Explore the rich and captivating history of Sorrento, a town that blends Indigenous heritage, European exploration, and Victorian-era elegance. With its stunning coastline and historic landmarks, Sorrento invites you to step back in time and experience the charm that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Before European settlement, the Bunurong people, the traditional owners of the land, regularly visited the Sorrento coastline to gather shellfish from the rock platforms. They managed the land by lighting controlled fires, which created the park-like landscape we still admire today, with drooping casuarina, moonah, and wirily trees.
Â
Sorrento’s natural beauty and sense of connection to the land are still deeply influenced by the Bunurong people’s stewardship of the area.
In 1802, Acting Lieutenant Murray discovered the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, marking the beginning of European exploration of the region.
Â
The first official white settlement was established under Lieutenant Colonel Collins at Sullivan Bay in 1803. Although the settlement was abandoned in 1804, it holds the distinction of being the “Cradle of the State,” as it laid the groundwork for the later development of Melbourne.
In 1863, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, a prominent Member of Parliament and later Premier of Victoria, purchased land at Point King. He named it ‘Sorrento’ after the picturesque Italian coastal town and subdivided land for holiday homes.
Â
Duffy’s vision saw the creation of Sorrento Park (1870), established with fast-growing exotic trees supplied by Ferdinand von Mueller. Hotels, schools, churches, and a butcher’s shop soon followed, making Sorrento a bustling holiday destination.
It was George Selth Coppin, an actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who saw Sorrento’s potential as a major resort for the general population. In 1875, Coppin’s companies built the Continental Hotel, a guesthouse, and a series of bathhouses. He introduced a seasonal ferry service from Melbourne and constructed Ocean Beach Road to connect the town to the Back Beach.
Â
Under Coppin’s leadership, Sorrento flourished as a popular holiday destination, complete with cliff-top paths, cafes, and a steam tram connecting the pier to the Amphitheatre. This development solidified Sorrento’s reputation as a seaside retreat.
Today, Sorrento’s heritage is celebrated and protected. Many of its historical buildings, such as the Continental Hotel and Sorrento Park, have been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to step into the past while enjoying modern amenities. The community’s commitment to preserving its history is reflected in the town’s Planning Scheme, ensuring that Sorrento retains its unique character and charm.
Sorrento is more than just a beautiful coastal destination—it’s a town steeped in history, where the past and present meet to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring its heritage-listed buildings, walking the cliff-tops, or simply relaxing in one of its parks, Sorrento offers a rich, immersive experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
Come and discover the story of Sorrento for yourself—where history lives in every corner.