Robe, South Australia

This article is about the town in South Australia. For the associated wine region, see Robe wine region.

Robe
South Australia
Looking west: the northern area of the town
Robe is located in South Australia
Robe
Robe
Coordinates37°09′51″S 139°45′15″E / 37.164057°S 139.754134°E / -37.164057; 139.754134[1]
Population1,252 (2021 census)[2]
Established19 March 1846 (town)[1][3]
Postcode(s)5276
Location
LGA(s)District Council of Robe
RegionLimestone Coast[4]
CountyCounty of Robe[1]
State electorate(s)MacKillop[5]
Federal division(s)Barker[6]
Mean max temp[7] Mean min temp[7] Annual rainfall[7]
18.2 °C
65 °F		 10.9 °C
52 °F		 631.6 mm
24.9 in
Localities around Robe:
Ocean Guichen Bay Mount Benson
Ocean Robe Mount Benson
Bray
Ocean Nora Creina Nora Creina
Bray

Robe is a town and fishing port located in the Limestone Coast of South Australia. The town's distinctive combination of historical buildings, ocean, fishing fleets, lakes and dense bush attracts many tourists. Robe lies on the southern shore of Guichen Bay, just off the Princes Highway. At the 2021 census, Robe had a population of 1252.[8] Robe is the main town in the District Council of Robe local government area. It is in the state electorate of MacKillop and the federal Division of Barker.

History

The former customs house, a legacy of pre‑Federation times when individual colonies collected customs duties, is typical of many heritage-listed places in Robe built of local limestone

Robe is situated on the ancestral lands of the Buandig and Ngarrindjeri people.[9]

Europeans founded the town of Robe in 1846, ten years after the Province of South Australia was established, as a seaport, administrative centre and township.

Robe was named after the fourth Governor of South Australia, Major Frederick Robe, who chose the site as a port in 1845. The town was proclaimed as a port in 1847. It became South Australia's second-busiest international port, after Port Adelaide, in the 1850s. Robe's trade was drawn from a large hinterland that extended into western Victoria, and many roadside inns were built to cater for the bullock teamsters bringing down the wool, including the Bush Inn still standing on the outskirts of Robe. Exports included horses, sheep skins and wool. The Customs House has been listed on the South Australian Heritage Register since 1980.[10] A stone obelisk was built on Cape Dombey in 1852 to help ships navigate safely into the bay. Even so, there have been a number of shipwrecks along the coast in the area. An automatic lighthouse was built on higher ground in 1973.

During the Victorian gold rushes about 1857, the Victorian government introduced a landing tax of £10 per person to deter Chinese immigrants – more than the cost of their voyage. To bypass the tax, more than 16,000 Chinese people landed at Robe to walk overland for 320 kilometres (200 miles) to the goldfields, mainly at Ballarat and Bendigo.

Robe's importance decreased with the building of railways in the 19th century to Kingston and Beachport, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) respectively to its north and south. It continues as a service centre for the surrounding rural areas and home to a fishing fleet: especially important in the local economy is the rocklobster fishery. AFL footballer Jordan Dawson who currently plays for and captain of the Adelaide Crows Football Club also came from Robe.

Heritage listings

Robe has many heritage-listed places, including the following:

Climate

Robe has a warm-summer mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb), with tepid, dry summers and mild, drizzly winters. Average maxima vary from 22.6 °C (72.7 °F) in February to 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) in July and average minima fluctuate between 13.7 °C (56.7 °F) in January and February and 8.2 °C (46.8 °F) in July. The mean average annual precipitation is 631.6 mm (24.87 in), spread between 153.4 precipitation days. The town has 56.0 clear days and 163.3 cloudy days per annum. Extreme temperatures have ranged from 39.6 °C (103.3 °F) on 14 February 1981 to −2.6 °C (27.3 °F) on 19 July 1982.[41]

