Pier to Pub Is Back in San Remo: What to Know and Expect
Dive Back in: Westernport Pier to Pub Returns to San Remo
Westernport Pier to Pub is back into San Remo, bringing cold-water courage, coastal atmosphere, and big-hearted community spirit to Western Port Bay. As one of the standout San Remo events on the calendar, it transforms a chilly winter’s day into something warm, loud and full of local pride. From the foreshore buzz to the cheers from the pier, it is all about having a crack, backing your mates and supporting a cause that is close to home.
After the huge response to last year’s event, we have had a steady stream of locals and visitors asking the same question: when is Westernport Pier to Pub coming back? The answer is simple: Westernport Pier to Pub is locked in for 27 June, with participants getting involved in a mini triathlon including a short dip, run and potato cake from the San Remo Pier and finishing at the Westernport Hotel. Following the event, there will be food including a sausage sizzle manned by San Reno’s favourite Italian - Mario, live music and silent auctions. It is set to be a full day of community connection and live entertainment in support of the L Rigby Centre at Wonthaggi Hospital.
Event Essentials: Dates, Times, and How It All Works
Westernport Pier to Pub will run across a single action-packed day on 27 June, starting on the foreshore and wrapping up at The Westernport. While exact times can shift slightly, you can expect participants to arrive from 12pm for check in and registration with the race to start at 2pm. There will be a safety briefing at the hotel around 1:45pm, participants will then be ushered to the start location. Depending on numbers there will be a staggered start with kids going first.
The event itself is designed to be inclusive, suited to a range of ages and fitness abilities. All participants must follow the directions of event officials, stay within marked zones (especially when crossing and respect any age or supervision requirements put in place for safety).
If you are planning to watch rather than participate, there is plenty to enjoy. The San Remo pier and foreshore offer great vantage points to cheer people on as they brave the bay. Around The Westernport and the foreshore precinct, you can expect more foot traffic than usual, with families, friends and locals streaming between the pier and the pub. Leave yourself a little extra time to park, rug up against the coastal breeze, and wander between the water and the venue.
Racing for a Cause: Supporting the L Rigby Centre
At the heart of Westernport Pier to Pub is a clear purpose: raising money for the L Rigby Centre at Wonthaggi Hospital. This local health facility supports people in our region when they need it most, which is why the event means so much to the San Remo, Phillip Island and Bass Coast communities.
The L Rigby Centre is part of the everyday reality for many families in our area. Whether it is a loved one receiving treatment, a neighbour going through a tough time, or a friend relying on local services rather than travelling long distances, the impact is felt across the region. Westernport Pier to Pub gives all of us a very simple way to pitch in.
On the day, every registration fee, donation, sausage sizzle snag and silent auction bid contributes to the fundraising tally. Even if you are not jumping off the pier, you can still grab something from the barbecue, throw in on a raffle or auction item, and know that you are helping local patients and their families.
How to Register and Get Ready for the Big Dip
Registrations are handled online through OzTix, so signing up is straightforward. Once you are on the OzTix platform, search for the Westernport Pier to Pub listing for San Remo and follow the prompts. You will need to provide standard details like your name, contact information, and tshirt size along with accepting any event terms and conditions.
On the day, bring gear that will keep you comfortable before and after your race. That can include:
A well-fitting swimsuit or wetsuit (swim is not compulsory but many wish to do this)
A warm, easy-to-pull-on change of clothes
A beanie, jacket and thick socks for after you get out
A towel, thongs and a labelled bag for your belongings
Registration costs, age limits and waiver requirements are clearly set out during the OzTix process, so read everything carefully before you confirm your spot. Your entry typically covers your place and access to the organised event, with the option to add donations on top if you want to contribute further.
Post-Event Party: Food, Auctions and Live Music at the Westernport
Once the last participants have completed the race, the scene shifts to The Westernport. Our venue becomes a hub for families, friends and teams to warm up, swap stories from the pier and settle into that relaxed coastal pub feel that San Remo is known for. We keep things easygoing and family-friendly, so everyone from kids to grandparents can stick around.
Outside, the sausages start sizzling. The community barbecue is a simple but powerful part of the day, with proceeds helping push the fundraising total higher. Grabbing a snag or two is an easy way to support the L Rigby Centre while you chat, listen to music and soak up the atmosphere.
Inside, the silent auctions are where things get a little more competitive. Tables are set up with prize descriptions and bidding sheets, and you can wander through, write down your bids and keep an eye on your favourite items. Typical prizes might include local experiences, dining vouchers, gift packs or unique items donated by generous supporters. It is all in good fun and every winning bid puts more money towards local care.
To cap it off, we bring in live music to turn the afternoon into one of the liveliest San Remo events of the season. The line-up brings that classic Westernport energy, with sets that suit both those who want to lean back with a drink and those who feel like getting up for a dance. It is a true community celebration of everyone who braved the bay and everyone who chipped in.
Make a Weekend of It: Stay and Play in San Remo
Westernport Pier to Pub may be a one-day event, but it is the perfect excuse to linger in San Remo a little longer. The foreshore is great for a relaxed stroll, and the coastal views across Western Port Bay are worth slowing down for. With Phillip Island just across the bridge, you have easy access to a full mix of coastal walks, wildlife spots and local attractions before or after the big swim.
Families and groups can fill a whole weekend with simple pleasures. Try:
A casual walk along the San Remo foreshore paths
A drive across to Phillip Island, take the kids to see the wildlife options including penguin watching, koala parks and farm animals at Churchill island
Time spent exploring local shops and galleries
Lazy meals shared together without rushing off
Across the weekend, The Westernport can book your plans. You might roll in the night before Westernport Pier to Pub for a relaxed dinner and a look at our live music calendar, then be back again on event day for the full fundraising party. By staying local, you get to soak up more of what makes San Remo special, from the bay views to the easygoing country hospitality that keeps people coming back.
Join the Wave: Secure Your Spot and Support Local Care
Westernport Pier to Pub brings together all the things we love about San Remo events: community, challenge, charity and plenty of coastal fun. Whether you are lining up on the pier, cheering from the foreshore or settling in at The Westernport with a warm meal and good music, you are part of something that genuinely helps local people.
Registrations are managed through OzTix, so you can jump online, find the Westernport Pier to Pub listing and sign yourself up, invite a few mates or even form a team. Spread the word among friends who follow San Remo events, keep an eye on The Westernport’s website and socials for updates, and lock 27 June into your calendar. One chilly race, one big day, and a real difference made for the L Rigby Centre and the community we all share.
Discover Unforgettable Local Nights Out
Make your next night out one to remember with live gigs, good food and a relaxed coastal vibe at The Westernport. Explore our upcoming San Remo events to lock in your next catch up with mates or a special date night. We carefully curate our line-up so there is always something fresh on the calendar. Book your table early so you do not miss out on the shows that catch your eye.