Sorrento

Gracing many a postcard, Sorrento is a little piece of paradise on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It strikes the perfect balance between coastal cool and urban charm. And with so much to boast about – bay beaches and ocean swells to the historic limestone village to the clifftop walks through rugged bushland – this seaside beauty with its small-town vibes is packed full of goodness.

Sorrento Village along Ocean Beach Road is picturesque at every turn. Limestone shopfronts are filled with antiques, designer labels, homewares, art and surf shops, and an impressive line-up of cafes, pubs and waterfront dining that champion farmgate produce and ocean-fresh seafood. Art is highly revered, with galleries, art festivals, and art trails showcasing local and international talent. And being one of the peninsula’s most historic towns, Sorrento Museum has all the facts. 

Sorrento is also an outdoor lover’s dream. Steps from the village, Sorrento Front Beach is the perfect spot for wading in the shallows of the bay, while Sorrento Ocean Beach is a must for surfers. Charter fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, dolphin and seal swimming, plus clifftop hikes are all available here. Sailing is a favourite pastime, and the parklands and playing fields that are sprinkled throughout are put to good use by the local sporting teams.

Getting around is always a breeze, not only by the buses that service the Mornington Peninsula but with the passenger and vehicle ferry, Searoad Ferries. More than a drawcard for the tourists, the ferry crosses the southern tip of Port Phillip Bay, connecting locals to the Great Ocean Road within 40-minutes. The best part though is the views of Sorrento and its historic fort, pier and lighthouse when coming in to dock.

But the most endearing feature of Sorrento is the architecture. Many of the original buildings were made from local limestone, with the grand historic homes and hotels being a standout. Away from the bustle of the village centre, quiet leafy streets are lined with an array of homes, from coastal cottages to modern abodes, which many find too hard to resist.