12 dreamy accommodations to stay at in Robe

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Elegant boutique hotels, self-contained private properties and fun holiday parks; for the ultimate seaside stay, we’ve got the perfect Robe accommodation for you.

Let’s just put this out there: when it comes to finding the ultimate Robe accommodation – whether that be something built for romance, family or a solo getaway – you’re not going to struggle. Dotted across the spectacular South Australian seaside town, you’ll find all manner of accommodation, each one more beautiful than the last.

1. Church on the Hill

the exterior of Church on the Hill in Robe
Church on the Hill combines the charm and old-world character of the original 1869 sandstone church.

Getting swept up in the history of Robe is as simple as booking in for a stay at Church on the Hill , a property which combines the charm and old-world character of the original 1869 sandstone church, and all the modern amenities one would expect in a luxury home, the result of a significant 2022 renovation and extension.

Sleeping up to 12 guests in five bedrooms in a range of configurations, standout features include a four-sided Cheminees Phillipe fireplace in the centre of the chapel living room, a sprawling deck with sweeping ocean views, an outdoor spa, a parent retreat with a kitchenette, as well as a stunning open-plan kitchen teeming with European appliances.

The perfect space for entertaining, for travelling with groups, multi-gen holidays, or just when you each really need your own space.

Address: 1 Davenport Street, Robe

2. Robe House

an aerial view of the Robe House
The charming Robe House sits in a pretty garden.

Looking for a charming stay? Robe House has got it in spades – largely thanks to its 1847 vintage and its early years serving as the home of the Government Resident. Built out of locally quarried sandstone and featuring high vaulted ceilings, the property is now very much rooted in the future, offering five fully self-contained apartments classified as bed and breakfast (they’ll provide provisions).

Located a short stroll from the town centre (and right by a scenic coastal walk), Robe House – set in a pretty garden – offers wi-fi, laundry facilities, barbeques, and log fires in two of the apartments, making them the perfect spot for that romantic winter getaway.

Address: 1 Hagen Street, Robe

3. Dunes at Robe

the holiday cottages at Dunes at Robe
The holiday cottages are spacious enough for group travellers. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

For those who prefer a more contemporary holiday option, look no further than Dunes at Robe , a hotel located on a quiet street, albeit with spectacular views of West Beach.

Choose from one of two holiday cottages, each one featuring two bedrooms, an open-plan living area, a fully furnished kitchen, barbeque facilities and – mercifully – air conditioning, and make good use of the property’s proximity to the town centre and the local golf club.

Address: 20-22 Backler Street, Robe

4. Lakeview Motel & Apartments

Sometimes, all you need is the perfect motel holiday overlooking a large body of water to unwind and make the most of your destination. The appropriately titled Lakeview Motel & Apartments , located on the shores of Lake Fellmongery, comes to the party to provide a little something for every kind of traveller.

From luxury two-bedroom apartments and deluxe spa suites to standard rooms and self-contained apartments – each one offering a view of the lake – configurations vary, but all have wi-fi, access to barbeque facilities, plus a free guest laundry (perfect when you’re so close to the natural bushland and pristine beaches of the region).

Address: 2 Lakeside Terrace, Robe

5. Robe Hotel

the beachfront setting of Robe Hotel
Robe Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

An iconic fixture of the local beachside community since 1947, there’s no doubt you’ll be dropping into the Robe Hotel for a meal or two, but why not book a stay and linger a little longer?

Offering the best of country and sea, the classically built hotel and pub – conveniently located within walking distance to the town centre – boasts 16 rooms across two floors, all with balconies making the most of those views and eight of which have ensuites.

A stone’s throw from the beach and just upstairs from some of the best pub grub you’re likely to experience anywhere, this is the ultimate beachside stay at an affordable price point.

Address: 6 Munday Terrace, Robe

6. Robe Holiday Park

a powered caravan site at Robe Holiday Park
You’ll find powered sites for camping and caravanning at Robe Holiday Park.

Welcome to a dazzling and oh-so-quiet bushland oasis located just five minutes either way from Robe’s town centre, as well as from Robe’s popular Long Beach.

Boasting just eight self-contained cabins, plus a host of powered sites for camping and caravanning, it would be easy to dismiss Robe Holiday Park as the perfect place for other families, until you consider how hard it punches for its size.

We’re talking firepits, jumping pillows, barbeque areas, an area reserved for mountain bike riding, birdwatching, a camp kitchen, and if that’s not enough, the holiday park is also home to a gin distillery. What more could anyone ask for?

Address: Corner Main Road and Nora Creina Road, Robe

7. Discovery Parks Robe

Behold the ultimate family getaway location, a lush (and rather gargantuan) world where kids can swim in the heated indoor swimming pool, play table tennis in the games room, hire a pedal bike to ride around onsite, jump on the all-important bouncing pillows and come the summertime, enjoy the kids’ club facilities.