Climate data for Robe (37º09'36"S, 139º45'36"E, 3 m AMSL) (1884-2024 normals and extremes, rainfall to 1860)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 39.2
(102.6) 		39.6
(103.3) 		35.8
(96.4) 		31.7
(89.1) 		26.5
(79.7) 		20.4
(68.7) 		21.2
(70.2) 		22.8
(73.0) 		26.6
(79.9) 		33.3
(91.9) 		36.3
(97.3) 		37.1
(98.8) 		39.6
(103.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 22.5
(72.5) 		22.6
(72.7) 		21.1
(70.0) 		18.9
(66.0) 		16.4
(61.5) 		14.3
(57.7) 		13.6
(56.5) 		14.3
(57.7) 		15.7
(60.3) 		17.6
(63.7) 		19.6
(67.3) 		21.3
(70.3) 		18.2
(64.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13.7
(56.7) 		13.7
(56.7) 		12.8
(55.0) 		11.6
(52.9) 		10.3
(50.5) 		8.7
(47.7) 		8.2
(46.8) 		8.5
(47.3) 		9.3
(48.7) 		10.3
(50.5) 		11.5
(52.7) 		12.7
(54.9) 		10.9
(51.7)
Record low °C (°F) 5.2
(41.4) 		5.1
(41.2) 		5.0
(41.0) 		2.2
(36.0) 		0.8
(33.4) 		−0.1
(31.8) 		−2.6
(27.3) 		0.2
(32.4) 		0.8
(33.4) 		2.1
(35.8) 		3.3
(37.9) 		3.9
(39.0) 		−2.6
(27.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 20.3
(0.80) 		18.8
(0.74) 		26.4
(1.04) 		45.9
(1.81) 		73.2
(2.88) 		95.3
(3.75) 		104.1
(4.10) 		85.9
(3.38) 		59.2
(2.33) 		43.9
(1.73) 		30.6
(1.20) 		27.8
(1.09) 		636.1
(25.04)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 5.6 5.1 7.6 12.0 16.7 18.6 20.8 19.7 16.4 13.2 9.6 8.1 153.4
Average afternoon relative humidity (%) 61 62 64 69 74 76 76 73 71 67 63 62 68
Average dew point °C (°F) 12.4
(54.3) 		12.7
(54.9) 		12.2
(54.0) 		11.4
(52.5) 		10.4
(50.7) 		9.1
(48.4) 		8.3
(46.9) 		8.3
(46.9) 		9.0
(48.2) 		9.7
(49.5) 		10.5
(50.9) 		11.5
(52.7) 		10.5
(50.8)
Source: Bureau of Meteorology (1884-2024 normals and extremes, rainfall to 1860)[7]

Climate data is also available for Robe Airport, located 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) SE of the town. The inland weather station has a greater diurnal and seasonal range, and experiences slightly less precipitation (but with greater frequency).

