Robe Obelisk — Attraction in Robe

Robe Obelisk

“Built in 1855 on Cape Dombey, the Obelisk was a 'day guide' for ships entering Guichen Bay. It was constructed out of local paddock stone delivered to the site by bullock teams, with the heavy capstone swung into place using a frame built over the apex.

The Obelisk housed rockets designed to fire rescue lines from the shore to vessels in distress. This equipment came into its own during a terrible storm in December 1861 when the 'Alma' broke anchor and ran onto rocks in the bay. The captain was stuck ashore after attending a dance at the Caledonian Inn the night before, however Robe's lifeboat crew leapt into action, led by its brave coxswain Fergus Fullarton. After two failed attempts, a rocket finally reached the vessel. Fullarton then risked his life going out to the stricken ship so he could set up a cradle to carry the crew ashore one at a time.”

Originally painted white, the Obelisk was difficult to sight against the bay's sandhills, so in 1862 two red stripes were added, creating the famous Robe landmark we know today.

Enjoy looking at this historic structure while you can. The soft sandstone cliffs on which it stands have eroded significantly and its future...

We drove around from the main St to get to this location. It's miniutes from town. We were there on a really bad, windy day. There are walking tracks to discover the most eastern part of the bight or exercise those legs. This monument is the very first for Robe to have a warning location to warn of ships in the 1850s as the reefs were about one klm off shore and many ships were wrecked and lost off the reef. The Oblisk stored rockets to use to warn the ships. What is the meaning of the robe obelisk?

Standing at 12.2 meters tall on Cape Dombey and built in 1855, the Obelisk originally served as a vital navigational aid, visible up to 16 kilometres out to sea in clear weather. Over time, it has not only become a symbol of Robe's maritime history but also a cherished part of the...

Not a light house, but a daytime marker for boats, didn't do what it was supposed to once... or you can blame the driver (i always do) given its stripy make-up to feel better about failing the driver to the fact that there are some big ass rocks approaching. Doh! The outcrop the obelisk is clinging onto is getting battered by the waves, I'm sure at some point it will be taken by the ocean itself. If it's a hot day, wear sunnies and a hat, the limestone reflects the sun and kills those blessed with blue eyes.. pastey skins.. you have...