Are you looking for some amazing things to do in San Remo, Victoria? You have come to the right place! San Remo is one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Victoria and is the gateway to Phillip Island. Once a small fishing village, this coastal town now relies heavily on tourism and has many fun activities for first-time visitors and locals alike.
If you are exploring the Gippsland region of Victoria, a visit to San Remo is a must. It is especially popular in the summer but can be enjoyed all year round. This article outlines the top 10 MOST EPIC things to do in San Remo, Victoria!
Where is San Remo?
San Remo is located on the southern coast of Victoria, Australia. You can reach San Remo in about 1.5 hours driving from Melbourne, making it a great weekend and holiday destination. San Remo has been nicknamed “The Gateway to Phillip Island” because it is the town on the mainland end of the bridge that leads to Phillip Island.
If you’re planning to explore Phillip Island, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Phillip Island for my food, drink and activity recos!
The bridge to Phillip Island, as seen from San Remo, Victoria.
How to get to San Remo?
The easiest and fastest way to get to San Remo is by driving your own car. The most direct route is the M1 out of Melbourne and then exiting the M1 onto the C422 at Pakenham. From there, follow signs for Phillip Island via the C422. The trip takes around 1.5 hours with no traffic.
Another driving option, for those without their own car, is car hire. This costs ~$50 AUD per day and can be arranged from a variety of car hire companies in Melbourne. For an idea of car hire pricing and deals, visit the Hertz Australia website here.
The least expensive, and most difficult, way to get to San Remo is by public transport. From Melbourne, the trip via public transport takes anywhere from 2.5 hours up to 4.5 hours and involves a train ride and at least 1-2 different buses. Although the trip can be done by public transport, it requires a lot of time (and patience). I recommend driving your own car to San Remo or hiring one for the trip, to make your life easier.
Driving time from Melbourne to San Remo, Victoria.
How to get around in San Remo?
San Remo is quite small and easily accessible on foot. The town centre is very walkable and can be covered in 15-20 minutes. Cycling is another population option for getting around San Remo, and there are many bike-friendly pathways.
A cyclist-friendly pathway connecting San Remo to Anderson.
Other ways to get around San Remo include driving, taxi and public transport. For more information on taxis in San Remo, visit the Travel Victoria website here.
For more information on public transport in San Remo, check out the South Coast bus website here and the V/Line transport website here.
Where to stay in San Remo?
There are many accommodation options in San Remo, depending on your budget. The choices include luxury resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs and holiday parks (caravans and camping). The easiest way I have found accommodation in San Remo is by using Airbnb. There are many different options in San Remo, with many different price points. Keeping my budget-conscious audience in mind, I have selected four options that are all under $100 AUD/night. Click here to check out my favourite places to stay in San Remo, Victoria.
If caravan parks are more your style, there are two great ones to choose from, both in the heart of San Remo! Consider staying at San Remo Holiday Park (check out their website here) or San Remo Beachfront Caravan Park (click here to view accommodation options and pricing). My recommendation would be San Remo Beachfront Caravan Park because it has direct beach access to Children’s Beach, which leads to Back Beach and the San Remo Coastal Reserve.
Entrance to San Remo Beachfront Caravan Park in San Remo, Victoria.
Top 10 Most Epic Things to do in San Remo, Victoria
San Remo is a nature-lovers paradise and has many different outdoor activities to offer. There are also some amazing food and coffee spots in San Remo that are great to visit before or after your nature walks. Listed below are the top 10 things to do in San Remo, Victoria (in no particular order).
Enjoy the George Bass Coastal Walk
George Bass Coastal Walk is a cliff-top walking trail that runs from the outer edge of San Remo at Punchbowl Road to the Bass Coast Highway in Kilcunda, opposite Kilcunda General Store. This moderately-difficult walking trail offers stunning coastal views of the Bass Strait and gives you access to several beaches, including Half Moon Bay Beach and Shelley Beach.
Scenic viewpoint along the George Bass Coastal Walk.
How much does it cost?
The George Bass Coastal Walk is absolutely free to enjoy. If you plan on spending time in Kilcunda, bring some money along with you to grab a snack from Kilcunda General Store.
Kilcunda General store, which sits directly opposite the George Bass Coastal Walk pathway in Kilcunda, has delicious food and coffee and is a popular stop for walkers and visitors. They are open from 7 am – 5 pm daily (4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays). Click here to check out their food and drink items.
One of many signposts directing walkers along the path to Kilcunda.
How long does it take?
The George Bass Coastal Walk is 9km one way or 18km return. It takes about 5-6 hours to complete the entire trail (or 2.5-3 hours each way) walking at a moderate pace. If you have the time, I recommend doing the full trail. But it is also possible to do one half of the walk (i.e., start in San Remo and walk to Kilcunda, or vice versa).