Climate data for Robe Airfield (37º10'48"S, 139º48'36"E, 3 m AMSL) (2003-2024 normals and extremes)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 42.1
(107.8) 		41.7
(107.1) 		38.4
(101.1) 		33.5
(92.3) 		29.1
(84.4) 		24.3
(75.7) 		19.8
(67.6) 		26.5
(79.7) 		28.0
(82.4) 		35.0
(95.0) 		38.0
(100.4) 		43.3
(109.9) 		43.3
(109.9)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 24.6
(76.3) 		24.2
(75.6) 		23.1
(73.6) 		20.5
(68.9) 		17.4
(63.3) 		15.2
(59.4) 		14.5
(58.1) 		15.3
(59.5) 		16.8
(62.2) 		18.8
(65.8) 		21.2
(70.2) 		22.9
(73.2) 		19.5
(67.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13.0
(55.4) 		12.8
(55.0) 		11.4
(52.5) 		9.6
(49.3) 		8.6
(47.5) 		6.7
(44.1) 		6.7
(44.1) 		7.2
(45.0) 		8.0
(46.4) 		8.6
(47.5) 		10.5
(50.9) 		11.9
(53.4) 		9.6
(49.3)
Record low °C (°F) 4.0
(39.2) 		2.7
(36.9) 		0.6
(33.1) 		0.4
(32.7) 		−2.0
(28.4) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		−2.0
(28.4) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		−1.0
(30.2) 		1.8
(35.2) 		1.0
(33.8) 		−3.5
(25.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 19.8
(0.78) 		21.6
(0.85) 		23.5
(0.93) 		40.3
(1.59) 		66.0
(2.60) 		90.7
(3.57) 		97.0
(3.82) 		88.0
(3.46) 		53.7
(2.11) 		35.1
(1.38) 		32.7
(1.29) 		29.0
(1.14) 		599.5
(23.60)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 5.8 5.3 8.5 13.3 18.3 19.7 21.8 21.3 16.8 13.2 9.8 8.8 162.6
Source: Bureau of Meteorology (2003-2024 normals and extremes)[42]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Robe, South Australia.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Search results for 'Robe, LOCB' with the following datasets being selected – 'Suburbs and Localities', 'Government Towns', 'Counties', 'Local Government Areas', 'SA Government Regions', 'Railways' and 'Gazetteer'". Location SA Map Viewer. Government of South Australia. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  2. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Robe (State Suburb)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 November 2023. Edit this at Wikidata
  3. ^ Robe, Fred. H (19 March 1846). "Minute of 18 March 1846 re establishment of towns at Guichen and Rivoli Bays" (PDF). The South Australian Government Gazette. South Australian Government. pp. 108–109. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Limestone Coast SA Government region" (PDF). The Government of South Australia. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
  5. ^ "District of MacKillop Background Profile". Electoral Commission SA. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  6. ^ "Federal electoral division of Barker" (PDF). Australian Electoral Commission. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  7. ^ a b c d "Robe Climate Statistics (1974-1999)". Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Robe 2021 Census All persons QuickStats (Suburbs and Localities)". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  9. ^ Horton, David R. (1996). Aboriginal Australia (Map). Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies – via Trove.
  10. ^ "Nautical Museum (former Robe Customs House)". Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  11. ^ "Robe Cemetery". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  12. ^ "Cape Dombey Obelisk". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  13. ^ "Robe House (former Government Residence)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  14. ^ "The Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Chapel and Schoolroom". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  15. ^ "Dwelling ('Karatta House')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  16. ^ "Dwelling ('Lakeside')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  17. ^ "'Lakeside' Stables and Coach House". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  18. ^ "Richmond Park Homestead". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  19. ^ "Former Bush Inn". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  20. ^ "Dwellings (former Robe Post Office & Telegraph Station)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  21. ^ "Dwelling ('The Hermitage' Homestead Complex)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  22. ^ "Former CSIRO Field Research Station (including shed, water tank, yard fencing and gates)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  23. ^ "Dwelling ('Dingley Dell')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  24. ^ "Dwelling ('Bellevue Homestead')". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  25. ^ "Former Robe Gaol (Ruin)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  26. ^ "Royal Circus and Seawall, including remains of slipway and Chinese Memorial". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  27. ^ "Nautical Museum (former Robe Customs House)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  28. ^ "Robe Institute". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  29. ^ "Dwelling (former Criterion Hotel)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  30. ^ "Robe Courthouse, Police Station, Old Cells & Stables". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  31. ^ "Dwelling ('Ormerod Cottages') (former Old Barracks)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  32. ^ "Bank House (former Bank of South Australia Robe Branch)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  33. ^ "Shop & Cottages (formerly Campbell's Shop)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  34. ^ "Dwelling (former Davison's Shop and Residence)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  35. ^ "Graymasts – Former Woolstore and attached Cottage". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  36. ^ "Dwelling ('Moorakyne House') (former Green Gables)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  37. ^ "Dwelling ('Granny Banks' Cottage') (former Crazy Cottage)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  38. ^ "Caledonian Inn". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  39. ^ "Eating House (former Wilson's Saddlery)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  40. ^ "Office (former Attic House)". South Australian Heritage Register. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  41. ^ "Robe Climate (1860-2024)". FarmOnline Weather. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  42. ^ "Robe Airfield Climate Statistics (2003-2024)". Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 17 August 2024.

Further reading

  • Susan Marsden (1985) A glimpse of golden days, District Council of Robe: Robe.