One could call “San Remo Gateway To Phillip Island Wildlife And Attractions” a sound travel slogan, but in truth it is just what you will find. For a day trip out of Melbourne, there is no better place to put down your base than San Remo, the final mainland point before the bridge. It is where you go to see the pelicans and have some seafood, do a coastal walk or get your affairs in order before the island’s traffic and prices start to mount.
My name is Madeline Ashcroft. I put forward travel advice that has less of the brochure talk and more of what is likely to catch one unawares. On those terms San Remo Victoria is worth looking at. You will not faff about here; it is small and straightforward, and close enough to the good stuff on Phillip Island to be a fine lunch spot, an overnight stop or a launch pad.
First-Time Visitors: A Quick Start
You will not be stuck in a car park queue to begin the day in San Remo, which is how it should be. It is a good fit for the photographer, the couple or family wanting a simple way in to the island’s wildlife, and anyone who prefers the ambience of a fishing town to a holiday strip in full swing.
The mistake is to drive through San Remo instead of making a pause of it. You can put in a short time and still have the San Remo pelican feeding, a fish and chip, some waterfront and an easy passage over to the island.
For Whom?
Day-trippers from Melbourne and those with an eye for wildlife will find San Remo to their liking, as will anyone wanting some atmosphere along with the logistics. With its manageable distances and no-fuss route, if you have a single day to spare it is a part of the Bass Coast to put first.
Reality Check
You might expect a sleepy town and little else. In fact there is plenty of waterfront and food and wildlife to be had, and its position on the map is of use. There is nothing ostentatious about it, which is as it should be.
The Case For The Mainland
From San Remo you have room to breathe prior to the main event on Phillip Island. Make a decision on whether you are after penguins, koalas, a beach or walking trail, or whether you would rather not be circling for a parking space for half the afternoon. You can put fuel in the tank, have lunch and see what the weather is like.
I would say this is where being a practical traveller trumps over-ambitious packing. Should the wind pick up or the weather get rough as guts, or the kids turn feral and dusty, San Remo is a Plan B that is still a proper outing.
Drive Times And Location
Under normal circumstances the 140 kilometres from central Melbourne via the South Gippsland and Bass highways will take anything from 2 to 2 hours 20 minutes by car, all depending on the roadworks, school holidays and how many coffee stops turn into a longer sojourn at the bakery.
Once you are in San Remo it is 20 to 25 minutes to Cowes on Phillip Island. Allow 35 to 45 for the Penguin Parade, more so when congestion builds up around the evening sessions. Cape Woolamai is nearer, some 10 to 15 minutes over the bridge.
What People Overlook
Evening traffic for the Penguin Parade is underestimated, particularly in the warmer months and long weekends. And do not think to wing your times on the day. Have a look at the official word from Phillip Island Nature Parks on session changes due to the season and sunset before you set off. Check official Phillip Island visitor information from Visit Victoria for the current visitor information you need for planning.
Around Town
There is no need to cross to the island to do something of value in San Remo. Being a compact town you can make one parking job of it, have a decent meal and cover a few local attractions. If you have older relatives or children who get irritable in the car, a brief amble on the waterfront does wonders.
Pelicans And The Foreshore
There is no better local ritual than to put in an appearance for the pelican feeding at San Remo. In fact, the San Remo pelicans are quite the drawcard and make for one of the more straightforward family affairs in the vicinity; you will not be put to any test of saint-like patience or require a pair of hiking boots and top notch fitness.
That said, do not have your day hinged on a particular minute unless you have made confirmation of it on arrival, as the feeding can be called off for operational reasons or simply because of the weather. Make sure to arrive with time to spare to secure parking at San Remo and a vantage point that is decent if you are with young ones.
San Remo Pier And Waterfront
What you have at the San Remo Pier and foreshore are unadorned pleasures well executed. An angler or two and some seabirds are to be expected, along with the light shifting over the water and a certain salty, no-nonsense fishing town atmosphere that says this is where the locals are, not only the tourists.
For the photographer, the hours around sunrise and late afternoon are ideal. A bright and unforgiving day will leave the midday light as flat as a pancake whereas the clouds of a late evening will lend the bridge and water some form.
Seafood And Main Street
The claim of being a fishing village in San Remo is no marketing exercise. One does not have to look hard for an excuse to put in a stop for local seafood, be it a fish and chip or a café lunch before you put in some miles to the boardwalks or beaches. I would advise getting in your meal before the dinner rush sets in if you have the Penguin Parade in your plans. You do not want to be left queuing for food and then for parking and then having to put up with wildlife viewing in a bad temper.
Wildlife On The Island
Cross the bridge and for most the Phillip Island wildlife is what they are there for. The big attractions have their following but you are better to be realistic in your planning rather than attempt to fit every lookout and animal into an overfull day. Madeline Ashcroft has a rule for it: one minor stop and two of the major experiences. Put more on the agenda and the day becomes an obstacle course of snack and toilet breaks.
Penguins After Sunset
Then there is the headline act, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. It is the way to see the little penguins come ashore and the raison d’etre for many a traveller.
