Named after the southern Italian town, Sorrento lies on the shore of the Mornington Peninsula nestled between Portsea and Blairgowrie.
The idyllic seaside retreat is a popular tourist destination and is located one and a half hours drive south of Melbourne. Sorrento faces Port Phillip in the north and Bass Straight in the south, making it a picturesque resort town for local Melburnians during the summer months. Sorrento is considered a largely upper-class resort area and is a quiet coastal township in the off-peak seasons.
Victoria’s first official settlement was established at Sullivan Bay in Sorrento in 1803, 30 years prior to the founding of Melbourne. A paddle steamer was introduced to the area in 1870 to ferry people down the bay between Queenscliff and the Sorrento Pier.
Sorrento has a number of grand historic homes and buildings with a rich history dating back to the 1860s. Almost all of these buildings have been constructed with local limestone. The Mechanic’s Institute in Sorrento was built in 1977 using local limestone and houses the Nepean Historical Society’s museum, the building is heritage listed. Additional landmark limestone buildings include: The Sorrento Hotel, Anglican Church, Continental Hotel, Athenaeum Theatre and Whitehall Guest House.
The crescent-shaped Sorrento Front Beach is bordered by an enticing foreshore area lines with lawns, shelters, greenery and a number of small jetties. The sheltered water creates an ideal swimming condition for leisure and water activities.
At the western end of Sorrento Front Beach is Policemans Point and the Sorrento Pier which is used by a passenger and car ferry which links Sorrento to Queenscliff.
Sorrento Historic Park, located on Point Nepean Road overlooking the bay, is a lush oasis which was first established in 1870. It features European trees, colourful garden beds, extensive lawns, BBQ facilities, a rotunda, children’s playground and walking tracks. Scenic views of Policemans Point, the surrounding beaches and across the bay can be enjoyed from the park which extends to the cliff tops.
Sorrento – the shore of the Mornington Peninsula.