Sorrento is a suburb of Melbourne, located south of the city on the Mornington Peninsula. The area is known for its beach pleasures from dining on the waterfront to swimming with dolphins. While the beach is fabulous, there’s also much more to do in Sorrento. Keep reading to find out all the things to do during a holiday in Sorrento.
Water Activities
Sorrento is located on the Mornington Peninsula and has beaches on both sides. Many visitors choose to spend their days lounging in the sand, but if you’re looking for something more exciting why not give sea kayaking a try or spend an afternoon surfing in the Bass Strait? Sorrento is also a great starting point for local fishing expeditions or scenic boat tours. One of the most popular boat tours is for a snorkeling excursion with bottlenose dolphins or seals. If you have scuba diving experience, there are also many opportunities for scuba in and around Sorrento.
Local Flair
Part of the reason people love coming to Sorrento is for the local flair. After a day at the beach, there is much more entertainment to come. Some people choose to take a seat at one of the waterfront restaurants and watch dolphins swim by while others spend the early evening browsing antique shops and art galleries. Art enthusiasts might want to plan a trip to coincide with an art festival in January or simply take a stroll along the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail. Local restaurants serve everything from simple seafood to hearty pub grub.
A Touch of History
There are several attractions in Sorrento that are worth a visit. One of the best is the Collins Settlement Historic Site. This spot represents the first location where Europeans attempted settlement in present-day Victoria. Other opportunities to learn about local history can be found at the Nepean Historical Museum and Pioneer Cottage. No trip to Sorrento would be complete without walking around and taking in the beautiful sandstone buildings. The perfect way to end the day? With an ice cream cone from one of the local artisanal shops.
Just for Adults
While people will find a great deal of activities for families, there are some reserved just for adults too. If you want to work on your swing, book a tee time at the Sorrento Golf Club. Couples looking to relax should book an afternoon of pampering that includes treatments for two at a local spa. There are many options for a spa day including the beautiful Hotel Sorrento on a cliff top, the Marlo Spa, or the Sorrento Day Spa.
Scenic Drives
Waking up in Sorrento, there are many things to see nearby. Many visitors will embark on more than one scenic drive during their visit to see places like the Mornington Peninsula National Park or towns such as Rosebud and Dromana. Another popular option is to board one of the Searoad Ferries. These ferries connect the Mornington Peninsula to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. You can take your car aboard the ferry to continue your journey once back on land. During the ride, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and gorgeous cliff views.
Melbourne
Many visitors will also want to take a day to visit the big attractions in Melbourne. Some of the best things to do include browsing the galleries and cafes of Federation Square or exploring Queen Victoria Market. If you’re interested in theatre or musicals, check to see what’s playing at the Princess Theatre or the Arts Centre. Visual art enthusiasts will want to check out the city’s best museums including the National Gallery of Victoria or the Melbourne Museum. Don’t forget about the fantastic food and nightlife scene here too, from fine dining to pubs to the spicy dishes of Chinatown.
Holiday Rentals
People looking for things to do in Sorrento should look close to home. When you choose a holiday rental, you will have a lot of entertainment possibilities right within your accommodation. After a day of fishing, why not cook up your catch in a big family feast? Plan ahead and you could have a wine tasting evening, a movie night, or a game night with your kids. While Sorrento offers a lot of dining and nightlife options, sometimes you just feel like staying home in comfortable clothes. Holiday rentals offer the chance to kick back and put the feet up after a day of sea kayaking, surfing, or scuba diving.