SAPort & river
Robe
Wool ships made a port; beaches sustained it later.
1846Port and town established · Guichen Bay
WHAT STARTED IT
Robe was established on Guichen Bay as a port for the south-east’s pastoral economy. Wool and other produce could be shipped from the district, with a surveyed town supporting customs, merchants and coastal trade.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
In the 1850s, Chinese gold seekers landed here before walking to Victoria to avoid its landing tax. Competition from other transport routes later reduced port trade. Fishing and seaside holidays gave Robe new livelihoods.
TURNING POINTS
1846Robe established as a port town.
1856–57Chinese gold seekers arrive en route to Victoria.
1930sLobster fishing develops.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A historic coastal holiday town whose old streets, fishing connections and beaches reflect successive lives as port, working harbour and resort.