The Australian Bucket List

Victoria

SorrentoPicturesque and relaxed, Sorrento is one of the region's most popular seaside towns. Meander the town's gorgeous shopping strip, grab lunch at the hotel or simply hit the beach for a bit of R&R...

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.

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Things to do

Soak up bay views over a glass of wine at The Baths

The Baths restaurant is located on the Sorrento foreshore with breathtaking views stretching across Port Phillip Bay. The fully licensed restaurant offers casual relaxed dining every day for lunch, dinner, snacks, weddings and corporate events. The Baths is renowned for the breathtaking views and relaxed atmosphere whether you are joining for dinner after a day on the beach or celebrating a special anniversary, The Baths offers a unique dining experience in a beautiful location. Enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine or something to eat any time of the day in modern and stylish surroundings. The Baths offer a full a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

Dine & stay at Hotel Sorrento

Standing proudly on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking the sparkling waters of Port Philip Bay, Hotel Sorrento combines modern luxury with old-world charm. With an award-winning recently refurbished restaurant, several exclusive bars and cocktail lounges, event spaces and premium accommodation, Hotel Sorrento has something for everyone. Set in the heart of Sorrento, walking distance to picture-postcard beaches and a short drive to the world-renowned Mornington Peninsula wine and golf region, Hotel Sorrento is an ideal location to base yourself. Whether it be for a business conference, private event, a weekend away, or a quiet drink with friends they have the space for you.

Swim with dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is a rare and magical experience, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the people who have been making the introductions in Port Phillip Bay the longest, Polperro Dolphin Swims. The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, the multi-award-winning Polperro has led the bay in research and environmentally responsible dolphin and seal tourism. These wildly exciting yet gentle interactions attract visitors from all over the world. The crew's careful training and supervision of passengers ensure swimmer safety. Polperro departs from Sorrento pier twice daily from October to May. Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch dolphins at play from the deck. Reef and seal swims are often part of Polperro trips as well. These are also revelatory experiences, even for most locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret. All gear, including wetsuits and snorkels, are provided along with change areas below deck. On chilly days, Polperro saloon cabin is warmly welcoming, as is the complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious scones, freshly baked on board by the crew.

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