Sitting along the shores of Port Phillip on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento is a picturesque seaside town with ocean and bay beaches, limestone cottages and a thriving arts community. Life centres around the water, where you can go pier snorkelling, fishing and swimming with dolphins.
Things to do in Sorrento
The small town centre of Sorrento stands out for its impressive collection of limestone structures, as well as historic buildings from the 1800s. Follow the Sorrento Historic Walk to discover an original settlement, tramline, the Athenaeum Theatre and Sorrento Park. Stroll along the coastline to spot at least 14 pieces of art positioned along the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail, each depicting the scenery around them.
Sorrento Pier is a historic landmark and gathering spot for dining, drinking, fishing and snorkelling. Join dolphin cruises for swimming with Burrunan and bottlenose dolphins. Book a scuba diving expedition or take an all-inclusive charter fishing cruise to pull in leatherjackets, Australian salmon and bluethroats.
Sorrento Back Beach is popular with surfers, while families gravitate toward the calmer bay beaches. You can rent stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, kayaks and ski boats for getting out on the water. Afterwards, relax in beachfront cafes and bars along the pier with an espresso or cocktail.
The main town centre sits within walking distance from the beaches, connected by a string of boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Stop by Sorrento Museum and Limeburner’s Cottages to discover artefacts, photographs and stories of shipwrecks and founding families. Have lunch next door at Watts’ Cottage, surrounded by lavish gardens and historic cottages.
Getting around Sorrento
A part of the Greater Melbourne metropolitan area, Sorrento has access to rental cars, local buses, taxis, tri-cars, shuttles and limousines. Ferries operate across Port Phillip Bay throughout the day.