In the early days, it was known as Griffiths Point as it lies at the tip of the Anderson Peninsula. But when many early European settlers and travelers began to notice its close resemblance to the town of San Remo in Italy, authorities changed its name to San Remo. The similarity is in the climate, with mild winters and light winds. With gentle breeze blowing off the waters of Western Port, many have taken a liking to it and have kept coming back.
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| The long concrete bridge at San Remo that connects the mainland to Phillip Island. |
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| Bench with a good view of the long bridge and the jetty. |
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| Friendly seagulls following me wherever I go. |
San Remo is a quiet fishing village in the South Gippsland Region, about 116 kms away from Melbourne. It is the last town before travelers cross the long concrete bridge to the famed Phillip Island. As such, it is the gateway to Phillip Island. One has to pass through San Remo before traveling to the towns of New Haven, Rhyll, Cowes and the nearby Churchill Island.
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| Monument dedicated to local fishermen who perished while fishing in the open sea. |
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| Inscription |
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| Those who perished. They are always remembered and are considered as local heroes. |
While residents of San Remo continue to engage in fishing and consistently supply fish to Melbourne City and suburbs, there has been a decline in the quantity of fish haul as some of its fishing vessels no longer ply the open sea. Nonetheless, there is still a fish port near the bridge where one can negotiate with the fishermen of San Remo. Fishing vessels are docked at the town's jetty when taking a break from commercial fishing. There is also a cooperative at the town center where one can buy fresh seafood items such as crays and prawns.
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| San Remo's jetty near the long bridge |
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| There are boats for hire. |
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| Cooperative selling fresh seafood items |
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| Serving battered and fried fish with fries. |
San Remo, in recent years, has relied heavily on its tourism program. And it is succeeding. With thousands heading towards Phillip Island for the weekends and long holidays, San Remo has fine hotels, motels and other inns for the weary travelers. Tourists use San Remo as their base as they explore and enjoy the attractions offered by Phillip Island and Churchill Island.
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| The park at San Remo. Just by walking around the park, visitors learn more about the town of San Remo. There is an illustration board at the park depicting the town's brief history. |
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| Free use of grills at the picnic ground |
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| For promenaders |
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| San Remo's well-maintained children's playground |
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| San Remo Hotel & Motel at the town center |
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| Western Port Hotel |
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| Stores at the town center |
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| A Chinese restaurant at San Remo |
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| Gasoline station located along the national road of San Remo |
Almost everyday at 12 noon, hundreds motor to San Remo to watch the town's "Show of the Pelicans" where pelicans arrive in one big group at the foreshore near the jetty for their daily supply of fish. This has become a top tourist attraction. After watching the feeding, visitors have their lunch in one of the fine restaurants at the town center. In the past years up to the present, San Remo has been drawing big crowds. And they keep coming back for more.
- Konted
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| Pelicans arrive in one big group near the long bridge at San Remo. |
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| Pelicans are ready for the daily feeding. |
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| A pelican has a long beak and a large throat pouch. Pelicans can be seen all around Australia. |
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| Pelicans are well behaved as they wait for the feeder. |
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| A seagull tries to steal the thunder. |
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| Busy taking photos |
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| Crowd gathering around the pelicans |
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| Feeder giving some pointers to visitors watching the feeding at San Remo |
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| Looking for shells |
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| At the jetty |
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| Souvenir shot |
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*Pertinent details from the illustration board at San Remo's park
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See related article:
Churchill Island: Going Back In time
