The area around what is now San Remo was used for many centuries by the Bunurong people who occupied an area of the Mornington Peninsula, of the Kulin nation. George Bass explored the coast and discovered the strait separating the mainland and Van Diemen's land, together with the bay he named Western Port.
Sealers frequented the coast and Islands in the 1820s before Europeans settled the coast.
Samuel Anderson, a Scottish immigrant, in 1835 established the third permanent settlement in Victoria at Bass. Anderson had arrived in Hobart aboard the "Lang" in September 1830 and was employed as bookkeeper for Van Diemens Land Co at Circular Head Tasmania. In 1835 he left the company and sailed to Westernport, it has been suggested that the sloop "Rebecca" was purchased by Samuel and his partner/s.In 1837 his soon to be partner Robert Massie also left VDL Co and joined Samuel at Westernport. The partnership of Massie and Anderson floundered in the credit squeeze of 1842 and the partnership sold by auction all their assets to repay creditors. This appears to be the end of the partnership with Massie probably relocating to Melbourne by 1844 then meeting and marrying Eliza Armstrong in 1845 then departing to Taraville.Samuels brothers Hugh and Thomas followed him to Bass and when land was released they bought over 2000 acres centred on the Anderson area today with their homestead "Netherwood" being built on the shores of Westernport.The Anderson brothers and their descendants featured prominently in the local municipal area. Anderson Inlet at Inverloch was named after Samuel Anderson. Descendants of the Anderson family remain around San Remo to this day.[2]
In 1797 George Bass, a naval surgeon and explorer, took a voyage in an open whaleboat to explore the coastline. It was later explored on foot in 1826 by William Hovell. Around 1840 a deepwater port was established at Griffiths Point in order to provide exports of wattle bark, farm produce and cattle, and then later coal starting in the 1870s. A township grew around this port, and brought in tourists. In 1888 the township was named San Remo after the resort town in Italy. The Post Office opened on 14 August 1873 and was renamed San Remo in 1888.[3]
Early in the 20th Century, commercial fishing of the King George whiting came to the area, the produce being sent to Melbourne markets via railway. Since 2006 San Remo has a tidal power test facility. Installed Nereus tidal turbines dispatch power directly to national grid . In 2008 a monument to those local professional fisherman lost at sea was erected with funds provided by local businesses and Rotary. A cairn with the names of those lost at sea with a navigation light atop is a main feature. Today there is a fishing co-operative near the bridge that supplies good fresh fish, particularly the King George whiting for which the area is known.
Festivals and events
Feeding the Pelicans at San Remo jetty
San Remo has a lively calendar of events, many of which celebrate its coastal setting, fishing traditions, and role as a gateway to Phillip Island. Every day at 12 noon (midday), visitors and locals gather at the jetty for the Pelican Feeding. The San Remo Fishermen’s Co-operative feeds a flock of wild pelicans with fish offcuts, accompanied by an informative public talk about the birds and the fishing industry. This tradition, which has been running for decades, and is now one of San Remo’s most popular and photographed attractions.[4]
In January, the town also hosts Kustom Nats, part of a wider hot rod and custom car festival. Enthusiasts from across the country gather to showcase classic vehicles, custom builds, and vibrant automotive culture, with San Remo providing a scenic backdrop for show ‘n’ shine displays and social events.
February brings the San Remo Channel Challenge, a unique biathlon that sees competitors swim across the swift tidal waters from San Remo to Newhaven on Phillip Island, then run back over the bridge to finish in the heart of town. The event attracts athletes of all levels and is a highlight of the summer sporting calendar.
In September, the community celebrates the San Remo Fishing Festival and Blessing of the Fleet. This event combines live music, fresh seafood stalls, family activities, and the centuries-old maritime tradition of blessing local fishing vessels to ensure safe journeys and bountiful catches. It’s both a community celebration and a nod to the town’s fishing heritage.
October sees the Blessing of the Bikes, when motorcyclists from far and wide ride into San Remo for a blessing ceremony ahead of the Phillip Island MotoGP. The streets fill with bikes, and the event has become a colourful and much-loved part of the town’s annual calendar.
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