Top Towns for 2022: The town of Sorrento is a foodie paradise

Kate SymonsBy Kate Symons
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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.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

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.

Vanilla Slice Cafe
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
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.

For drinks of a different kind, whip over to Dromana where Jetty Road Brewery , and Bass & Flinders and JimmyRum distilleries put on a fine show, too.

On the dining front, foodies are spoilt for choice with several restaurants – winery-based and otherwise – attracting high praise from clientele and critics alike.

This writer loves Laura at Pt Leo Estate (temporarily closed, so watch this space), Doot Doot Doot at Jackalope , DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar , and Red Gum BBQ . Note: this writer hasn’t eaten everywhere on the peninsula… yet.

Doot Doot Doot at Jackalope Mornington Peninsula
Dine at Doot Doot Doot.

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.

The Baths, Sorrento
The Baths in Sorrento.

The street is also bookended by beaches, a glamorous touch and just the start of this aquatic paradise, which is now home to the new state-of-the-art Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.

Aurora Spa Sorrento Victoria
Book into Aurora Spa. (Image: Kate Shanasy)

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.

Explore more of the Mornington Peninsula in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.
Kate Symons
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.
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7 things you must experience on a getaway to Echuca Moama

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.

    Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.

    1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama

    Goolwa River Retreat villas
    Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.

    An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .

    For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.

    Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.

    More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.

    If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.

    2. Explore the Murray River

    PaddlesteamerS on the Murray River
    Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.

    A trip to Echuca Moama isn’t complete without seeing the Murray River. Take in views from the water, with Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca Paddlesteamers . Or combine sightseeing with lunch at a local winery or brewery on a Wharf to Winery or Port to Plate cruise .

    Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP  to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.

    Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.

    3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama

    two bikers riding on the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail
    Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.

    On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.

    Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.

    4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options

    lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama
    Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.

    Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.

    Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.

    Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .

    5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars

    two people drinking cockatails at paradise bar in echuca moama
    Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.

    Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.

    Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.

    For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.

    6. Follow local art trails

    Silo Art Trail
    Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.

    The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.

    Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.

    7. Dive into local history

    Echuca Port Museum and Penny Tourism
    See the historic Port of Echuca.

    The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.

    The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.

    Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.

    Learn more and start planning the perfect holiday to Echuca Moama at visitechucamoama.com.au.