Sorrento is a beautiful, scenic seaside town nestled on the western tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Australia. This popular seafront holiday town offers travellers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenic walks, historic sights and buildings, dolphin cruises and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
The main street has a casual relaxed atmosphere and is filled with coffee shops, pubs, bistros, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. It's an ideal holiday destination for the whole family.
Getting to Your Sorrento Accommodation
Everything in Sorrento is located in close proximity to one another. So, it's easy to reach your Sorrento accommodation no matter where you're staying. If you're driving from Melbourne, you can take the scenic option west on the M1 out of the city, through Geelong and onto the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. The ferry is a fun ride that offers views of the peninsulas and Port Phillip Bay.
If you want to get here quicker, get on the Eastlink tollway and follow the Mornington Peninsula Freeway (M11) to Sorrento. If using public transport, take the train from Southern Cross or Flinders Street stations to Frankston station. Then get onto the local bus in the direction of Portsea, which takes you directly to Sorrento.
What to eat on your Sorrento holiday
Loquat is one of the town's best fine dining restaurants and offers a blend of Australian and French cuisine. If you are looking for an Italian restaurant that serves both pizza and pasta then Itali.co is the place for you. On the other hand, if you are craving a taste of both Eastern and Western culture, Sorrento Thai serves guests an eclectic mix of the freshest seafood, noodles, steaks and Western dishes.
Satisfy your craving for sweets at the Just Fine Food Delicatessen, a place that is popular with both locals and tourists for crafting the perfect vanilla slice. If you are a custard lover, the cafe offers experimental custard colors topped with unique touches. Head off to the Mubble Ice Creamery, an ice cream parlor famous for its extraordinary flavors and try their bestseller, the sinfully delicious Snickers flavor.
Journey back in time at the Sorrento Historic Walk
Immerse yourself in the town's fascinating history as you hike along on a popular local history trail that stretches for about 7km. Along the trail, you will come across an old tram line, an original settlement, a riveting museum and a graveyard.
There are a number of historical buildings along the route such as the Whitehall Guesthouse, the Anchorage of George Coppin Holiday House and the Athenaeum Theatre. Notable structures include the Continental Hotel on the Ocean Beach Road and the Hindson House on the Nepean Highway, a two-story Classical Revival house which was the residence of a local magistrate in the late 1800s. St John's Church, a 19th century church built to a Gothic design, is another important example of local architecture.
Family holidays in Sorrento
Take the kids on an unforgettable holiday experience and meet Sorrento's dolphins. Polperro Dolphin Swims is a family-run business which offers regular tours that allow you and your little ones to meet and greet various species of dolphins such as the Burrunan and Bottlenose as well as Australian fur seals. The hosts are friendly and will meet guests near the ferry terminal of Sorrento Pier. Hop on a ferry to Queenscliff as you watch the beautiful sunset as well as get the chance to see the dolphins in their natural habitat.
Experience an unforgettable underwater adventure and take the kids snorkelling. They will love the crystal clear waters of Port Phillip Bay because the underwater visibility is perfect for snorkeling. The shallow waters by the pier are home to thousands of species of diverse marine life including the famous Weedy Seadragons. This strangely beautiful fish can only be found off the southern coasts of Australia and, interestingly enough, the males are the ones who give birth.
Hike the Sorrento - Portsea Artists’ Trail
The Sorrento - Portsea Artists’ Trail is a coastal walk that links the two main settlements in town. The trail is often said to be an inspiration for many notable Australian artists for the past 150 years. It is said that the trail itself inspired the likes of Sir Arthur Streeton, John Perceval, Albert Tucker and Sidney Nolan. Pass by private coastal gardens, isolated beaches and, down where the trail splits in two, the Portsea and Sorrento lanes. If you want a little more adventure, hike on different trails on the Beach Coastal Walk, such as Millionaire's Walk and Diamond Bay.
Arguably one of the best beaches in the area, Sorrento's beach is clean and the waves are great for surfing. Meet the local surfing crowd who hang out near the pier. There are several water sports gear rentals available. If you are not keen on surfing, opt for the Sorrento pier and foreshore. Enjoy long strolls on this side of the beach as you revel in the sights and sounds of this charming town.
Sorrento Holidays on a Budget
The range of holiday accommodation in Sorrento caters to all budgets. You'll easily find something to fit your entire family or group with everything you need, without paying the premium prices that hotels put on. You'll also find that booking your own beach house in Sorrento can substantially cut costs on food and drink.
Instead of relying on restaurants, having your own self-catering accommodation means you can pick up supplies and dine on what you want, when you want. Sorrento has an IGA supermarket and several smaller stores. Plus, many cafes offer yummy food you can take away to enjoy later. Don't miss the famous vanilla slice from Just Fine Food.
You'll also find Sorrento holiday rentals that have fully-equipped modern kitchens, with special features such as induction stoves, pizza ovens, walk-in pantries, and kitchen islands. Plenty of properties come with large dining rooms, outdoor terraces, or a specialised barbecue area so you can comfortably host the whole family or a larger group.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a holiday letting in Sorrento?
When visiting Sorrento, you can find holiday rentals from as little as $169 per night.
How many holiday accommodation offers will I find in Sorrento?
Visit Sorrento in March for the greatest choice of accommodation. This is the month during which the largest amount of House rental and Apartment rental are available.
What holiday rental amenities do people typically look for when visiting Sorrento?
In terms of holiday home amenities, travellers visiting Sorrento most often look for Pool, Pets allowed and Air conditioning.
How many accommodation offers are there in Sorrento?
There are 1,324 holiday rental offers in Sorrento, with plenty of House rental and Apartment rental available.
Are pets permitted in holiday accommodation in Sorrento?
Want to go on holiday with your dog? You'll find 383 pet-friendly holiday lettings in Sorrento.