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Sorrento Pier — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Sorrento Pier

The Sorrento Pier is located at the western end of Sorrento Front Beach under the rocky outcrop known as Policemans Point. Built in 1870, the Sorrento Pier is visited by both recreational and commercial vessels. The Sorrento Pier provides access across the bay to Queenscliff via a 40 minute ferry ride. Fishing from the pier is a popular activity and is a particular hotspot for King George whiting, with the peak season being from November- April. Other popular activities include swimming in the calm, safe waters or casually strolling down the beach. Located within a short walk of the Sorrento Pier is the town of Sorrento, one of Victoria's oldest seaside communities. Visit Sorrento for a variety of cafes, restaurants, galleries, picnic and barbeque facilities. You can climb the nearby steps up the cliff face behind the Esplanade for spectacular views above Policemans Point where you catch watch the ferries come and go, and enjoy scenic views of Sorrento Front Beach. There's also the restored railway platform which was used by the Sorrento Steam Tram between 1890 and 1921 to carry holidaymakers arriving by ferry from Melbourne to the ocean beach.

Sorrento VIC

0.0 km away

Craig Penny Exhibition Manyung Gallery Sorrento 2022

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Manyung Gallery Sorrento

Discover one of the Mornington Peninsula's premier destinations for contemporary Australian art at Manyung Gallery Sorrento. Located in the heart of the village, the gallery features more than 200 original artworks, including contemporary paintings, works on paper and an ever-changing collection of sculptures. Whether you're an experienced collector, searching for the perfect piece for your home, or simply exploring Sorrento, the friendly and knowledgeable gallery team is on hand to help you discover artwork you'll love. Manyung Gallery also offers a complimentary, no-obligation in-home viewing service throughout the Mornington Peninsula and metropolitan Melbourne, allowing you to see selected artworks in your own space before making a decision. The team can also arrange bespoke commissions, working closely with artists to create a piece tailored to your style and space. With new exhibitions opening regularly, every visit offers something fresh to discover. Established in 1968, the Manyung Gallery Group is one of Australia's longest-running and largest contemporary art galleries. A visit to Manyung Gallery Sorrento is a wonderful way to experience the diversity and creativity of Australian contemporary art while exploring the beautiful coastal village of Sorrento.

Sorrento VIC

0.5 km away

Sorrento Museum — Image credit: Nepean Historical Society

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sorrento Museum

In the heart of Sorrento, Nepean Historical Society's museum and the nearby original Limeburner's Cottage will take you back to the beginnings of Sorrento. Through images and artefacts, the museum tells many fascinating stories. Learn about the first European settlement on Port Phillip in 1803 by Lieutenant Colonel David Collins arriving on the Calcutta bringing convicts and their families. Learn fascinating stories of the Boon Wurrung people and convict, William Buckley, who escaped from the settlement and lived with the indigenous people for 33 years. Watch video of ferries in the 1880s bringing thousands of tourists from Melbourne and the steam trams running up the main street to the ocean beach. See artifacts from many ships wrecked at the treacherous Heads. Examine up close a special figurehead from one of the wrecks. Visit Watts Cottage, a National Trust classified building, Wattle and Daub Limeburner's home, built 1869-1870. A fine example of homes built by the first settlers using local materials. The museum has an extensive photo collection and documentary archive. Research and copying services are available on request, and visitors can search some open indexes and material online. Please visit the website for current opening hours. Group tours by arrangement.

Sorrento VIC

0.7 km away

Collins Settlement Historic Site

National Parks and Reserves

Collins Settlement Historic Site

At the beginning of the 19th Century, the British government decided to establish a settlement at Port Phillip, and Sullivan Bay was chosen because of its strategic location near the entrance of the Bay. The settlement is significant because it was the first attempt to settle Europeans permanently in what is now Victoria. A small part of Collins Settlement Historic Site was acquired in 1982 by the State Government, with the help of public donations. Friends of Collins Settlement Sorrento Inc. assist with managing the area. Things to see and do - Explore the revegetated area and absorb the history of Victoria's first settlement - Visit the Nepean Historical Society Museum in Sorrento Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Sorrento VIC

0.7 km away

Sorrento Ocean Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Sorrento Ocean Beach

Sorrento’s scenic ocean beach is known for its wonderful rock pools and rock ledges which can be explored at low tide. The beach can be accessed from a staircase or ramp and there is plenty of parking although this can get busy at peak times. The beach is popular for surfing, diving, fishing and exploring the rockpools. There is no need to leave the beach when you get hungry or thirsty as there is a café overlooking the beach offering you amazing views while you sip on a coffee. From the beach you can take the scenic three kilometre Coppins walking track which offers lookouts and markers detailing the area's history, or walk 1.5 kilometres to the shopping strip. This wide sandy beach is wild and rough and is patrolled by Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club at busy times of the year. You should swim between the flags and watch the rips and rocks at low tide. Dogs are not permitted on this beach.