If you’re thinking Discovery Parks Robe  (formerly BIG4 Discovery Parks) has it all, you’d be right, with all cabins featuring a flat-screen TV, some offering an ensuite bathroom and most equipped with a kitchen. Camping or caravanning? All options, both powered and unpowered, are on the table.

Coin-operated laundry facilities, shared kitchen facilities and a kiosk are all available onsite, with the property located a five-minute drive from Robe’s town centre.

Address: 70 – 80 Esplanade, Robe

8. Robe Marina Apartments

Whether you’re after a three-bedroom marina-view apartment, a two-bedroom Waters Edge Apartment or a ground-floor one-bedroom deluxe suite, Robe Marina Apartments , a range of architecturally designed properties, has an offering for you.

All located within the town centre, the properties are a showcase of contemporary design, boasting modern furniture and appliances so you can truly unwind and take in the ocean views (with some only located just 50 metres from the water’s edge) without having to worry about a thing.

Address:  Corner Beach Court & Lipson Terrace, Robe

9. Sea Vu Caravan Park

a beach shack with ocean view at the Sea Vu Caravan Park
Each accommodation opens up to sweeping ocean views.

Prefer your holiday parks to be a little more… boutique in flavour? Sea Vu Caravan Park  might be considered compact when compared with the other parks in and around Robe, but this is the only one with direct access to the sandy beaches of Guichen Bay.

Accommodation options range from over 100 grassed sites and beach shacks to ocean view cabins (with four different layouts to suit everyone from groups of six to couples). Cosy Beach Shacks and Seaside Cabins sleep up to six, also.

There’s a fully fenced playground for the kids, paddleboards for hire, a large indoor communal dining and living area, a kiosk, a fully equipped camp kitchen, and of course, several barbeques to enjoy that meaty fare. Best of all, the park is pet-friendly.

Address: 1 Squires Drive, Robe

10. Harbour View Motel

Classic motel stays are having a resurgence and one look at Harbour View Motel explains the popularity behind the trend. Having enjoyed multiple upgrades and renovations in recent years, the property – delightfully decorated in soothing pastel hues – is set just 50 metres from the start of a cliff-top walking track and a five-minute walk from the town centre.

All rooms (air-conditioned) feature an open-plan living space, and ensuite bathroom, with some available with kitchenette, others offering a spa bath and a percentage with a balcony overlooking Robe Harbour or Guichen Bay.

All guests enjoy direct access to Robe Golf Course, with a barbeque area, guest laundry and children’s playground available onsite.

Address: 2 Sturt Street, Robe

11. BASK

sun loungers under a yellow umbrella at BASK, Robe
Bask in the sunshine on sun loungers outside your beautifully styled cottage.

A beautifully styled cottage which wouldn’t be out of place in the pages of an interiors glossy sounds good enough, but said beautifully styled cottage with the perfect location within 100 metres of Robe’s finest restaurants, boutiques and Town Beach? It’s fair to say, BASK is covering all bases beautifully.

The two-bedroom, adults-only home has everything you could need for that perfect beachside stay, including a relaxing spa bath, a private outdoor courtyard complete with Weber Q and sun lounges, and yes, a split system air conditioner, which means you’ll be comfortable in winter as well as in summer. Will it be a romantic getaway or a trip away with friends? Your choice; the property is suitable for both. Will it be a romantic getaway or a trip away with friends? Your choice; the property is suitable for both.

Address: Elizabeth Street, Robe

12. The Caledonian Inn

There’s little doubt you’ll be tempted to pop into The Caledonian Inn,  a historic English-style pub built in 1858, for a bite to eat, but those on a budget (as well as those keen to make use of the property’s central location) should look no further than the accommodation options available upstairs.

The six rooms upstairs – both single and double rooms available – may share a bathroom, but they’re cosy and have quick access to the fireside pub downstairs as well as the beer garden, with prices starting from just $77 per night.

Address: 1 Victoria Street, Robe

Head here for more tried and tested experiences to have in Robe.
Dilvin Yasa
Dilvin Yasa is a freelance journalist, author and TV presenter whose travels have taken her from the iceberg graveyards of Antarctica to the roaring rapids of Uganda. Always on the lookout for that next unforgettable meal, wildlife moment or 80s-themed nightclub, she is inexplicably drawn to polar destinations despite detesting the cold.
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8 experiences that prove The Bellarine is the ultimate multi-gen getaway

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

Tuckerberry Hill Farm
Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

The Oxley Estate
Wake up to the neighbours.

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate
Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

Bellarine Railway
Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine
Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine
Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

 8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard
Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au