by Zoe Ng
posted on November 29, 2024
Looking for exciting things to do in Sorrento? We’re getting into the nitty-gritty to help you plan your Sorrento escape, whether you’ve planned a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
This charming coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula has everything from historic beaches to world-class dining. Get ready to experience a blend of old-world elegance with modern coastal living for endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
An overview of the 10 best things to do in Sorrento
- Unwind at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse
- Go back in time at Sorrento Museum
- Swim with dolphins with Moonraker Dolphin Swims
- Relax by the water at Front Beach
- Stroll along Millionaire’s Walk from Portsea to Sorrento
- Soak in the water views from Sorrento Pier
- Explore the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail
- Surf and explore the rock pools at Sorrento Ocean Beach
- Wine, dine and stay at Hotel Sorrento
- Shop local at the Point Nepean Portsea Market
The 10 best things to see and do in Sorrento
Nestled between the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and the rugged Bass Strait coastline, Sorrento stands as one of the most captivating destinations on the Mornington Peninsula. From luxurious spa experiences to historic discoveries, here are the top activities showcasing the best of this coastal gem.
1. Unwind at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: Centrally located, 2-minute drive from Sorrento’s main street.
- Ideal activity length: 2–4 hours
- Cost: Bathhouse ritual from $95, Spa treatments from $90
- Bookings: Essential, especially during summer months
- Best for: Couples, wellness enthusiasts, and those looking for a luxury pampering experience
Recognised as the “Best Spa in Australasia” in 2023, this seaside sanctuary combines Australian coastal inspiration with European bathing traditions. The subterranean Spa & Bathhouse features a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy pools. Guests can also enjoy thermal experiences like saunas, steam rooms, and an ice igloo. The minimum age for using the facilities is 14 years.
2. Go back in time at Sorrento Museum
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: Located on Melbourne Road in central Sorrento.
- Ideal activity length: 1–2 hours
- Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for teens, and free for children under 12
- Bookings: Not required unless you want a group tour, which you will need to book ahead of time.
- Best for: History buffs, families, and as a rainy day activity
Housed in the oldest limestone building in Victoria, the museum tells the fascinating story of Sorrento’s maritime history and early settlement. The collection includes artefacts from early settlers, photographs by Sir Arthur Streeton, and the works of Sidney Nolan, inspired by the region.
Don’t miss the interactive display about the historic Queenscliff ferry service, and pay a visit to Watts Cottage to learn how early settlers churned butter, cooked with fire, and had fridges in trees!
3. Swim with dolphins with Moonraker Dolphin Swims
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: Departs from Sorrento Pier, a 5-minute walk from the main street.
- Ideal activity length: At least half a day
- Cost: Swim packages start from $180 for Adults, and $130 for Children (5-15 years)
- Bookings: Essential, book at least one week ahead in peak season
- Best for: Adventure seekers and families with children
Experience the bay’s marine life up close on this eco-certified and family-friendly tour. The shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay provide perfect conditions for encountering bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Swim tours include wetsuits, snorkelling equipment, professional photographers that capture your experience, and lunch and refreshments provided. Dolphin spotting is guaranteed, so if you don’t see any on your tour day, you can go back for a free tour within 30 days. The best time for the most dolphin activity is overcast days and quieter off-peak seasons.
4. Relax by the water at Sorrento Front Beach
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: A 5-minute walk from main street.
- Ideal activity length: 2–4 hours or full day
- Cost: Free (paid parking during peak season)
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Families, swimmers, and picnickers
The calm waters of Sorrento Front Beach are perfect for swimming and paddling. This white sand beach features good facilities including parking, picnic areas, and a walking track with private jetties. The shallow waters make it particularly family-friendly and ideal for younger children to play in. There are plenty of spots to camp and lots of cafes, food trucks and coffee spots along the main street.
5. Stroll along Millionaire’s Walk from Portsea to Sorrento
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: Starts at Lentell Avenue or Point King Road, a 5-minute drive from central Sorrento.
- Ideal activity length: 1–1.5 hours
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Walking enthusiasts, photography lovers, and architecture admirers
This spectacular clifftop walk has stunning views across Port Phillip to the Bellarine Peninsula, Melbourne CBD and even Mount Dandenong, while passing some of the peninsula’s most prestigious homes and scattered historical monuments. The 1.5km track (return) follows a public easement through private property, providing glimpses of magnificent mansions and their private beaches.
The walk is also part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail and you’ll spot images of artworks and the scenes that inspired them. It’s best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset when the bay glows golden, so set aside time in your itinerary ahead of time.
6. Soak in the water views from Sorrento Pier
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: Located in central Sorrento, about an 8-minute walk from Sorrento Park or a 3-minute drive along Ocean Beach Road
- Ideal activity length: 1–2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Photographers, sunset watchers, fishing enthusiasts, and picnickers
The historic Sorrento Pier has some of the most spectacular views across the bay. It’s a prime spot for fishing, watching boats and the Queenscliff ferry, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk.