Sorrento VIC

1.6 km away

Diamond Bay — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism

Natural Attractions

Diamond Bay

Diamond Bay is an ocean beach surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs. The site is a popular location for surf fishing as it has extensive rock platforms and is slightly more protected than other areas of the coast. This stunning area of sand is lying at the base of 30 m high calcarenite bluffs, and are fronted by a reef and rock dominated surf zone. Diamond Bay Road leads to a small car park behind the beach which is accessed from a walking track and steep staircase. There are wonderful cliff top walks along the rugged coast from Cape Schanck to Portsea. Walks from Diamond Bay heading east to the St Pauls lookout and circuit walk which was a strategic observation site for the early settlers and gives stunning views over the Bay of Islands. Heading west to Jubilee Point for views back to Sorrento. The headland of Jubilee Point also separates Diamond Bay from the smaller St Pauls Beach. The area around Diamond Bay contains significant Aboriginal midden sites. Please stay to formed tracks to avoid disturbing these fragile, protected sites.

Sorrento VIC

1.8 km away

Bay of Islands, Sorrento — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Bay of Islands, Sorrento

The aptly named Bay of Islands lies to the east of Diamond Bay and is part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The craggy limestone rock formations create picturesque rocky outcrops (or islands) just off the coastline and make for great photographs. Access is via the Diamond Bay car park, and the track to the Bay Of Islands also gives good views back towards Diamond Bay. Please keep to the paths to reduce erosion damage. Swimming is not advised due to rocks beneath the water surface and strong currents.

Sorrento VIC

1.8 km away

Shelley Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Shelley Beach

Shelley Beach, between Sorrento and Portsea, is a much loved sandy beach with private jetties, colourful boat sheds and bathing boxes nestled among the ti-tree. There are two access ramps leading down the cliff to the beach but extremely limited parking makes this a very exclusive beach. Although in the past decade tidal erosion has destroyed some of the buildings at the western end of the beach. Shelley Beach is now being replenished by sand from Portsea where the beach has almost disappeared since The Heads were widened in 2009. Shelley Beach is also a leash-free dog beach from 7:00 PM to 9:00 AM during daylight savings. Sandy beach between Franklin Road and Hemston Avenue. Always refer to signs at beach entry points as changes to dog restrictions may be made at any time by local authorities.

Portsea VIC

1.9 km away

Koonya Beach, Blairgowrie — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Koonya Beach, Blairgowrie

Koonya Beach is one of several wild beaches on the Bass Strait coast section of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The 750 metre long beach has good access via two car parks at the end of Hughes Road, with a loop walking track from the road to the beach. There is a lookout close to the car park which makes the area a good stop off point for ocean views. While dominated by rocks and reefs, Koonya Beach is one of the more open, sandy beaches in this section of Mornington Peninsula National Park, making it great for photographs and walking. Koonya is most suited to surfing, fishing and beachcombing because of the dangerous conditions. Swimming is not advised as the beach is unpatrolled and can be hazardous due to large waves, strong currents and submerged rocky reefs. No dogs allowed.

Blairgowrie VIC

2.8 km away

Mornington Peninsula National Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features. The park is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta. Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Before you go - Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Portsea VIC

2.9 km away

Point Nepean National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Point Nepean National Park

The history of Point Nepean spans back thousands of years to the Bunurong people. It has also played an important role in shaping the early European settlement and defence of Australia, used to quarantine people arriving in Victoria, defending the colony and for military training. Located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, with outstanding coastal scenery and panoramic views of Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay. Walk or cycle through the beautiful rugged coastal landscape. Explore the military forts and tunnels, discover the historic Quarantine Station, view the memorial where Prime Minister Harold Holt went missing or simply enjoy the coastal surrounds. Extend your stay at the new Discovery Tents campground. The pre-pitched canvas tents offer the opportunity to stay in nature without the fuss of setting up your own camping equipment. Parks Victoria acknowledges Point Nepean National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit the website.

Portsea VIC

2.9 km away

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

With its proximity to Victoria's largest city the southern end of the Bay has high visitor usage throughout the year with a huge peak over the summer months. The southern Bay is Melbourne's summer playground and many of the areas within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park are popular for a range of recreational pursuits from snorkelling and scuba diving to passive recreation on the beach. Habitat types found within the park include seagrass beds, sheltered intertidal mudflats, intertidal sandy beaches and rocky shores, subtidal soft substrata and rocky reefs, as well as the open water environment. The diversity and abundance of marine flora and fauna in this region are greater than many comparable habitats elsewhere in the world. The park is renowned for its diversity of migratory wader birds and includes a number of sites listed under a number of treaties to protect migratory bird habitat. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Portsea VIC

2.9 km away

Mornington Peninsula — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Monforts Beach, Blairgowrie

Monforts Beach lies in the Mornington Peninsula National Park next to both Bridgewater Bay and Fowlers Beach. These are three dangerous beach sections, with reef dominated surf at high tide and exposed rocks and reefs at low tide. Montforts has some sheltered tidal pools at low tide, which offer the most suitable spots for bathing. This is not a well-known beach but an interesting and secluded area along the ocean beachside of the Mornington Peninsula It is a nice walk to the beach from Spray Point Road with spectacular views along the way.

