Robe

SA 5276 • Rest of SA

1,252
Population (2021)
$64,688
Median Household Income
140.12 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricTourist TownFishing PortHeritage

About Robe

Robe is a historic coastal town in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, situated 337 kilometres southeast of Adelaide on the shores of Guichen Bay. With a population of around 1,252 (2021 Census), this charming fishing port was established in 1846 and served as an important early colonial settlement. The town is renowned for its well-preserved heritage limestone buildings, scenic coastline, and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Robe's distinctive combination of historic architecture, ocean views, fishing fleets, lakes, and dense bush makes it one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, particularly during summer and holiday periods. The town offers boutique shopping along Victoria Street, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches including Long Beach and Town Beach. Robe appeals to retirees, sea-changers, and holiday-home owners who appreciate the blend of coastal beauty, rich history, and the laid-back Limestone Coast lifestyle.

Robe falls under postcode 5276 and is governed by Robe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the MacKillop electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5276
Urban Area
Limestone Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-37.22°, 139.82°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
140.12 km²
Elevation
-3m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,232
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.3%

4 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Premier Stateliner — Adelaide / Mount Gambier 4-5 hours to Adelaide
  • Local community bus — Kingston SE / Millicent 30-45 min

Commute to Adelaide

Distance
337 km
By Train
N/A
By Bus
4-5 hours (coach service)
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5 hours

🛣️ Remote coastal town. Nearest regional centre is Naracoorte (80 km) or Mount Gambier (131 km). Most residents rely on private vehicles.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The compact town centre along Victoria Street is walkable with shops, cafés, and the foreshore nearby. A car is needed for trips beyond town.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,090
Census 2021
1,252
14.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,072
Personal Income 2021
$38,480
16.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$38,480 / yr
$740/wk
Household
$64,688 / yr
$1244/wk
Family
$88,868 / yr
$1709/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,070
Born Overseas 126

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 47
  • 2. Scotland 9
  • 3. New Zealand 7
  • 4. India 5
  • 5. Fiji 4
  • 6. Germany 4
  • 7. United States 4
  • 8. Italy 3
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 3
  • 10. Thailand 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 583
Australian 483
Scottish 186
Irish 116
German 106
Italian 22
Dutch 18
Greek 12
Australian Aboriginal 8
French 6

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

941
Both parents born in Australia
155
Both parents born overseas
100
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.6%
Christianity
41.3%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
52 (4.2%)
5-14 years
114 (9.1%)
15-19 years
43 (3.4%)
20-24 years
42 (3.4%)
25-34 years
116 (9.3%)
35-44 years
119 (9.5%)
45-54 years
141 (11.3%)
55-64 years
232 (18.5%)
65-74 years
242 (19.3%)
75-84 years
126 (10.1%)
85+ years
29 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Robe known for? +

Robe is a historic coastal town in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, situated 337 kilometres southeast of Adelaide on the shores of Guichen Bay. Robe's distinctive combination of historic architecture, ocean views, fishing fleets, lakes, and dense bush makes it one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, particularly during summer and holiday periods.

How far is Robe from Adelaide CBD? +

Robe is approximately 337 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 404-607 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Robe have public transport? +

Robe has limited public transport options. The area is best accessed by private vehicle, with connections to larger regional centres for broader services.

What is the population of Robe? +

According to the 2021 Census, Robe has a population of approximately 1,252 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Robe (District Council) local government area.

Is Robe a good place to live? +

Robe is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Robe? +

The postcode for Robe, SA is 5276. This postcode covers Robe and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Robe? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Robe is about $740 per week (around $38,500 per year). The median household income is $1,244 per week and the median family income is $1,709 per week.

What is the age profile of Robe? +

The median age in Robe is 54. The largest age group is 65–74 (242 residents, around 19%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 32% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Robe? +

In Robe, the median weekly rent is $250, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,232 (2021 Census).