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The gateway to Phillip Island and the starting point of the dramatic Bass Coast.

San Remo is an idyllic seaside town. Playful pelicans and fishing trawlers bob in the channel, under the backdrop of the impressive San Remo Bridge.

Things to do in San Remo

Head to the beach for a swim in sheltered waters. Childrens and Back Beach are popular swimming spots thanks to their smaller swells.

For the freshest fish and chips, head to San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op with stunning views over the very waters where your meal was caught.

The pier is the departure point for Wildlife Coast Cruises to spot whales, dolphins and seals or indulge on a sunset or lunch cruise. Phillip Island ThunderCat Tours take you on an exhilarating ride in a race boat to explore the cliffs and caves of Cape Woolamai, accessible only by boat.

View of jetties in San Remo

San Remo restaurants & cafes

For a post or pre-beach time snack, Smith’s Bar and Beach Food offer a range of goodies including great coffee, delicious pastries, wraps, vegan treats and a selection of local products and produce.

San Remo Hotel sources produce to execute their bistro menu, including Gippsland porkbelly sliders and beer-battered Bass Strait gummy fillets. The Westernport Hotel is where you can enjoy traditional pub fare, cold beers, and a range of local live music acts on weekends.

Signature cocktails, fish tacos and a coastal island vibe make Kelp one of San Remo’s hottest and newest destinations to dine and imbibe.

Where to stock up

  • IGA San Remo has an ever increasing focus on local produce from oil, honey and seafood, to in-store hydroponic lettuce.
  • Take home fresh local seafood, plucked daily from Bass Strait, at San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op or Bass Strait Direct.
  • Island Organics (Newhaven) for fresh fruit & veg, Invy Baker bread.

San Remo beach

San Remo Beach opens in to the channel and is usually a gentle swimming beach, protected from the larger ocean swells. The channel is also a great spot for fishing, as the tides change. Further down the coast, usually calm Childrens and Back Beach are popular swimming spots with low waves and no rips.

Patrolled: No

Hazards: Windy at times.

Foreshore: 200m relatively protected sandy shore under the Phillip Island Bridge. The beach is backed by a grassy foreshore reserve with good picnic facilities.

Activities: Swimming, fishing and picnicking.

Boat Launching: No

Access: Short easy walk from street parking across grassy reserve to beach.

Phillip Island sunset over cliff face

For more information on places to explore, accommodation and events, head to visitphillipisland.com

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Explore San Remo's surrounds

Penguin Parade Viewing Platform

Penguin Parade

Fall in love with Phillip Island’s furry mascot, the little penguin, as they waddle from the ocean to their burrows every night.

Couple drinking in vines at Phillip Island Winery

Phillip Island Drink Trail

The perfect drinks trail through Phillip Island’s wineries, breweries and distilleries, with side trips to explore its famed beaches and wildlife.

Cowes family walking alongside the beach

Cowes

Cowes is the heart of Phillip Island, a resort-style town flush with eateries and accommodation.

Rhyll Inlet Boardwalk couple walking along boardwalk

Rhyll

This sheltered port is a favourite for fishing-fanciers. The long jetty is an iconic piece of the landscape.

People picnicking on Foreshore in Cowes

Phillip Island

An island at the edge of Melbourne’s outer-reaches, where impossibly cute little penguins waddle ashore from magical ocean beaches.

Three surfers walk along the beach at Cape Woolamai Phillip Island

Phillip Island Beaches

Phillip Island boasts some of the best beaches in Victoria. A surfing hotspot, the swells make for year-round adventures.

Bass Coast Rail Trail aerial view of rider along coastal track in soft light

Bass Coast Rail Trail

23km | Woolamai - Wonthaggi | Feast on panoramic views of the dramatic Bass Strait along Victoria’s only coastal rail trail. As Victoria’s only coastal rail…

George Bass Coastal Walk Kilcunda person and dog walking along path with ocean and green hills

George Bass Coastal Walk

7km, 2 hrs one way | San Remo - Kilcunda | Discover the Bass Coast’s unique beauty, taking in dramatic cliff top views and secluded beaches. Few walks offer…

Pier at sunset in Newhaven

Newhaven

Nautical vibes run strong here - stroll the marina, cast a line or launch your boat into the calm waters of Western Port.

Ventor couple walking along the beach

Ventnor

This tiny town is home to a handful of stores and eateries, and plenty of B&Bs for the tranquility-seekers.

Couple standing on rock overlooking Tidal River Wilsons Promontory

South Gippsland Beaches

Find your happy place amongst this stretch of coastline set to satisfy, with plunging cliffs, gentle turquoise waters and squeaky sand.

Couple at summit of Mt Oberon Wilsons Promontory crop

Penguins to Prom Drive

210km | 3 hours. Embark on a star studded journey between two of Victoria's most loved spots, Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. This is a short and…

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