🔍

San Remo

VIC 3925 • Rest of VIC

1,700
Population (2021)
$37,804
Median Income
15.59 km²
Area
$301/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFishing VillageRetiree-HavenTourist HubPeaceful

About San Remo

San Remo is a coastal fishing village at the south-eastern tip of the Bass Coast, situated directly opposite Phillip Island at the entrance to Western Port Bay, approximately 125 kilometres south-east of Melbourne within the Bass Coast Shire. The town has a population of 1,700 and is connected to Phillip Island by a bridge over the Narrows channel, making it the gateway to one of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations. With a median age of 52 and relatively modest household incomes, San Remo attracts retirees and sea-changers who value its coastal character, relaxed pace, and stunning bay views.

San Remo is renowned for its daily pelican feeding at the pier — a long-running local tradition that draws visitors year-round — as well as its working fishing fleet, fresh seafood, and panoramic views across to Phillip Island and Cowes. The town has a compact village centre with cafes, a supermarket, and local services, while the broader Bass Coast region offers surf beaches, walking trails, and the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. The area is firmly car-dependent but highly appealing to those seeking an authentic coastal lifestyle removed from Melbourne's urban sprawl.

San Remo falls under postcode 3925 and is governed by Bass Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3925
Urban Area
Bass Coast
LGA / Council
Bass Coast
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Bass (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.53°, 145.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
15.59 km²
Elevation
83m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • McHarry's Buslines / V/Line coach — Wonthaggi / Melbourne (CBD) 30 min to Wonthaggi; ~2.5 hr to Melbourne

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
125 km
By Train
No direct train; V/Line coach to Dandenong then Pakenham Line (~2.5-3 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway and Monash Freeway provide the main road route; car is the practical option for most trips

Walkability Car-Dependent

The village centre is walkable for basics, but most services including larger shopping require a drive to Wonthaggi or the Phillip Island township

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$301
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,800
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
52 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,254
Census 2021
1,700
▲ 35.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,328
Income 2021
$37,804
▲ 28.9% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,281
Born Overseas 258

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 80
  • 2. New Zealand 20
  • 3. Scotland 19
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. Sri Lanka 10
  • 6. Netherlands 9
  • 7. South Africa 8
  • 8. Thailand 8
  • 9. Ireland 6
  • 10. Malaysia 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 724
Australian 632
Irish 233
Scottish 199
German 64
Italian 60
Dutch 44
Chinese 30
Filipino 18
Australian Aboriginal 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

978
Both parents born in Australia
341
Both parents born overseas
219
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.8%
Christianity
36.6%
Buddhism
1.5%
Hinduism
0.8%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
81 (4.8%)
5-14 years
179 (10.5%)
15-19 years
69 (4.1%)
20-24 years
41 (2.4%)
25-34 years
133 (7.8%)
35-44 years
202 (11.9%)
45-54 years
197 (11.6%)
55-64 years
309 (18.2%)
65-74 years
297 (17.5%)
75-84 years
143 (8.4%)
85+ years
57 (3.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Remo VIC known for? +

San Remo is best known for its daily pelican feeding at the pier, its working fishing fleet and fresh seafood, and its role as the gateway to Phillip Island via the bridge over the Narrows channel.

How far is San Remo from Melbourne CBD? +

San Remo is approximately 125 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, a 75–120 minute drive via the South Gippsland Highway and Monash Freeway depending on traffic.

Does San Remo have public transport? +

Public transport to San Remo is limited. There is no rail service; V/Line coach services connect the area to Melbourne via Wonthaggi, but a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of San Remo VIC? +

According to the 2021 Census, San Remo has a population of 1,700 residents with a median age of 52, reflecting its popularity with retirees and sea-changers.

Is San Remo a good place to live? +

San Remo is ideal for retirees and those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle with easy access to Phillip Island's attractions. The trade-off is limited local services and a significant distance from Melbourne, making a car essential.

What is the postcode for San Remo VIC? +

The postcode for San Remo, VIC is 3925.

What outdoor activities are near San Remo? +

San Remo is surrounded by outdoor activities including the Penguin Parade and wildlife attractions on Phillip Island, Bass Coast surf beaches, the San Remo Foreshore Reserve, and the broader Bass Coast Rail Trail for cycling and walking.