One of the most wonderful things about visiting San Remo and Phillip Island is uncovering their hidden delights and treasures.
As locals to these holiday destinations, the team at Bass Coast Skin Doctors know all the best things to see and do.
Here’s our insider’s guide to San Remo and Phillip Island, along with some of the places we love to recommend.
Our favourite places to visit in San Remo
San Remo is a lively seaside town where holidaymakers enjoy the beautiful beaches and natural beauty, and where pelicans keep watch along the foreshore. A genuine fishing village, San Remo is a food-lovers haven.
Best cafes in San Remo
Beachside Bakehouse: This cute, little bakery puts the holiday vibe into your morning coffee. With seating inside or outside, Beachside Bakehouse has great coffee and a choice of hot and cold foods. We strongly suggest trying out its famous vanilla slice.
BEANd San Remo: Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, BEANd San Remo is a favourite for vegetarians and vegans, but also includes all your favourite brunch items.
Sanny Side: A cafe that is small in size but big on cool, Sanny Side has a funky vibe, friendly staff, and coffee to satisfy even the pickiest of connoisseurs.
Best restaurants in San Remo
Mario’s at San Remo: The mouth-watering authentic Italian cuisine at Mario’s at San Remo will transport you to the Italian Riviera. The menu features traditional Italian dishes, but we suggest you try the wonderful seafood choices.
The Spicy Duck: One of Melbourne’s best loved Thai restaurants is The Spicy Duck in San Remo. With dishes full of flavour, this is a favourite post penguin-parade restaurant.
San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op: Of course, fish and chips are essential to a beach holiday and there’s nowhere better than San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op. Our tip: sit outside and enjoy a stunning view of San Remo fisherman’s jetty, or catch the pelican feeding daily at 12noon on the foreshore next to the San Remo pier.
Things to do in San Remo
Being a quaint seaside village, the best things to do in San Remo involve taking a walk and appreciating the beauty and grandeur of the area. Our favourite walk is the San Remo Coastal Circuit, a loop that runs from San Remo along the coast, and takes about 40 minutes.
The San Remo to Cowes cycling track is flat and is also an easy way for families to take in the history and beauty of the town.
A visit to the region is also a great opportunity to explore the history of San Remo, including the ancient coastline of cliffs and deserted beaches. Head to Quarry Rocks to discover where stone was quarried to build banks and business chambers in Melbourne centuries ago.
Our favourite places to visit in Phillip Island
Best known for its little penguins and their nightly parade, exploring Phillip Island reveals a vibrant community filled with great experiences, as well as restaurants and cafes that serve up the freshest seafood and local produce.
Best cafes in Phillip Island
The Waterboy Cafe: How can perfectly brewed coffee be improved? Serve it with a retro collectable sugar spoon. It’s one of the details that give The Waterboy Cafe its character. Our pick of the menu: you can’t go past the bacon and egg Turkish roll with the tomato relish.
G’day Tiger: It’s a sandwich shop and cafe, but G’day Tiger is a little bit fancy. Featuring a range of toasted or untoasted sandwiches or a wide selection of breads, this cafe is also known for its cakes and great brew.
Mon Dieu: This beautiful little cafe has a menu that is exciting and satisfying. Breakfast and brunch items at Mon Dieu include all the staples, but we love the chilli scrambled eggs with a side of halloumi.
Best restaurants in Phillip Island
Saltwater Phillip Island: Holidays at Phillip Island must include a sampling of local, fresh seafood and it’s all on offer at Saltwater. Order individually or share plates, and while you’re there, sample some local wine, beer and cider.
Isola Di Capri: An authentic Italian restaurant, Isola Di Capri is conveniently open for lunch as well as dinner, and has a varied menu, including great options for kids. We recommend taking a table outside and following your meal with a walk along the beach.
Anerie: This is a delightful, cosy, warm and friendly restaurant that specialises in French and European cuisine. Each dish is presented as a work of art, making Anerie a wonderful special-occasion experience.
Things to do in Phillip Island
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is where dreams come true for chocolate lovers. Find out about how chocolate is made, indulge in free samples, and take home a range of treats from the store.
Phillip Island is known worldwide for being home to the largest little penguin colony in the world – and the world class penguin experience. Visitors can watch as these amazing seabirds waddle home from the ocean to their burrows from purpose-built viewing platforms and boardwalks.
Phillip Island is also home to the National Vietnam Veterans Museum where visitors can remember and better understand Australia’s longest war and pay tribute to those who served. This volunteer-created and run museum is home to a huge collection of artifacts, including images and audio.
Also famous for the Phillip Island Circuit, a visit to the region is not complete without a stop at the track where the famous grand prix events take place. Keep an eye out for public events and drive/ride days to make the most of your visit.
Best place to stay when visiting San Remo and Phillip Island
If you’ll be visiting the region and are looking for somewhere to stay, we highly recommend Silverwater Resort. Located in San Remo, the resort is also a great base if you want to explore Phillip Island nearby.
The resort offers a range of accommodation options including resort rooms with a private balcony or terrace, as well as one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
The facilities at the resort are impressive and include a heated indoor lap pool, a solar-heated outdoor pool, a spa pool alongside a steam room and gym, tennis and basketball courts, a restaurant, a bar and guest lounge, as well as a range of games and activities suitable for children.
The team at Bass Coast Skin Doctors welcome you to this wonderful part of Victoria and hope you enjoy your visit as much as we’ve enjoyed sharing some of our favourite spots with you.