comfort Inn Robe (formerly Lakeview Motel & Apartments). Pets are welcome in a variety of rooms at this centrally located motel with lovely views over the lake. Up to one pet is permitted per room, for an additional charge of $30 per night.
For a more boutique experience, check to see whether any of the rooms at Stony Rise Lodge are available. The architecturally designed lodge contains four rooms and suites, along with multiple shared spaces where the evening Sundowners are held. Dogs (but no other animals) are welcome to stay with you – advise the lodge when making a booking.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.