Things to Do in San Remo
San Remo, Victoria 3925
San Remo connects the Australian mainland to Phillip Island with a bridge in its centre.
Named after the Italian Riviera resort, it provides the perfect gateway to the tourist hotspot of Phillip Island, with its spectacular beaches and fun array of activities. It once was home to Australia’s largest shark fishing fleet but its main source of income now is through tourism. A large part of the tourism comes from the pelican feeding which has become somewhat of a staple viewing activity for those on the way to Phillip Island.
The commercial centre of San Remo is packed full of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and souvenir shops, as well as plenty of picnic areas around the sprawling, sandy beach. It is a popular fishing port, where visitors can watch the boats return with their catches of the day, and tuck into some delicious fresh dishes with sea views.
Things to do & see in San Remo
-
Eat Fresh Fish at the San Remo Fish N Chippery
San Remo is known for its extensive selection of fresh seafood restaurants, but if you want to delve into an even more authentic experience, you can head out on a charter boat and catch your own fish to cook. The best place for authentic and fresh fish and chips is at the San Remo Fish N Chippery. The business began in 1948 by the San Remo Fishermen’s Co-Op and over the course of time, the company has added extra features to their co-op such as an eating area which was re-designed in 2010 to seat 60 customers. The views of the shore are a spectacular sight for you to enjoy while you taste some locally caught seafood.
-
Explore the History of the town of San Remo
The ancient scenery of San Remo is stunning, spanning the length of the coastline with an eclectic display of soaring cliffs and deserted beaches. At Quarry Rocks, you can discover the area where stone was quarried to build banks and business chambers in Melbourne centuries ago. You can discover this area by taking the Old Granite Quarry Walk which spans for 5.6 kilometres. It crosses by Cape Woolamai and to the site of the old quarry.
-
Live Like a Local
The lively ambiance of central San Remo is second to none. In the bustling heart of the town, you can duck into local cafes and try native dishes at family-run restaurants. Visit the San Remo Bakehouse, home to award-winning pies and artisan bread. Elsewhere, there are local galleries to explore, and excellent wildlife encounters to be had – head down to the jetty, where you can watch and feed the local pelicans. As the afternoon wears on, grab a picnic on the sandy beach or in the designated picnic areas. Alternatively, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the fresh bakeries that line the town centre.
-
Cycle Around the Cowes Jetty
Cycling is a huge activity in this part of Australia, thanks to the stunning scenery and crisscrossing coastal trails. Start your trip at the bridge that travels to Phillip Island, and finish up at the Cowes Jetty having passed a collection of fun and exciting attractions along the way. If you’re searching for more of a challenge, why not try the trail from San Remo to Churchill Island. The route is around 12.55 kilometres, perfect for intermediates cyclers. It should take less than an hour to complete and will take you across the bridge from San Remo, to the town of Newhaven before you travel on to Churchill Island.
-
Take a Hike to Kilcunda
If you’d rather travel by foot than by bicycle, check out the George Bass Coastal Walk, which takes you from the soaring cliffs of San Remo to Kilcunda. Along the way, you’ll get to walk in historic footprints, taking in ancient scenery and important locations from Australia’s past.
-
Visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Just a few kilometres out of San Remo, you’ll come across the magical attraction that is the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Venture inside to discover a world where the theme of the day is always decadent chocolate and creamy sweets. Apart from there being a retail shop and café at the factory to satisfy all your sugar cravings, there are a range of activities and displays that are sure to delight the entire family. Marvel at the world’s largest chocolate waterfall, a miniature village made entirely of chocolate or even make your own masterpiece to test out your chocolatier skills!
-
Learn about the past at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum
Originally a mobile museum travelling across Australia thanks to the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. The exhibits are now displayed at the museum in Newhaven; however, the museum’s first base was in San Remo. In the new location, there has been an expansion of displays that include a Light & Sound Show, changing exhibitions and a large collection of artefacts generously donated and collected from the soldiers of the Vietnam War.
-
Cruise at the Kustom Nationals Festival
Each year, San Remo hosts the Kustom Nationals Beach Party, a display of pre 76’s vehicles that have been modified by their enthusiastic owners. The festival will also feature rockabilly bands playing over the 3-day festival. Hot rod lovers from all over Australia make their way to this festival to check out the wild modifications made on the cars as well as enjoy the stalls from lifestyle traders and the entertainment that is on daily throughout the event.