San Remo

San Remo is a charming coastal town on Victoria's Phillip Island, known as the gateway to the island via the bridge from the mainland. With its working fishing port, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, it offers a relaxed seaside escape that pairs perfectly with a Phillip Island itinerary. The town's main street is lined with cafes and fish-and-chip shops, and the jetty area buzzes with pelicans waiting for their daily feed.

Highlights & What to See

• Pelican Feeding: Head to the jetty at noon daily for the free pelican feeding, where these enormous birds put on a show as they gobble up fish scraps.
• San Remo Jetty & Fishing Co-op: Watch the fishing boats come in and buy fresh local catch straight from the co-op – perfect for a seaside picnic.
• Phillip Island Bridge Lookout: Walk or cycle across the bridge for panoramic views of Western Port Bay and the island.
• Beaches: San Remo Beach and the nearby Forrest Caves offer calm waters for swimming, with the latter featuring intriguing rock formations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot little penguins, seals, and dolphins in the waters around the bridge, especially at dusk.
• George Bass Coastal Walk: A scenic 7km clifftop trail connecting San Remo to Kilcunda, with sweeping ocean views and whale-watching opportunities in season.

Suggested Time to Spend

San Remo can be enjoyed as a quick stopover of a couple of hours – perfect for the pelican feeding and a fish-and-chip lunch – or as a full day if you plan to walk the coastal trail and explore the beaches. Many visitors use it as a lunch break en route to Phillip Island, but it's also a lovely base for a night or two if you prefer quieter accommodation than the island's main hub, Cowes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island – Cross the bridge to visit the Penguin Parade, Nobbies Centre, and the Grand Prix Circuit, all just minutes away.
• Kilcunda – A short drive west along the coast; famous for its surf beach, the Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, and the George Bass Coastal Walk.
• Wonthaggi – Inland town with a historic state coal mine and the Wonthaggi Wetlands, great for a family outing.
• Cape Paterson – A laid-back surf beach with the Bunkers Bay rock pools, ideal for snorkelling.
• Koo Wee Rup – On the way from Melbourne, known for its asparagus farms and the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, a birdwatching hotspot.

Please check official sources for current details.