Most seaside towns look peaceful enough from a distance, but San Remo, sitting pretty beside the San Remo Bridge, is the real deal – a place where the salty air, the sight of fishing boats chugging along and the morning pelican feeding routine just gives you a sense that you’ve walked into somewhere with heaps of character. My first visit was after a long run down the Bass Highway past Western Port with a thermos of cold coffee sloshing around and my head still reeling from the road noise – but San Remo somehow managed to knock the road right out of me.
It’s the kind of place where you roll in, grab a feed at the San Remo Fish N Chippery, watch the tide pushing through The Narrows onto Phillip Island and feel your whole body relax a bit.
- FREE Duration: 1–3 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Marine Parade, San Remo, VIC
- Travel Time: 90-minute drive from Melbourne
- Activity Level: Easy / Family-friendly
Planning Your Coastal Stop-In
San Remo is one of those places where you really do need to slow down – take in the fishing boats, the way the water laps at the tidal flats, and all the old-world stories that are just hiding behind the modern cafes. People will be chatting about Van Diemen’s Land shipping routes, and you’ll see packets of La Pasta on the supermarket shelves – a nod to northern Italian techniques and locally sourced Durum Wheat processed through a local food network.
San Remo is also a great place to stop for the night – with shops, servo, walking tracks, and that all-important coffee hit before crossing onto Phillip Island. Midweek is probably the best time to go – it’s so much quieter then.
Walking The Coastline Without Rushing It
San Remo’s coastal paths are easy and scenic – and you can really feel the Bass Strait wind whizzing in, especially if you wander towards Griffith’s Point. I watched the clouds rolling in and thought to myself, “Time to strap up that hat”.
- San Remo Foreshore Trail: easy, family-friendly – great for pelican watching
- George Bass Coastal Walk: head to Kilcunda for rugged cliffs, open hills and coastal views
Tip: Even on the warmest days, that wind is always going to remind you who’s boss out here.
Finding Fresh Seafood
San Remo’s fishing history is still very much alive, with the San Remo Fisherman’s Cooperative acting as the local hub for boats heading out at dawn – while pelicans wait patiently for their share (one even tried to swipe a bait bucket last time I was there).
- fresh fish from the co-op
- San Remo Fish N Chippery for a quick feed
- local pubs overlooking the channel – ideal for a relaxed meal
You can even grab some local seafood, a packet of La Pasta, and cook up a simple pasta dish in your accommodation – a mix of Italian tradition and Aussie ingredients that always hits the spot.
Crossing The Waterway Toward The Island
Traveller Wisdom Earned The Hard Way
I’ve had my fair share of rookie mistakes here – including underestimating the tide, nearly getting blown off my feet by a sudden gust, and even losing my hat to the wind.
Some things to watch out for:
- Don’t even think about parking at the jetty on weekends, especially during a Pelican Feeding event
- The winds can be pretty vicious – think espresso machine gone haywire
- Those pelicans will snag anything that isn’t tied down – so keep your gear secure
- The tide can change fast around The Narrows, so always check your charts
On the other hand, here are a few tricks:
- bring a windbreaker – trust me
- get out there early to beat the Mornington Peninsula crowds
- stock up on seafood and pasta ingredients before supermarkets get busy
A Quick Look At Local Weather Patterns
San Remo sits in a zone where Port Phillip Bay’s influence meets Bass Strait’s unpredictability.
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) averages (valid 2024):
| Season | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 23–26 | 13–16 | high UV, strong sea breeze |
| Autumn | 18–22 | 10–14 | calmest walking season |
| Winter | 12–15 | 6–9 | storm fronts, big swells |
| Spring | 16–20 | 9–13 | windy conditions, unpredictable weather |
If the weather turns quickly, don’t panic — it happens more often here than a barista talking about temperature stability on a San Remo Café Racer espresso machine.
Local Culture And Respectful Travel
San Remo sits on the land of the Kulin Nation. People have been connected to the waters here for much longer than the Europeans who eventually arrived. When you’re exploring areas such as Griffith’s Point, the coastal dunes, or the tidal zones, please be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye out for roped-off nesting areas.
The mix of cultures in San Remo today includes fishing families, long-term locals and some Italian heritage. People here have taken an Italian passion for pasta making, focusing on quality ingredients like Durum wheat, and put their own spin on it. You can see this reflected in local food and in supermarket brands that have expanded beyond town.
A No-Nonsense Packing List
You don’t need expedition gear, but you do need to be respectful of the coastline.
The Must-Haves:
- windbreaker or jacket to keep you dry
- refillable water bottle
- hat with chin strap so it doesn’t blow away
- good quality sunscreen
- sturdy walking shoes
- battery pack to keep your phone charged
Some Nice To Haves:
- binoculars for a close-up view of sea life
- picnic rug to enjoy a snack by the water
- pasta machine to cook with local ingredients
- coffee kit if you enjoy great coffee (you might hear debates about machines like San Remo Zoe vs San Remo Opera)
On A Good Day Out
San Remo is a place that knows how to keep things real. You won’t see bright lights or giant attractions, just a quiet, authentic place with fishing boats, coastal walks, pasta, and a bridge that takes you somewhere different on the other side of the water. It’s one of those places where you slow down without even trying.
If you’ve been here with Australia Tours or explored on your own along the George Bass Coastal Walk or Griffith’s Point, I’d love to hear your stories – I’m always up for comparing notes with fellow travel enthusiasts.
