Phillip Island is a small island about 140 km south-southeast of Melbourne. The island forms a natural breakwater for the shallow waters of Western Port Bay. It is 26km long and 9 km wide, with an area of about 100 km2. It has 97 km of coastline and is part of the Bass Coast Shire. A 640 m concrete bridge connects the mainland town San Remo with the island. In the 2011 census the island's permanent population was 9,406. During the summer, the population swells to 40,000. Discover sheltered bay beaches and wild surf beaches, blowholes, caves and unusual rock formations along Phillip Island's coastline. Recently designated a National Surfing Reserve in recognition of its surfing heritage and pristine environment, the island's diverse coastline boasts some of the best surf breaks in the state.