Just a short drive from Melbourne, this coastal gem is a gateway to hedonistic delights. Here, discover why Sorrento came in at no. 38 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.
Australia’s best vanilla slice. It’s a hotly contested title and the ensuing discussion has been known to cause furious debate. But I don’t need a verdict. I’m quite happy to eat my way through a shortlist, which is one delicious reason to visit Sorrento, the quaint-as-can-be seaside village on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
You’ll find The Vanilla Slice Cafe on Sorrento’s main drag and yes, you should absolutely pop in for a slice of finger-licking Australiana. As sugar-dense as this iconic slab of quivering vanilla custard is, time spent in postcard-perfect Sorrento gets a whole lot sweeter.
Eat your way through Sorrento starting at the aptly named Vanilla Slice Cafe.
About 90 minutes’ drive south-east of Melbourne, Sorrento has the hallmark qualities you would expect from a coastal town, which is to say, irresistible vistas, laissez-faire vibes and a glut of experiences that put those dreamy ocean views front and centre.
Better yet, Sorrento is but a hop, sip* and jump away from myriad epicurean delights. *No, that is not a typo.
One of the country’s premium cool climate wine regions, the Mornington Peninsula is home to more than 50 cellar doors and wine folk here are pros when it comes to spoiling visitors.
Pt. Leo Estate is one of the many wineries worth a visit near Sorrento.
Pinot noir and chardonnay are the region’s hero varieties, and the maritime influence is as crucial to the region’s wine as it is to its aesthetic appeal. This list is by no means exhaustive, but do add Pt Leo Estate, Montalto, Polperro Winery, Foxeys Hangout and Ten Minutes By Tractor to your itinerary.
Sorrento is an ideal base from which to experience these and many other peninsula attractions, but it is also a destination worthy of your undivided attention.
Peppered with galleries, eateries and boutique shopping, Sorrento’s high street is wonderfully strollable, while the limestone buildings give it added heritage cred.
With close to 200 kilometres of peninsula coastline to explore, there is no shortage of water-based delights in the region. Coastal walks are spectacular and for wildlife tours, picturesque Sorrento Pier is your likely launchpad.
Kate Symons is a freelance writer with a particular passion for uncovering the people that make the place. On assignments near and far, she observes and absorbs, waiting for that satisfying moment when the story lede - the tale that is sure to entice - presents itself.
The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.
Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.
A creative trail through the Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.
Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)
If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.
Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)
For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.
Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)
The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.
The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.
Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.
Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.
From golf days to spa stays
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses.Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.
Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.
Jetty Road Brewery.
After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.