To do this, you can arrange a car shuffle and drop one car off at the end opposite to where you plan to start walking. Usually, it’s best to plan this with a friend or family member ahead of time. If you don’t have a car, you can catch a bus from San Remo to Kilcunda and then start the walk from there, heading back towards San Remo. Check out the South Coast Bus website here for times and bus stop locations.
Walking track from San Remo to Kilcunda, along the George Bass Coastal Walk.
Things to keep in mind
- Parts of the George Bass Coastal Walk take you down to the beach, so make sure to check tides before setting off. It is best to complete this walk during low tide.
- The walking path is completely exposed to the elements, including rain and wind. Be prepared and always bring a rain jacket and a jumper to keep warm.
- There is parking at both ends of George Bass Coastal Walk, but parking is limited and fills up quickly in the summer months and on weekends. Plan to arrive early!
- There are public toilets and water bottle refilling stations in Kilcunda but nothing on the San Remo end of the trail. Bring plenty of water to drink along the walk.
Visit Bore Beach for Sunset
Bore Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the outskirts of San Remo. This is one of my absolute favourite sunset spots in San Remo and definitely worth the visit. The beach is accessible via wooden stairs that are new and well-maintained. At low tide, you can walk along the beach and search for shells or just sit and listen to the waves crashing.
Where is Bore Beach?
Bore Beach is located at the end of Potters Hill Road, about 5 minutes driving from the centre of San Remo. There is a small parking area at the end of Potters Hill Road just before you walk down a grassy slope towards the stairs that lead to the beach. If you don’t have a car, you can walk from San Remo to Bore Beach in about 25-30 minutes.
Sunset at Bore Beach, San Remo.
Eat Fish & Chips at San Remo Fishermans Co-Op
If you love seafood, a visit to San Remo just isn’t complete without stopping at San Remo Fishermans Co-Op for fish and chips. The Co-Op sources fresh seafood from its own fishing fleet and uses sustainable fishing methods. The variety of seafood available depends on the season and the weather, but usually includes live and cooked lobster, fish, prawns, oysters, scallops, and abalone. Check out their website here for the full list of menu items.
Fish and chips from San Remo Fishermans Co-Op.
Where is San Remo Fishermans Co-Op?
The Co-Op is located at the end of Marine Parade in San Remo, right in front of the San Remo jetty. You can easily enjoy views of San Remo beach, passing boats, and the bridge to Phillip Island while enjoying your fish and chips. Dine-in and takeaway are available, 7 days a week. It’s important to note that The Co-Op accepts card payments only.
Feed the Pelicans at San Remo Beach
Every day at 12 pm, San Remo Fishermans Co-Op feed wild pelicans at San Remo beach. This activity has been done since 1985 by a well-trained staff member of The Co-Op and is regulated by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The birds gather in anticipation of their fresh seafood lunch and you are allowed to stand and watch the pelican feeding. This activity is fun for both adults and kids!
Image by Lou Pie from Pixabay showing the pelican feeding in San Remo, Victoria.
How much does it cost?
It is completely free to watch the pelican feeding activities. The Co-Op has continued the pelican feeding every day for the last 35 years in order to provide food for the hungry pelicans, but also to educate the public on the diet and lifestyle of these birds. It is a great way to see the pelicans up close and also learn more about how we can help protect them.
Where does it happen?
The pelicans are fed every day at 12 pm, on the foreshore next to San Remo pier. Click here to learn more about the pelican feeding on the San Remo Fishermans Co-Op website.
Enjoy coffee and a delicious meal at Porter Republic
This local-owned cafe serves delicious, hearty meals made with fresh ingredients that change with the seasons. Porter Republic has indoor and outdoor seating, funky decor and great coffee. Check out Porter Rublic’s Facebook page here for their full menu, including seasonal features, and their opening hours. If you’re visiting for brunch, I recommend the breakfast burger (it was delicious and kept me full for the rest of the day) and their dirty chai lattes! Yum!
Funky decor outside Porter Republic in San Remo, Victoria.
Where is Porter Republic?
Porter Republic can be found along Marine Parade, just before IGA San Remo. It is very close to the bridge, making it easy to stop off and grab a coffee or meal before continuing on to enjoy Phillip Island. They are open Tuesday – Sunday (and closed Monday).
Walk the San Remo Coastal Circuit
The San Remo Coastal Circuit is an easy-grade walking trail that can be completed as a 2.5km loop or a 4km out-and-back coastal walk. This scenic walking track has epic views of Cape Woolami on Phillip Island, the bridge to Phillip Island and Western Port. Starting from San Remo, the track takes you around Davis Point and then continues along Children’s Beach and Back Beach.
Tip: Both Children’s Beach and Back Beach are great swimming spots in the summer!
San Remo Coastal Circuit walking track.
How much does it cost?
The San Remo Coastal Circuit is free to enjoy. Bring some money with you if you plan to grab food or drinks in San Remo before or after your nature walk.
