San Remo
Quick facts
- Population approximately 859
- 125 kilometres south of Melbourne
- Pelican feeding
- Fishing.
San Remo is the gateway to Phillip Island on the eastern entrance of Western Port. It was settled in 1840 when the deep water port at Griffiths Point was used to export local products such as wattlebark, farm produce and cattle. In the 1870s coal was transported to the port from nearby Kilcunda via a tramway, and shipped to Melbourne. The township that grew up along the port became a popular tourist spot and in 1888 was renamed San Remo after the town on the Italian Riviera.
Before the suspension bridge was built in 1940 visitors had to rely on ferries to access Phillip Island. The bridge had a limit of 6 tons and tourist buses had to unload before crossing. A new concrete bridge was opened in 1969.
San Remo offers diverse accommodation options, from caravan parks to motels and newly opened resort. There is a shopping centre, medical clinic and community care centre. Tennis, squash and bowling greens are available and there is a sheltered safe beach and an excellent surf beach in town.
San Remo is a significant ocean and bay fishing port and the San Remo Fisherman’s Cooperative the leading supplier of fresh fish for the region. Holidaymakers can enjoy ocean fishing and boat charters that leave from the jetty.
The pelicans are fed daily at 12pm on the foreshore and there are barbeques, playgrounds and toilets on Marine Parade and Back Beach Road.
Take in the scenery and historic landmarks on foot – the George Bass Coastal Walk begins at the southern end of Punchbowl Road and is a scenic six kilometre walk (one way) to Kilcunda. Or wander along the foreshore ramble to Bore Beach where the historic coal bore can be seen and on to Shelly Beach, Griffiths Point and Quarry Rocks, where stone was quarried around 1870 to build business chambers in Melbourne.
Activities and attractions
- Buy fresh seafood from the fishing co-op
- Watch the pelican feeding at the wharf at 12pm each day
- Fish from the jetty or take a fishing charter out into the ocean
- Wander the village shops
- Lunch in one of the local hotels or cafes
- Take in stunning coastal scenery along the George Bass Coastal Walk.
How to get there
San Remo is located 125 kilometres south-east of Melbourne – under 2 hours drive from Melbourne. Travel along the South Gippsland Highway from Melbourne, turning onto Bass Highway to follow the road through Grantville and Bass before turning off to San Remo.