Some may fancy a free view from the roadside, but an organised parade is the right option for an ethical and dependable experience. With rangers in charge and access controlled, disturbance to the wildlife is kept at bay. Unofficial spotting is not to be relied upon and tends to bring out the worst in people near the nesting grounds.
The times of the parade are dictated by the sunset, not a clock, so in summer you will be out later and in winter earlier. For holiday periods at least, book in advance.
Koalas And Boardwalks
A visit to the Koala Conservation Centre is an easy call for groups of all ages. The elevated boardwalks are far more accommodating for koala watching than making your way through the bush, and for those who would rather not be on a long trek it is just the ticket. On patchy days it is a good nature experience without the exposure you would get on a more rugged coastal track.
Clifftops And Seal Country
The Nobbies and its centre offer ocean views and dramatic scenery, and if the season is right you may spot short-tailed shearwaters and other seabirds. The wind on the Nobbies boardwalk has a way of flapping you about like a shopping receipt, so put on a layer even if the mainland was mild.
The lookouts in the area have their appeal for those wanting to see the nature parks of Phillip Island in a broader sense. But conditions can turn in a hurry on a rough day, so stay on the marked platforms and keep an eye on the children.
Cape Woolamai
If your preference is for surf beach and a more expansive landscape, Cape Woolamai is the place for it. It is fine walking but in poor weather or for anyone with mobility issues it is not always suited to beginners. A strong wind will make the tracks seem harder work than the internet would have you believe.
Make the most of a brief trip by sticking to the more accessible vantage points and beach views; there is no need to put in for every trail segment. And if your time is limited to a day, one would be unwise to combine a full walk at Cape Woolamai with an evening at the Penguin Parade unless you are of a mind to show up thoroughly done in.
Boat Trips And Guided Options
One does not have to confine oneself to the land to see Phillip Island’s wildlife. A sunset cruise or some of the boat tours run by island operators put a different spin on things, particularly when seals and the like are to be had without putting in the miles on foot.
Such organised affairs are ideal for those who would rather leave matters of timing and safety to another, not to mention local expertise. They save you from having to second-guess the tides or the weather in search of a good spot.
When To Put In For A Tour
If you are pressed for time, have no car or are after some expert input, a tour is well worth it. An operator will pick up on the sort of thing a regular might overlook: a bit of wind that can scupper your plans, the right moment for the light on the coast, or how the traffic around Cowes and the Penguin Parade can eat into your return time in the evening.
Be prepared for costs to be all over the place. Self-driving is the economical way to go; the premium cruises and packaged tours can be considerably more expensive. You can budget as little as the low tens of AUD per head for the simpler attractions and in excess of 100 for something more upscale.
No Guesswork About Getting There
The easiest way to make your way to Phillip Island is in a car through San Remo. There is public transport but it is not much use for late finishes after penguin viewing, being slower and wanting in flexibility.
The bridge at San Remo is the crossing point of consequence. Do not be fooled by the map once you are over it, the distances are deceptive and you may find your day has been protracted by traffic or a stop for the wildlife.
From Melbourne
For the majority the drive down from Melbourne is the practical course. On a weekend or during school holidays an early start is called for if you want to take it easy. Make your departure after breakfast on a busy summer day and you could be sitting in traffic come the afternoon instead of on the coast.
Have some water and a phone charger to hand when you are at the wheel and perhaps an extra layer. It is self-evident but the coastal part of Victoria has a way of going from warm to windy in short order and, should you not have put in for snacks and dunny breaks, children will be in a state by late afternoon.
Transfers And Public Transport
Day tours from Melbourne are less of a hassle than cobbled-together transport for the car-less traveller. The attractions on the island are spread out so you will waste time between stops with public transport and the evening return from the Penguin Parade can be awkward.
Simple Itineraries
A plan is required, nothing too rigid. It is a matter of what suits your energy and whether you are looking for a day on the coast or to do the full round of wildlife.
| Trip Style | Best For | Realistic Plan | Rough Cost |
| Half-Day | Families and the like | San Remo pelicans and Pier, lunch, a quick drive to Cowes or Cape Woolamai | AUD 0–60 pp (food and entry) |
| Full-Day | Those making their first visit | A morning in San Remo, the Koala Conservation Centre, The Nobbies, an early dinner and the Penguins | AUD 60–180 pp |
| Two-Day | Slow travellers and wildlife enthusiasts | Day 1 in San Remo/Cowes, Day 2 for Cape Woolamai, a boat trip or the Grand Prix Circuit and some evening wildlife | From AUD 180 pp with lodging |
Take the table as a planning aid, not a tariff. What you end up paying is a function of your accommodation, fuel and tickets, and whether a snack turns into two coffees and a seafood lunch.
The One-Day Plan
San Remo to start with, the Koala Conservation Centre midday, The Nobbies in the afternoon and finish with the Penguin Parade. You get the town feel and the coastline and the penguins to boot with minimal back-tracking.
For Two Days
There is room to add a little breathing space. A day well spent in San Remo and Cowes, with a trip to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit if you are so inclined. Put Cape Woolamai and some boat tours on your itinerary for the second day along with a less strenuous wildlife agenda.