How long goes it take?
If you choose to complete the San Remo Coastal Circuit as a loop, the walking distance is 2.5 km and takes around 40 minutes to complete. If you choose to complete the San Remo Coastal Circuit as an out-and-back coastal walk, the distance is 4 km and takes around one hour to complete. Both routes are very scenic, so leave extra time for snapping photos along the way!
Things to keep in mind
- Tides and weather conditions change quickly along the coast. Always check the weather and tide reports, and plan your walk accordingly.
- Parking is available in San Remo along Marine Parade, Davis Point Road and Lions Park. Parking is also available along Back Beach Road.
- San Remo is a popular holiday destination in the summer months. If you are visiting in peak season, expect San Remo Coastal Circuit to be busy and parking to be limited.
- There are public toilets at the San Remo Foreshore car park and Lions Park car park in San Remo.
San Remo Coastal Circuit viewpoint.
Treat yourself at San Remo- Ice Cream Confectionary
If you’re looking for something sweet to try, Sweetly is San Remo’s best ice cream and sorbet shop. They have a huge range of ice cream, sorbet, lollies, chocolates, slushies and milkshakes to choose from. They even have vegan ice cream and soy milk for those with special dietary requirements. I wasn’t able to find an online menu, so you’ll just have to visit for yourself and see what the fuss is all about!
Where is San Remo- Ice Cream Confectionary?
Sweetly is located on Marine Parade in San Remo, just before the bridge to Phillip Island. It is a short walk across the road to San Remo beach, so you can enjoy the beautiful view while eating your ice cream. They are open Wednesday – Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).
Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay.
Sample homemade fudge at BEANd
If ice cream isn’t your sweet of choice, don’t worry- BEANd has you covered! They sell delicious homemade fudge in many different flavours, as well as tasty baked goods such as lemon tarts, cakes and doughnuts. Check out their Facebook page here to see their full menu, including breakfast, lunch, fudge, sweets, tea and coffee.
Where is BEANd San Remo?
BEANd is located on Marine Parade, directly beside San Remo- Ice Cream and Confectionary and is open 7 days a week. They have indoor and outdoor seating available, with great views of San Remo Park and the Phillip Island bridge.
Image by Woelfchen78 from Pixabay.
Head to Back Beach for a Swim
If you’re visiting San Remo in the hot summer months, then a swim at Back Beach is a must! I recommend swimming at this beach because it is sheltered from the wind and quite shallow, making the water calm and relatively warm.
Tip: If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded beach this one is probably not for you, as it can get very busy in the summer. But if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off without venturing too far away from San Remo, Back Beach will do the trick nicely. Expect families, as there is a playground close by.
Back Beach in San Remo, Victoria.
Where is Back Beach?
Back Beach can be found on Back Beach Road in San Remo. It can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot from Marine Parade, or 2 minutes in a car. Free parking and public toilets are available for use by visitors.
Cycle the San Remo to Anderson Shared Pathway
If you love biking, then you will enjoy the Anderson to San Remo Shared Pathway. This well-maintained cycling path offers great views over Western Port, San Remo and the Phillip Island bridge. The shared pathway runs from Potters Hill Road in San Remo, following alongside Phillip Island Road to the B460 turn-off, and then travels southeast along B460 to Anderson. Biking this pathway is great for anyone looking to capture a “birds-eye view” of the area, as there are plenty of rolling hills that offer great viewpoints from the top.
Scenic viewpoint along the San Remo to Anderson shared pathway.
How much does it cost?
If you have your own bike, then cycling the San Remo to Anderson Shared Pathway is completely free to enjoy. If you don’t have your own bike, you can choose to walk the path (which is also free!) or rent a bicycle for the day. Bikes can be hired from Island Bike Hire located in Cowes, on Phillip Island. The day rate is $60/day. Island Bike Hire offers free delivery outside of Cowes for bookings of 24 hours or longer. See their website here for more details.
How long does it take?
The return track (San Remo – Anderson – San Remo) is 8km and takes around 2 hours to complete. There are a few steep inclines which may increase your cycling time slightly.
Things to keep in mind
- This activity is considered moderate-difficult grade due to steep inclines. Bring lots of water along with you.
- There are public toilets located at the Anderson roundabout bus interchange.
- This shared pathway is relatively exposed to the elements, especially when at the top of the rolling hills. Expect it to be windy.
- If it is raining or has rained recently, the gravel sections of the pathway may become slippery. Slow down and take caution, especially on the downhill sections.
Signpost showing steep incline on San Remo to Anderson shared pathway.
I hope this post has given you inspiration for some amazing things to do in San Remo, Victoria. The Gippsland region is filled with places to explore, and I have provided you with the top 10 things to do in and around San Remo to get you started. If you have any questions or think I missed something, please leave me a comment below! And if you’ve already visited San Remo, Victoria I would love to hear from you about your experience and favourite spots!