Blairgowrie VIC

3.2 km away

Portsea Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Portsea Front Beach

Portsea's Front Beach is nestled within a sandy cove named Weeroona Bay. The beach can be accessed via a pathway through the W E Newton Reserve to the historic 100 metres along Portsea Pier. The pier is a popular spot for snorkelling and a departure point for scuba diving tours. The water around the pier is a haven for fish and if you are lucky you may even see a weedy sea dragon. Immediately to the left of the pier is a small sandy beach. Follow the walkway around the corner to a long narrow beach dotted with pretty bathing boxes. This section of the beach inspired the painting by Penleigh Boyd and is part of the Sorrento-Portsea Artist Trail. To the right of the pier is a very narrow stretch of beach which may not be visible or accessible at high tide. The water is usually calm and relatively safe for swimming but the tidal currents increase offshore. This beach is not patrolled by lifesavers. Dogs are allowed on a leash between 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM except during daylight savings.

Portsea VIC

3.3 km away

Portsea Pier — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Portsea Pier

Portsea Pier is located at Portsea Front Beach which is nestled within a sandy cove named Weeroona Bay. The pier is made up of two platforms and is a popular shallow spot for scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. Immediately to the left of the pier is a small sandy beach. Follow the walkway around the corner to a long narrow beach dotted with pretty bathing boxes. This section of the beach inspired the painting by Penleigh Boyd and is part of the Sorrento-Portsea Artist Trail. To the right of the pier work is currently being undertaken to create a temporary rock bund to protect the sand bag wall during storms. Further to the right is a long narrow stretch of sandy beach. The water is usually calm and relatively safe for swimming but the tidal currents increase offshore. Street parking is available along Point Nepean Road in front of the pier area and strip of shops.

Portsea VIC

3.3 km away

Portsea Surf Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Portsea Surf Beach

The consistent breaks of Portsea Surf Beach make it one of the best surf spots on the Mornington Peninsula. Catch a wave, explore the seemingly endless stretch of coast or relax on the sandy shore and admire the vistas across Bass Strait. Portsea Back Beach Road provides good access to the car parks and lookout above the beach, with a steep walk down to the beach and surf lifesaving club. The beach is 2.5 kilometres long, with extensive intertidal calcarenite rock platforms and reefs forming the boundaries, together with smaller reefs and rocks outcropping along the beach. It faces the south-west and receives the full force of the south-west waves and westerly winds. Swimming: A popular summer beach, however definitely stay on the bar and between the flags, and clear of the rips, rocks and reefs, particularly at low tide when the rips intensify. Surfing: A popular surfing spot in summer, when Portsea is overrun with holiday makers. The beach breaks occur over the bars and reefs, with best conditions during low to moderate swell and northerly winds. Fishing: A popular spot for beach and rock fishing, with deep rip holes a permanent feature, together with rocks and reef along the beach. No dogs allowed.

Portsea VIC

3.4 km away

Blairgowrie Pier — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Blairgowrie Pier

Blairgowrie Pier is located just out of the seaside town of Blairgowrie adjacent to the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. It is a popular long pier (approximately 280 metres long) great for recreational scuba diving and snorkelling with relatively shallow waters with more than a hundred species of nudibranch identified and colourful sponges along the pier structure. The pier leads to the marina and is a safe boat harbour. Parking is available from the car park off Point Nepean Road, with a steep set of steps leading down to the pier. Limited parking is available at the lower car park near the yacht squadron.

Blairgowrie VIC

3.5 km away

Blairgowrie Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Blairgowrie Beach

Blairgowrie Beach itself is five kilometres long and backed by a continuous foreshore reserve and the start of a series of long, sandy beaches and wide sand flats that swing in a 24km long, north facing arc from The Sisters to Martha Point. The reserve contains all visitor facilities including a narrow, 200 metre long jetty, boat ramps and a camping area. Toilets are located close to Wilsons Road while cafes and a supermarket can be found across the road for refreshments. This is a safe swimming beach is usually narrow and fronted by 200 to 300 metres wide, shallow sand flats or sand bars. Facilities include toilets, boat ramps, a yacht club, marina, camping area, jetty.

