SA town of Robe tipped to be the next Byron Bay

11 hours ago 3

Forget the Hemsworth effect – there’s a new coastal paradise on the horizon, and it’s right here in South Australia.

Experts are tipping the charming coastal hamlet of Robe as a prime contender to become the next Byron Bay, alongside Phillip Island in Victoria.

Think laid-back village vibes, stunning surf beaches, and a growing sense of community that’s attracting astute investors from across the country.

And the best part? You don’t need a Hollywood budget to get in on the action.

While Byron Bay’s property prices have skyrocketed into the stratosphere, Robe offers a similar lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.

It comes as Ray White economics team research has revealed the best places to buy a holiday home under $1m with room to boom, and why the middle of winter might be the best time to sign up for a seachange.

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Tait and Tait Real Estate’s Linda Tait, right, and her assistant Hannah Munro, left. Picture: Kristal Baker.

While those on a budget can still score a property bargain for under $300,000 in Port Augusta and Port Pirie, investors looking for a little more beachside appeal are best to place their bets on the state’s south east where beautiful beaches, delicious seafood and big swells are attracting new investors in troves.

Homes in Robe have already seen prices surge by over 100 per cent since 2020, with the average house now selling for $553,745.

And while Chris Hemsworth might not be a local (yet!), Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson already knows the secret, with Robe being his family’s home town.

Linda Tait, who has run Tait and Tait Real Estate plus Robe Getaways for the past 14 years, said Robe’s village feel was a key factor in driving buyer demand.

“We’re lucky enough we’re away from major airports and a few hours’ drive from Adelaide, which gives us the opportunity to keep that village feel,” she said.

“People love that they can walk down the street, kids can ride their bikes, and families can enjoy Long Beach, where you can drive onto the sand.”

Ms Tait said values spiked during Covid like most of the country, but unlike other similar areas, the market had held its values since.

“Covid brought more South Australians to Robe, where previously they may have gone to Victor Harbor,” she said.

“Our Covid spike was around 22 per cent and we’ve held those prices. This year, we’ve seen an 18 per cent growth from 2024.”

Ray White Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee said those looking to snag a beachside bargain should consider the cooler months to make their move.

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Hannah Munro and Linda Tait. Picture: Kristal Baker.

Besides Robe, Ms Conisbee flagged Wallaroo, Moonta, Victor Harbor and Christies Beach as top contenders for beachside investments under $1m.

“Selling in winter in a beach side location is generally not something people do. If they are selling, they are potentially a highly motivated seller and that’s where you could get a bargain,” she said.

“Reduced competition means better deals and more favourable negotiation terms. While summer offers more choices, winter offers a higher chance to save money.

Phillip Island in Victoria is also being touted as a potential “next Byron,” offering a similar surf lifestyle and community appeal.

And unlike Robe, the former Block destination has one big advantage over other contenders nationwide: the Hemsworths already own a home there.

Property records show Liam and Chris Hemsworth, along with their parents Craig and Leonie, bought a home for $1.6m in a secluded pocket of Phillip Island in 2012.

“What’s happening with Byron Bay is that it’s spread out to north and south, so a lot like capital cities where, if you can’t afford one area, you move on to a neighbouring one and that keeps pushing up prices,” Ms Conisbee said.

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

“So for many, it’s become quite an unaffordable coast area.

“So for people seeking a similar lifestyle, Phillip Island is becoming quite popular. It has a surf beach and village feel … similar to Robe in SA.”

Phillip Island based real estate agent Greg Davis said the popular spot had been going through a transformation since the pandemic that was making it more like Byron Bay than ever before.

He adds that in addition to Hollywood heart-throbs the Hemsworths, others calling it their home away from home included famous musicians, sporting greats and business leaders.

“It’s certainly on the map now, with TV shows for travel, The Block and other real estate shows coming out here.”

– with Tim McIntyre and Nathan Mawby