Guide to Robertstown South Australia Australia

Robertstown is a farming town of about 220 people on the Worlds End Highway, 23 kilometres north of Eudunda and 45 kilometres south of Burra. It sits on a flat east of the Tothill Range, close to Goyder’s Line, the boundary surveyed in 1865 between country that could be cropped and country fit only for grazing.

For travellers it is a quiet stop on the back road from the Barossa to Burra, with a free camp that suits caravans.

Known For

• A free camp and dump point at the oval
• The Lavender Federation Trail and the Heysen Trail nearby
• The back road from the Barossa to Burra

Things To Do in Robertstown

Worlds End Highway

The sealed road between Eudunda and Burra runs through open sheep and wheat country dotted with stone ruins, left by farmers who pushed too far into dry country in the 1870s. Robertstown is the main stop along it, and Burra Creek Gorge is 20 minutes north.

Walking Trails

A 7.5 kilometre spur of the Lavender Federation Trail, which runs 325 kilometres from Murray Bridge to Clare, leads into the town. The Heysen Trail follows the Tothill Range about ten kilometres to the west.

Around Town

The main street has a pub, a few stone buildings from the 1870s and two playgrounds. Ask at the cafe for local directions to the ruins and lookouts in the ranges.

Where To Stay

There is little formal accommodation in the town.

Robertstown Oval in Commercial Street is a free campground with toilets, showers, water, barbecues and a public dump point. You may need to ring the number on the gate for a key to the amenities. Burra Creek Gorge has free bush camping further north.

Eat & Drink

The Robertstown Hotel serves meals, and Old Store 17 Cafe, in a historic shop, does coffee and lunch. Opening days are limited, so check before counting on either.

History

Robertstown is on Ngadjuri country. It was laid out in 1871 on what had been called Emu Flats and named after John Roberts, the first postmaster. A branch railway from Eudunda opened in 1914 and closed about 1990.

Getting to Robertstown

From Adelaide, drive through Kapunda and Eudunda and continue north on the Worlds End Highway, about two hours in all. The road is sealed and fine for caravans.