Guichen Bay Motel: At Robe, in the Limestone Coast/South East region of South Australia
(Photos supplied by Guichen Bay Motel - Text supplied by Sightseeing South Australia)
Robe, some 350km south-east of Adelaide, is on the shores of Guichen Bay, named in 1802 by French explorer Nicholas Baudin.
The area was visited by sealers and whalers many years before the settlement of South Australia.
The beautiful and historic town is, in the opinion of many, the jewel in the crown of the Limestone Coast region.
Many of the original buildings from the mid-1800s still remain, and are used for a variety of private and commercial purposes. A leisurely walk through the streets of Robe is a fascinating experience, with many fine examples of early colonial architechture.
One of these historic buildings, the Robetown Cottage Restaurant, was erected around 1860, and is currently in integral part of the popular Guichen Bay Motel, in Victoria Street.
The motel, hosted by business partners Murray Pitt and Phill Munro, is a member of the Budget motel chain, whose motto is ‘Spend some time, not a fortune’.
Each of the 17 units at the Guichen Bay Motel has en-suite, and rooms range from 6 person family rooms, 4 person family rooms, doubles, and twin rooms. They are all ground floor rooms, and some are equipped with queen-size beds.
The homely motel is in a quiet garden setting, and features include a heated spa and pool, barbeque facilities and a childrens playground.
As Robe is the crayfishing centre of South Australia, it is not surprising that the Cottage Restaurant specialises in crayfish and seafood.
The comprehensive menu also contains many other dishes for those who are not necessarily seafood enthusiasts. Breakfast can be either room service, or guests may choose to dine in the restaurant, which during the cooler months, features a large 360 degree wood fire.
The restaurant also incorporates a private function room which is perfect for special events such as anniversaries and birthdays.
The Cottage Restaurant boasts an excellent wine list, featuring the best of the region, which includes Coonawarra, Cape Jaffa and Mt Benson.
Guichen Bay Motel is the ideal home base for exploring Robe and surrounding regions. Fishing is a popular pastime, with many varieties of fish waiting to take your hook! Beach fishing from Long Beach attracts many anglers, while others may prefer to try their luck from the jetty, the rocky headlands or the protected boat haven.
There are several walking trails along the coast, picnic and barbeque sites in attractive areas, safe swimming all around Guichen Bay, and surfing at Long Beach. Lake Fellmongery is easily accessible to water skiers, while sailing and windsurfing around Guichen Bay is a pleasant activity.
For accommodation that offers value and friendly service, make the Guichen Bay Motel your base while you enjoy all that Robe has to offer.
Guichen Bay Motel
Address: 42 Victoria Street, Robe, 5276.
Phone: 8768 2001
Fax: 8768 2684
Email: gbmotel@bigpond.com
Web: www.robe.sa.gov.au/guichenbay
