Top tips for a weekend drive to Sorrento
There’s loads to do in the Victorian seaside town for families and couples alike.Sorrento, Victoria
Close to: Melbourne. Hour-and-a-half drive south-east of Melbourne down the Mornington Peninsula Freeway.
Day or Weekend: Either. Weekend accommodation includes holiday units, Airbnb and several small hotels
Hidden Gem: Norfolk Pines Ale House and Wine Store, 5 Esplanade Sorrento- a quaint wine bar by the sea
Everybody goes to: The Sorrento Hotel to kickback and Itali.co for a hearty Italian meal.
Back in 1995, iconic Australian singer-songwriter Tina Arena reflected on her childhood memories of long summers under the silhouette of the sweet Sorrento Moon. The oh so tender song became a nation-wide hit and put the enchanting Victorian seaside town on the map.
Sorrento is just one and a half hours drive from Melbourne CBD and sits comfortably between the serene Front Beach and roaring Back Beach, and faces the open waters of Bass Strait. The main strip is appropriately called Ocean Beach Road and is peppered with limestone buildings, shops and plenty of dining options.
Arena sang about how she “held heaven in our hands for days”. So, let’s talk about those dreamy beaches in all their divine glory!
The best of both worlds: The Front and Back Beaches
The pristine and pine tree-fringed Sorrento Front Beach is situated at the foot of Ocean Beach Road and stretches across Point Nepean Road. It’s a tame beach making it perfect for leisurely sailing, kayaking and frolicking in the water.
On the opposite side of Ocean Beach Road, you’ll find the majestic Back Beach which is a true gift from Mother Nature. The rugged wild water is complemented by the surrounding verdant vegetation. Walk up to the lookout for an amazing view and reward yourself with scones and coffee at the All Smiles café, which boasts 180-degree views of the ocean.
Immerse yourself in Sorrento’s history
In 1803, Sullivan Bay in Sorrento became the site of Victoria's first mainland European settlement and was established by Lieutenant-Colonel David Collins, so there are many historical sites to explore.
Noteworthy places include the Nepean Historical Museum and Pioneer Cottage and Collins Settlement Historic Site.
Seaside Village
Sorrento’s Ocean Beach Road is a charming seaside village with the sophistication of a city shopping strip. You’ll find the likes of popular clothing chains Witchery, Mimco and Sportsgirl as well as unique retailers.
There are also lots of cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Drop into Smashing Sorrento for an Acai smoothie bowl or Buckley’s Chance for a pancake stack!
Explore the local vineyards
Wine buff? You’ll be pleased to hear that Sorrento is in close proximity to the Mornington Peninsula wine region which plays host to 200 small-scale vineyards and more than 50 cellar doors. The region is known for its maritime cool climate which is ideal for producing elegant but complex Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris wines. Just remember to designate a driver!
You are truly spoilt for choice in this region but a few stand-out options include Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove which offers modern Australian dining with sweeping views of vines and sculptures.
Foxey’s Hangout situated in gorgeous Red Hill is built on a historic farming property and offers relaxed farm-to-table dining options and matching wines.
Want to stay closer to Sorrento town? The Cups Estate is only a 5-minute drive from the township in Fingal and is owned by married couple Joe & Carmen Fisicaro. The 30-acre property boasts a Vineyard, Cellar Door, and Restaurant.
Swim with the dolphins
Ever dreamed of swimming with sea animals including dolphins and seals? Sorrento offers various swimming with dolphins experiences including Polperro Dolphin Swims which provides marine experiences with wild Bottlenose dolphins and Australian Fur seals and sets sail from Sorrento Pier.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims has specialised in dolphin and seal swimming and sightseeing adventures for over 25 years and is another option.
Don’t wait a long time for something wild to take you somewhere, just go and get lost by the sweet Sorrento moon.
Related: Top five coastal walks to head to this weekend
Related: Five of our favourite Victorian road trips
Related: Top tips for a weekend drive to Echuca
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