Practical Details
One tends to wish one had read this part first. The reality of weather, parking and how much physical exertion is required will have more bearing on the day than any glossy photo.
San Remo and Phillip Island present no great difficulty to get to but they are better appreciated when you plan for the conditions. Be mindful of the wind or school holidays, and the time of sunset. Equally important is to know when to resist putting yet another stop on the day.
Parking And Facilities
You will find it easier to park at San Remo than at the more heavily trafficked spots on Phillip Island, though near the foreshore and good food places it does not take long to fill up at peak times. Make an allowance in your timing if you are set on the pelican area; do not count on a space materialising.
The town has all the useful facilities: cafés, takeaway, toilets and the waterfront is at hand. On Phillip Island things are not as straightforward and depend on the attraction; do not think every lookout is going to have the same services at its door.
When To Go
Shoulder periods are fine for wildlife, you can have some activity without being swamped by crowds. As for penguins the data does not point to any one month, but the seasonal shift in sunset will alter the session and the whole experience. Warmer months mean longer days but also more people, cooler ones are good for an earlier evening finish.
So what is the best time of year for the penguins? Put simply, when you can put on something warm and get there in good time to book ahead and avoid the rush. They are not on a roster like performers.
Accessibility
The foreshore in San Remo is not demanding for most, nor is the Koala Conservation Centre as much as a walk on the open coast. The Nobbies boardwalk is something many can handle, if you have the stamina for the wind. But with young children or bad weather you would be wise to consider the demands of Cape Woolamai before you go.
A Word On Safety
- Put on clothes for the wind. After sunset the cold from the coast can be insidious.
- Keep to the marked paths in the vicinity of dunes, cliffs and wildlife.
- Give yourself more time behind the wheel at dusk, visibility is different and the roads are busier.
- Wildlife is not to be viewed at close quarters unless you are in a managed area.
Eating And Where To Put Down
Whether you make your base in San Remo or on the island is a matter of preference. The latter is convenient for a late evening at the Penguin Parade. For a quieter trip with easier access, San Remo is often the way to go. It is a sensible place to be if you prefer slow mornings and a seafood lunch away from the crowds. If you want to put in some time at Cowes and the beaches and run a later night, the island is more logical.
Dining
Do not overthink it in San Remo, there are fresh seafood and bakery options and unpretentious cafés. In Cowes you have more to choose from but will have to contend for a table at times.
Accommodation
There are motels, holiday parks, apartments and guest houses. Costs can escalate on a peak weekend or during the school holidays. Book in advance for a short break from Melbourne or around a major event.
Attractions En Route
The Bass Coast touring trails make for a scenic diversion on the way to Phillip Island. But for a clean run to the island, San Remo is the ideal last port of call. It gives you the coastal atmosphere and a soft landing of sorts before you tackle the bigger draws on Phillip Island.
FAQ
For those who are in a hurry to plan or have a family in tow and do not want to squander the day on bad timing, here are some answers.
Near San Remo?
The Pier, the foreshore and local seafood are a good start, as is feeding the pelicans. From there you can head to The Nobbies, the Koala Conservation Centre, Cowes and Cape Woolamai, or the Penguin Parade.
A visit to San Remo makes for the most sensible and picturesque interlude before you put in over the bridge to the island. There is easy parking here, unlike at some of the more popular haunts on the island, as well as waterfront cafés to have a look in and put your mind at ease.
Phillip Island Penguins: Is it possible to see them without parting with cash?
One may come across tales of penguin sightings in other quarters, but for an experience that is legal and ethical above all, make the official Penguin Parade the centrepiece of your plans. Do not count on being able to view them for free or in a way that is fitting.
When is the right time of year to go?
You will not find a month that is ideal for all. It is a matter of finding the practical balance: when the sunset is amenable to your timetable, you are prepared for the evening chill, and have made the necessary arrangements in advance.
Cowes or San Remo?
That is up to the nature of your trip. For an uneventful arrival or departure, or if you are only putting in a short stay, San Remo has a certain convenience and quietude. Cowes is more of a hub and will be busier if you intend to be on Phillip Island proper for the better part of your time.
Final Takeaway For Your Trip
In the end, San Remo Victoria is not just a signpost to some other destination. As a gateway to Phillip Island it is hard to beat for a trip where you want good food and coastal views and wildlife without the logistics falling apart by mid-afternoon.
My own approach would be to keep things straightforward were I to put together an itinerary tomorrow. Get in early, have a meal, put in some time with the pelicans, and do not make a rush job of crossing the bridge. Pick two things to do on the island and allow for the vagaries of the weather and wildlife; one does not get exact adherence to plan on a day by the coast. That is the way of the Bass Coast.
- Make an early arrival in San Remo for the sake of a calmer start and to park with less trouble.
- Have a town stop in mind and two for Phillip Island.
- See what the penguin and other attractions are running at before you set off.
- Put on something to ward off the wind and cold of the evening, milder days notwithstanding.
- And for any major wildlife or a weekend at peak times, book in advance.