San Remo

San Remo is a charming coastal town on the Bass Coast of Victoria, best known as the gateway to Phillip Island. This working fishing village offers a genuine slice of seaside life with its bustling jetty, fresh seafood, and sweeping views of Western Port. The town's iconic concrete bridge connects the mainland to Phillip Island, making it a natural stop for travellers exploring the region.

Highlights & What to See

• San Remo Jetty & Fishermen's Co-op: Watch the daily catch come in, buy freshly cooked fish and chips, and spot pelicans being fed at 11am and 2pm.
• Pelican Feeding: A free, family-friendly spectacle where local fishermen toss scraps to a flock of pelicans – a beloved daily ritual.
• George Bass Coastal Walk: A stunning 7 km clifftop trail between San Remo and Kilcunda, offering dramatic ocean views, wildflowers, and whale-watching opportunities (June–September).
• San Remo Foreshore Reserve: A grassy picnic area with playground, barbecue facilities, and a safe swimming beach, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
• Phillip Island Bridge: Walk or drive across this historic bridge for panoramic views of the coast and the chance to see dolphins playing in the channel.
• Local Seafood: Don't miss the flake, calamari, and scallop pies from the co-op or nearby takeaways – some of the best on the coast.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a few hours in San Remo – enough to enjoy the pelican feeding, grab a seafood lunch, and stretch your legs along the coastal walk. If you're staying on Phillip Island, it's worth a quick detour on your way in or out. For a more immersive experience, consider an overnight stop to explore the Bass Coast's quieter beaches and walking trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island – Just across the bridge, home to the famous Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and the Grand Prix circuit.
• Kilcunda – A small surf village with a historic trestle bridge, rock pools, and the scenic Bass Coast Rail Trail.
• Cape Paterson – Known for its safe swimming bay, fossil cliffs, and the Bells Beach-style surf break.
• Wonthaggi – A historic coal-mining town with the State Coal Mine museum and a vibrant farmers' market.
• Inverloch – A popular family beach town with the rugged Eagles Nest lookout and the Bunurong Marine National Park.

Please check official sources for current details.