It was an early start departing Penola today, heading south toward the coast and the historic seaside town of Robe.
Robe has a rich past as one of South Australia’s earliest ports. Once bustling with ships exporting wool and wheat in the mid-1800s, its grand limestone buildings remain as reminders of its colonial prosperity, even though shifting sands eventually made the harbour unsafe and led to its decline.
The Obelisk was visited next. Built in 1855, it served as a navigational marker warning ships of the dangerous coastline. Nearby, the old gaol ruins offered a stark glimpse into Robe’s early days as a government outpost, while the surrounding cliffs and ocean provided breathtaking coastal views.
The journey then continued onto Kingston SE, with a stop at Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, which once guided vessels through the hazardous waters of Lacepede Bay. A visit to the Big Lobster followed, a light-hearted symbol of Australia’s long-standing fascination with “big things.” These oversized roadside attractions became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to draw travellers off the highway, and today more than 150 can be found across the country.
From there, our route led into the Coorong, a wild, rugged, and desolate landscape. The first stop was The Granites, a dramatic stretch of coast marked by massive granite boulders. This area holds deep cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri people and was also notorious among early sailors due to strong currents and frequent shipwrecks.
Pink lakes and salt lakes appeared frequently, their striking colours created by algae thriving in highly saline conditions.
The lagoon and wetlands of the Coorong are an area of immense environmental and cultural importance. These wetlands are internationally recognised and provide critical habitat for migratory birds travelling from across the globe. For thousands of years, the region has been central to Ngarrindjeri life and culture. The beige colouring of the water was a concerning sign, indicating poor water health linked to ongoing stress within the Murray–Darling Basin.
We then journeyed into Murray River territory, passing through Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge. Seeing the Murray at this stage of its long journey to the sea highlighted the scale and significance of Australia’s longest river.
Strathalbyn proved to be particularly charming 🤩. Established in the 1850s, it developed as an important river port and agricultural centre. Today, its heritage buildings, leafy streets, and riverside setting give the town a timeless appeal.
The day concluded at Victor Harbor, where New Year’s Eve was celebrated by the beach with a free public event and fireworks, providing a lively and fitting end to a day rich in history, landscapes, and coastal scenery.
Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2026.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 5…
By Sarah 