Things to do in Sorrento
Children tend to set their own itinerary in Sorrento, and it usually involves water. The calm bay, the rock pools on the ocean side and a national park full of tunnels make the village one of the easiest family holidays on the peninsula.
Last updated October 2026
Start with the shallows of the front beach, where the bay is calm, the sand is soft and the foreshore lawns behind it are perfect for picnics and running off energy. Toilets, the pier and ice creams are all close by.
At low tide, the rock platforms of Sorrento Back Beach reveal pools full of crabs, anemones and sea stars. Stay close to little ones: the rocks are slippery and the swell can surprise. In summer, swim only between the flags when the surf club is on patrol.
The tunnels and gun emplacements at Fort Nepean rate highly with young explorers, and the hop-on, hop-off shuttle makes the park easy with small legs. The Quarantine Station has plenty of room to roam. See our Point Nepean guide.
The Queenscliff ferry is a 40 minute adventure in itself, with outside decks for spotting dolphins. Older children can join a dolphin and seal swim in season, from October to April; check age and swimming requirements with the operator when you book.
Over summer, Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club runs Nippers, teaching beach and surf skills to young members. It is a much-loved local tradition for families who come back every year.
Within about half an hour’s drive you will find Enchanted Adventure Garden and the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola at Arthurs Seat, Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens at Shoreham, and pick-your-own strawberries at Sunny Ridge in Main Ridge in season.
Getting here
Drive from Melbourne in about 90 minutes, cross on the ferry from Queenscliff, or take the train to Frankston and bus route 788 down the peninsula. Once you arrive, the visitor information centre on the foreshore has maps and local advice. Find where to stay, and read more about getting here and around.