Sorrento

The seaside village of Sorrento is one of the most popular and pretty holiday escapes on the Mornington Peninsula. Sorrento's position at the southern extremity of the peninsula at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay provides a sweeping outlook. The town is known for its historic buildings, cafés, shopping and resident population of Bottlenose 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. For some surf-pounding action, the back beach on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula is close by. Sorrento offers a long list of other recreational opportunities including golf, bushwalking, sailing, scuba diving, fishing and boating. In the 1870s, entrepreneur and parliamentarian George Coppin, dubbed 'the Father of Sorrento', realised the holiday potential. 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, excellent eateries, sidewalk cafés, boutiques, galleries and specialist shops add extra appeal to the Sorrento experience. Popular local events include the Sorrento Art Festival in January and the Salt and Seaweed Sorrento Festival in March which showcases the region's food, wine and arts. Sorrento is located 112 kilometres south of Melbourne. A year-round car and passenger ferry service connects Sorrento with Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, across the bay.