During summer months, the pier comes alive with local fishermen tossing their lines, kayakers paddling nearby, and families picnicking on the grassy foreshore or swimming in the shallow waters. Sorrento’s village is a short walk away and it’s an easy hop over for a bite at one of its many cafés or restaurants.
Discover Sorrento’s charm with the perfect ride from Turo. Whether you need a convertible for scenic coastal drives or an SUV for beach gear and family fun, you can hire unique vehicles from trusted local hosts. Explore car rental near Sorrento on Turo.
7. Explore the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: Starts at 3236 Point Nepean Road, about a 5-minute drive from central Sorrento via Ocean Beach Road
- Ideal activity length: 1–1.5 hours
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Art lovers, history buffs, and walking enthusiasts
This 1.5-kilometre scenic walk is well-marked and winds through private coastal gardens and hidden coastlines, eventually leading to a stretch of beach with private jetties connecting to the Millionaires Walk.
The trail takes you along a visual journey of 14 paintings from some of Australia’s celebrated artists, with replicas standing as close as possible to where the artist would have sat to paint. The short walk between points has stunning views of both the front beach and back beach areas.
8. Surf and explore the rock pools at Sorrento Ocean Beach
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: A short drive along Ocean Beach Road, and a short walk down the staircase or ramp from the parking lot.
- Ideal activity length: A few hours to half a day
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Surfers, nature lovers, and families
Ocean Beach is a dramatic contrast to Sorrento’s sheltered front beach, with perfect waves for surfing and rock pools that are ideal for kids to swim in. Time your visit around low tide when the rock pools are teeming with marine life. Don’t forget to head out to Coppins Lookout, a 3 km walking track from Ocean Beach that is well worth the visit for some stunning views.
9. Wine, dine and stay at Hotel Sorrento
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: 3–4 minute drive from central Sorrento on Hotham Road.
- Ideal activity length: Dining 2–3 hours, overnight stay recommended
- Cost: Dining room mains from $35, rooms from $350/night
- Bookings: Essential for dining room and accommodation
- Best for: Couples, food lovers, and special occasions
A Sorrento institution, this historic hotel combines seasonal produce, panoramic views of the coast, and plenty of entertainment and activities throughout the year. The dining room serves modern Australian cuisine featuring local ingredients, however, be aware there is a dress code you’ll need to adhere to. Live music performances on weekends add to the vibrant atmosphere.
The hotel is located in a great spot for exploring Sorrento’s village shops and is close to the beach.
10. Shop local at the Point Nepean Portsea Market
- Travel time and distances from Sorrento: About a 14-minute drive from central Sorrento along Point Nepean Road.
- Ideal activity length: 2–3 hours
- Cost: Free entry; parking $5
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Foodies, market lovers, and souvenir hunters
Located within the Nepean National Park near the historic Quarantine Station by the beach, the Point Nepean Portsea Market showcases the best of Mornington Peninsula’s artisans and producers. From cellar doors offering wine tastings to stalls selling locally grown produce and fresh baked goods, it’s a perfect way to experience the region’s flavours.
With a lively atmosphere and nearly 230 stalls to meander through, there’s plenty to experience and explore from fresh flowers to jewellery, art, plants, clothing and much more. Make sure to visit early for the best selection and easier car parking.
Exploring Sorrento: Your complete guide to what to do in Sorrento
Want more? Here’s a complete guide to some of our favourite things to do in Sorrento (besides sunbathing and getting lost in a good book, of course!).
Best outdoor activities in Sorrento
From rugged ocean coastlines to tranquil bay waters, enjoy the natural beauty of Mornington Peninsula with these outdoor activities.
- Explore sparkling beaches: Back Beach, St Andrews Beach, and Diamond Bay, a secluded cove and surf beach.
- Follow scenic coastal walking tracks: Coppins Track (4 km), Fingal Beach Walk (3 km), and The Coastal Walk (26 km).
- Get up close with marine life: Snorkel with seals at Chinaman’s Hat in Port Phillip Bay, take a boat tour of Port Phillip Bay and check out rock pool marine life at Sorrento’s back beaches.
Things to do in Sorrento for families
These family-friendly activities mix education with entertainment.
- Visit Port Nepean National Park: Drive or cycle through this stunning coastal park and explore the fascinating military forts of Fort Nepean, underground tunnels and stunning lookout points.
- Explore the Quarantine Station: This heritage site has easy access to walking trails and fascinating stories of early settlement. The site offers family-friendly tours, historical exhibits, and plenty of space for children to explore safely.
- Visit Green Olive at Red Hill: Enjoy a whole farm experience and some delicious food at this 27-acre working farm. See how locals grow olives, meet farm animals, and enjoy fresh produce.
Free things to do in Sorrento
Discover the peninsula’s natural beauty and historical significance without spending a cent.
- Pack a picnic for St Andrews Beach: Enjoy one of the peninsula’s most pristine stretches of coastline, perfect for beach walks and full of great surfing spots.
