The Robe Branch of the National Trust operates a museum and cares for two State Heritage sites owned by National Trust, as well as an important collection of heritage objects and documents. Our volunteers are also actively involved in researching local history, providing guided tours, and working with schools to create engaging programs linked to the history curriculum.
The Robe branch is responsible for caring for the old Police Stables and the field station established by the CSIRO (then CSIR) in the 1930s, where internationally ground-breaking research was carried out relating to trace element deficiencies in agricultural production. We are currently fundraising for a major restoration project to preserve the stables and open them to the public.
Our volunteers also operate the Robe Customs House Maritime Museum https://explore.history.sa.gov.au/organisation/robe-customs-house-museum/
A primary focus is historic research and making local history accessible. Our volunteers are available as guides for bus tours visiting Robe, and offer school programs for local and visiting schools, both primary and secondary. We are open to working with schools to ensure what we offer fits with current history and cultural curriculums. We also run a regular series of guided walking tours, which are available for group and individual bookings.
Available to assist with public inquiries relating to Robe, our experienced researchers include community historian and bestseller author Liz Harfull, whose books include Almost an Island: the Story of Robe and Guichen Bay and the Chinese Landings.
A current project involves partnering with the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to research the wreck of the Koning Willem II in Guichen Bay in 1857. This project also involves working with First Nations representatives to develop a better understanding of the history of the Meintangk and Bungaditj peoples of our area.