Victoria Australia is a melting pot of many beautiful places and towns. On the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find a charming little town called Sorrento. Located on the shores of Port Philipp Bay, Sorrento is a small coastal and historical township that used to be a site for the first European settlement in Victoria back in the 1800’s. It is surrounded by magnificent limestone buildings, giving the town a fashionable and luxurious feel. There’s plenty of things you can do around Sorrento, so be sure you include these in your itinerary when you visit.
Swimming with Dolphins
Since the town is located near Port Philipp Bay, you get access to some of the best beaches around Mornington. Head over to Polperro Dolphin Swims where you can book a few hours of swimming with the Burrunan and Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as Australian fur seals. Don’t forget to pack your wetsuits and other swimming equipment if you’re planning to do a lot of water activities.
Surfing at the Sorrento Back Beach
Looking for a rather extreme water activity? Head over to the Sorrento Back Beach for an afternoon of surfing. Many surfers regard it as the best beach in the Sorrento area. The beach is clean and the water provides a good wave for surfing. The waves are stronger on the front side of the town near the pier, so you’ll see a lot of local surfing enthusiasts decked on their boards.
History Walk
If you want to laze around and enjoy quiet time, there are plenty of things to see just by walking through the main streets of the town. The business district and shopping centre is located a few hundred meters from the beach. The atmosphere is calmer and more laidback in this business district. Here you can find various restaurants, cafes, and fabulous shops offering local crafts and delicacies.
Walking around the town gives you a glimpse of yester-year, but if you want a more detailed view of its remarkable history, you can take a walk along the town’s historical trail where you can find an old museum, old tram line, site of the original European settlement, graveyard, and a variety of historical homes and buildings including the Whitehall Guesthouse, Nepean Historical Museum, and Sandstone Presbyterian Church.
Dining
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the Sorrento area for you to choose from. Head over to Italico Sorrento for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. Visit The Baths and get the fresh catch of the day. They have a number of fresh seafood on their menu, as well as contemporary Australian dishes. Other notable dining spots include Rusty’s Cafe Bar & Grill, The Boss’s Daughter, Sorrento Trattoria, and Bistro Elba.
Shopping
Before leaving Sorrento, be sure to hit the shopping centre and take home a piece of the town with you. Walk through the main shopping complex and take home local crafts or delicacies from a number of unique retailers and local business owners.
