Hotels in San Remo

San Remo, on Victoria's Bass Coast, is really about one thing: the bridge to Phillip Island and the Nobbies penguin parade beyond it, which means most visitors treat the town as a drive-through rather than a destination. That's a shame, because the fishing fleet here is genuine and working, and the seafood — particularly what comes straight off the boats — is fresher and cheaper than what you'll pay on the island itself.

The town itself is small, with a modest waterfront strip and views across the channel to Phillip Island that are arguably better than anything on the island side. There's not much to do here beyond eating well and looking at the water, and nightlife is essentially nonexistent. With only around 1,300 residents, this is a base for the surrounding attractions rather than a holiday hub in its own right. Stay near the waterfront close to the bridge, so you get the channel views and easy access across to Phillip Island without paying the island's higher rates.