Like many coastal towns, the South Australian gem of Robe is feeling the accelerating impacts of coastal erosion … but the community is proving itself to be nothing if not resilient.
In the most recent event, approximately 10 metres of cliff collapsed into the sea just south of the Robe Lighthouse.
And this comes less than a month after the jetty was severely damaged by wild storms. The lighthouse is not currently considered to be at imminent risk, but it – along with the iconic Robe Obelisk – now sits alarmingly close to the edge of an active erosion zone.
Fox and Hoopers beaches are among the most vulnerable beaches, with recent storm events forcing road closures and threatening private properties.
Approximately 10 metres of land collapsed into the sea near the lighthouse. PIC: Chris Matthews Photography / District Council of Robe
In one dramatic instance, a local resident at Hoopers Beach used a dozer to push up sand to save his house after losing his fence to the sea. But the scenic town – long a favourite destination for grey nomads – is taking a proactive approach to the ongoing erosion challenges it faces.
Robe Council is now actively seeking funding to compare current conditions with earlier studies, and this will inform future responses such as exclusion zones, protective works, and community education.
The Council hopes its jetty can be repaired after it was damaged by recent wild storms. PIC: Chris Matthews Photography / District Council of Robe
It has also recently adopted a Coastal Adaptation Strategy, which maps high-risk areas and outlines adaptation pathways.
Council chief executive, Nat Traeger, told the Grey Nomads that another important move was to establish the Robe Obelisk Working Party which is exploring a range of options for the landmark, including the likely development of a replica.
“We are also awaiting the results of an engineering assessment of the Robe Jetty, which we hope may still be repairable,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Robe continues to thrive.
“This winter has seen record visitor numbers, according to local businesses,” said Ms Traeger. “A contributing factor could the recent media attention and growing interest in experiencing nature’s raw power first-hand.”
Robe has also just been named South Australia’s Tiny Tourism Town and Tourist Town of the Year for 2025, and is now in the running for the national title.
“While the potential loss of landmarks like the jetty and Obelisk is deeply felt, Robe remains a cherished destination for grey nomads and all visitors,” said Ms Traeger. “With a rich blend of heritage, coastal beauty, boutique shopping, award-winning food and wine, and ever-expanding nature-based attractions, there’s still so much to enjoy here.”
She said the town was also investing in new projects – including trail development, conservation corridors, and public art – that will further enhance the visitor experience while preserving the character and soul of the town.
WIN ONE OF THREE SKID ROW TRAILER SKIDS
Grey Nomad members are being given the opportunity to win one of three Skid Row Trailer Skids (each valued at $199). The ingenious Australian-designed device could come to the rescue of nomads who find their trailer or van stuck on sand, mud, or worse.
Manufactured from high-grade polypropylene, the ‘skid’ has been designed for use with or without the jockey wheel to accommodate different conditions in the retrieval process. The device is very compact (77cm x 39cm x 21cm), making it easy for grey nomads to store, and it weighs just 3.8 kilograms.
Click here to find out more.
We stayed at Robe for 10 days not too long ago.
The obelisk has been off limits to the public for a long time because of coastal erosion.
To be honest, its not that impressive to the point of being quite ugly.
It hasn’t had a coat of paint for many years.