Blairgowrie VIC

3.7 km away

Mercure Portsea

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Portsea Golf Club

Ideally situated on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, The Portsea Golf Club is a must play golfing destination. With sweeping panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and stunning grounds, this spectacular golf course is located only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne and is perfect for players of all abilities. Quite literally carved out of the coastal tea-tree, Portsea falls beautifully across its small site with fairways set amidst the rolling dunes and the more exposed areas offering great views out to Port Philip Bay. The best holes are those with the most authentic links undulations, such as the par five 8th and adjacent par four 14th, the drivable par four 10th and the wildly sloping, twice-blind finishing hole. Measuring less than 5,800 meters, Portsea is a fun course that more often than not tests all elements of a golfers game. Although the reachable par fives and short par fours ensure plenty of birdie opportunities, the vagaries of the Peninsula winds and the small greens will keep you on your toes throughout the round. The Portsea Golf Club also offers travelling golfers exceptional modern accommodation with sweeping views of the golf course. With a wide array of options for all occasions, coupled with high-quality modern cuisine and exceptional service, professional and friendly staff will be able to accommodate your individual needs.

Portsea VIC

3.8 km away

Bridgewater Bay — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Bridgewater Bay

Bridgewater Bay is popular with families for it's extensive rock pools which are great to explore at low tide. The bay forms a large natural amphitheater surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs. There is a sandy section of beach between the rock formations. The beach is not patrolled and considered dangerous for swimming due to the exposed rocks, reefs, and surf. Keep an eye on the tides and waves, and wear sensible footwear as some of the rocks are covered in slippery seaweed. A walking track to the bay starts at a small car park at the end of St Johns Wood Road and a steep staircase descends from the cliffs to the beach below. Stunning views are available from the walking track west towards Spray Point and as you descend the staircase to the beach. The beach is also accessible as part of the Coastal Walk.

Blairgowrie VIC

4.3 km away

Aerial view of Police Point Shire Park — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Parks and Gardens

Police Point Shire Park

Police Point has a many layered history, it was once part of Point Nepean Quarantine Station, the oldest quarantine station in Australia. It is a culturally significant site for the Bunurong People who know it as Monmar, named for the beautiful white trunks of the Moonah trees common to this area. The Park provides a refuge for the Long-nosed bandicoots amongst other rare fauna. Moonah woodland and grassy calcareous swales make it the ideal habitat for these small marsupials. Police Point was home to the police who staffed the entrance to Point Nepean Quarantine Station. Of the original buildings, only the wells and tank foundations survive and the original police barracks room which is now incorporated into the Superintendents Cottage. One of the Mornington Peninsula's hidden gems, wander the grounds to discover the history, spectacular views and walks throughout this beautiful landscape. The Shire's Police Point Artist in Residence program has been running for over five years. It has hosted over 100 Australian and international artists at Police Point Shire Park. The Artist-in-Residence program is founded on the belief that artists look closely at the way the world works, notice things that others may have missed, challenge ideas, experiment, and create new opportunities to look at the world and its resources

Portsea VIC

4.3 km away

Pearses Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Pearses Beach

Located at the back beach of Blairgowrie between Dimmicks Beach and Bridgewater Bay, Pearses Beach is a small beach with bathing only at mid to high tide. Be very cautious of the rocks and reef on and off the beach and the steep drop off beyond the reef. This beach does not have surfable waves. There is a coastal walking track across the dunes from the end of Pearse's Road through tea tree which is the best way to view and enjoy this beach rather than swimming. Be cautious and aware of the hooded plovers nesting on the beach between August and April. There is a small car park at the end of Pearses Road with a track leading down to the beach.

Blairgowrie VIC

5.4 km away

Dimmicks Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Dimmicks Beach

This spectacular and secluded beach is located at the end of a residential street in Blairgowrie, so it is best to access it as part of The Coastal Walk. The track to the beach is undulating and there are timber seats placed overlooking the beach - a great place to stop and admire the view. This beach abounds with beautiful rock pools and rock formations waiting to be explored. Some of the rocks are covered in seaweed and can be slippery. At one end of the beach, you can peak through a gap in the rocks and see the cove on the other side. There is a nice stretch of sandy beach at low tide so this is the best time to visit. The beach is unpatrolled and there are exposed rocks and reef especially at low tide.

Blairgowrie VIC

6.0 km away

Rye Skate Park — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Rye Skate Park

Designed for the young and the young at heart, this skate bowl was designed for skaters and riders alike who love the flow and quick transition of a bowl. The three-metre deep kidney bowl has been designed with a flat bottom and near vert concrete coping. Within the bowl is the first Australian inclusion of the eight-metre-high Cradle or “Death Star”, a design feature which aimed for more old school pool skate style which flows int the eight-metre cradle. There is something for everyone. Complementing the bowl is a mini bowl situated behind the large bowl.

Rye VIC

6.7 km away

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