At the southern extremity of the Mornington Peninsula, the seaside village of Sorrento is one of the most popular and pretty holiday escapes on the Mornington Peninsula with its sweeping outlook, historic buildings, cafe culture, shopping and resident dolphins.

Sorrento’s gentle front beach is an ideal place to while away some time. Have a picnic, go for a stroll, take a cooling swim or keep watch for wild dolphins that play in the clean bay waters. The back beach on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula is close by, with its pounding waves and great surfing.

Sorrento offers a long list of other recreational opportunities including golf, sea kayaking, bushwalking, sailing and boating. Head off from the pier for seal and dolphin swimming adventures, fishing trips and bay cruises, or explore the waters below on a scuba diving expedition.

In the 1870s, entrepreneur and parliamentarian George Coppin, dubbed “the Father of Sorrento”, realised the town’s potential as a holiday haven. He encouraged Melburnians to seek respite from the city’s scorching summer in an idyllic seaside setting and Sorrento’s popularity blossomed.

Most of Sorrento’s attractions are within walking distance. The town features historic limestone buildings that contribute to its distinct character. Impressive hotels like the renowned Hotel Sorrento, excellent eateries, sidewalk cafés, boutiques, galleries and specialist shops add extra appeal to the Sorrento experience. The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail gives you the chance to see the views as they were captured by renowned local and international artists.

Sorrento is located approximately 105 kilometres south of Melbourne, or around an hour-and-a-half by car along the M1 and Eastlink tollway. A year-round car and passenger ferry service connects Sorrento with Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, across the bay.