- Watch the sunset from the Portsea Hotel Lookout: Find a public viewing spot near the hotel for spectacular evening views across the bay.
- Follow the heritage trail: Take a self-guided walk past Sorrento’s historic limestone buildings and learn about the area’s early settlement.
Unusual things to do in Sorrento
Ditch the ordinary and try these unusual things to do in Sorrento:
- Join a ghost tour: A nighttime tour of 12 historical locations around Sorrento that are fabled ghost locations, including the Continental Hotel, Athenaeum Cinema and the Masonic Lodge.
- Visit the Enchanted Adventure theme park: A whimsical theme park 30 minutes from central Sorrento, featuring an elaborate maze, tube slides, an outdoor sculpture park, tree surfing, and other enchanting outdoor activities.
- Vodka tasting at Penni Ave Distillery: The only dedicated vodka distillery on the Mornington Peninsula, it’s a hidden gem among locals that uses sustainable and ethically sourced Australian botanicals in its blends.
Things to do in Sorrento in winter
Here are a few ways to make the most of your winter in Sorrento:
- Visit the Peninsula Hot Springs: Escape the winter chill with a relaxing soak in the soothing thermal mineral waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs.
- Go whale watching from coastal lookouts: During the winter migration season, spot majestic whales from Sorrento’s scenic coastal vantage points, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
- Cosy up at the Historic Portsea Hotel: Settle in at the Portsea Hotel for stunning bay views while you indulge in some hearty winter fare.
Things to do in Sorrento in the summer
Looking for fun in the sun? Here are some fun things to do during summer:
- Cool off with a Mubble Ice Cream: Sink into delicious handcrafted ice cream along Ocean Beach Road before hitting the beach or the shops.
- Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak: Glide across the calm waters of the bay and take in the stunning coastal scenery.
- Visit a summer concert or festival: Sorrento comes alive with lively events and festivals throughout the summer, from outdoor concerts and art shows to seasonal food and wine celebrations.
What you need to know about Sorrento (VIC)
- How to get to Sorrento:
- Driving from Melbourne: 1 hour 30 minutes via Princes Highway and Mornington Peninsula Freeway/M11
- From Geelong: 1 hour, 45 minutes via Bellarine Highway/B110, then a 40-minute ferry ride from Queenscliff to Sorrento
- Nearest airports: Melbourne Airport (About a 1-hour, 40-minute drive) or Avalon Airport (about a 2-hour drive)
- Best time to visit Sorrento: Sorrento is a year-round destination, but September to April offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Summer (December to February) brings perfect beach weather and a buzzing village atmosphere, though accommodation prices peak. March to April is ideal for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
- What you’ll love about Sorrento: Stunning views along the Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait coastlines, pristine beaches, historic limestone buildings, and a sophisticated dining scene that uses fresh produce and local ingredients.
- Driving conditions in Sorrento: Well-maintained roads throughout the peninsula. Point Nepean Road (main street) can get busy during peak summer months. Beach parking areas can fill quickly on weekends. Some scenic coastal roads are winding, requiring careful driving, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Best vehicle to hire in Sorrento:
- Standard sedans like a Toyota Camry or Mazda 3 are perfect for couples.
- SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson are ideal for families and carrying beach gear.
- Luxury vehicles such as the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC add a little bit of opulence to your trip.
- Convertibles like the BMW 2 Series or Audi A3 are great for scenic drives.
- Accommodation and camping options in Sorrento:
- Campsites (under $75/night): Sorrento Foreshore Camping and Camerons Bight Campground.
- Budget (under $250/night): Boathouse Resort Studios & Suites, Rosebud Motel, Moonlight Bay Apartments, and Sorrento Beach Motel.
- Mid-Range (under $500/night): Hotel Sorrento, Weeroona Bed & Breakfast, Sunny Side Up Accommodation Mornington Peninsula, and Beachwalk Cottage.
- Luxury (over $500+/night): Carmel at Sorrento, InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Buoys By Sorrento Village, and Santorini Blue.
Explore Sorrento by car
Sorrento truly has it all — historical sites, beautiful white sand beaches, lush nature reserves, stunning coastal walking trails, and plenty of arts, fashion and food! So why shouldn’t you have the freedom and flexibility to explore everything?
Visit Victoria’s most picturesque coastal town at your own pace, from hidden beaches to panoramic lookouts, with a Sorrento rental car on Turo. Browse through a wide selection of vehicles from local hosts to find the perfect vehicle for your Sorrento getaway, whether it’s a 4WD or a convertible for fun scenic drives!
Zoe Ng
Zoe is a writer from Malaysia who now calls Sydney home. With a background in crafting engaging campaigns and writing for one of Asia’s largest airlines, Zoe loves creating compelling travel content and sharing her experiences and insights. When she’s not off planning her next big trip, Zoe enjoys discovering new food spots and living vicariously through Google Maps.
