Robe Customs House Maritime Museum
Robe Customs House
This limestone Customs House, built in 1863, is now a maritime museum run by the National Trust, telling the story of Robe as a wool port and the landing point for Chinese miners.
Built in 1863, the Robe Customs House was once South Australia's second-busiest port after Adelaide, where wool bales were loaded for export. The plain building is made of local limestone. Since 1967 it has been managed by the National Trust of South Australia and opened as a maritime museum. Its displays cover customs artifacts, ship models and shipwreck relics, along with exhibits on the tens of thousands of Chinese who came ashore at Robe in 1857 and trekked inland to the Victorian goldfields. Opening hours are limited, usually a few afternoons a week and during summer holidays, so check the National Trust website before you go. Even when it is closed, the building's exterior and the seaside lawn out front are worth a look. It stands by the sea in the town centre, right next to the Chinese Monument.
Opening hours
Limited opening times (usually a few afternoons a week, more in summer); check National Trust announcements
Nearby sights
- Robe Chinese Monument
- Robe Town Beach
- Robe Gaol Ruins
- Victoria Street, Robe
- Cape Dombey Obelisk
- Long Beach
- Little Dip Conservation Park
- Woakwine Cutting