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Things to do in
Sorrento, Victoria

Sorrento, Victoria

Our most recommended things to do in Sorrento, Victoria

Sorrento: 1.5-Hour Port Phillip Bay Adventure Cruise

1. Sorrento: 1.5-Hour Port Phillip Bay Adventure Cruise

Your tour commences with an introductory on-board safety briefing, before cruising past the amazing cliff top mansions out into the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay. With your family or friends, you will head off to Chinaman's Hat, a local spot where the ever-curious Australian fur seals are waiting to show off their way of life. From Chinaman's Hat, cruise over to Popes Eye at the Marine National Park for a look at the Australasian gannets, where your guides will share with you some interesting and educational facts about these amazing birds. From there, you'll cruise the magnificent Port Phillip Bay in search of the inspiring bottle nosed dolphins. There is no need to jump into the water; the captain's technique will place you right next to the action where you will receive a fantastic view into the world of the dolphins and seals. At the conclusion of your guided insight into Australia's flora and fauna, you will be returned to your point of origin.

From Sorrento: Half-Day Cruise with Dolphins & Seals Snorkel

2. From Sorrento: Half-Day Cruise with Dolphins & Seals Snorkel

Departing from Sorrento Pier, enjoy a welcome tea or coffee, before venturing into the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay to embark on an exciting once in a lifetime adventure.   Make your way to Chinaman's Hat, a man-made structure built to protect local Australian fur seals. Go for a snorkel in the structure’s shallow waters and get up close and personal with the ever-curious seals who are waiting to share their underwater world with you. Next, go for a swim with dolphins. Float on the water’s surface as these playful creatures swim beneath you and circle the group, showing off their amazing abilities. Finish your experience with a snorkel at one of Port Phillip Bay's beautiful marine parks. Your cruise includes all snorkelling equipment, morning or afternoon tea and best of all if you don't see the dolphins you can come back for free!

Port Phillip Bay: 2-Hour Seal Swim

3. Port Phillip Bay: 2-Hour Seal Swim

Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure, snorkeling with cheeky and cheerful Australian fur seals. Departing Sorrento Pier in Victoria's picturesque Mornington Peninsula, your cruise commences with welcome tea or coffee as you revel in views of the coastline and cliff-top mansions. Arriving at Chinaman's Hat, a structure built just for the seals in Port Phillip Bay, you will take the plunge to swim with these gentle, playful and curious creatures. This sheltered area has a maximum depth of four meters and participants can float on the surface and watch the seals swim freely around them if they wish.

Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Waterbike Tour

4. Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Waterbike Tour

After a safety briefing and operational overview, participants will be fitted to their waterbike and fitted with lifejackets before departing Sorrento Pier and heading south towards Capel Sound. The tour will continue south following the Millionaire's Walk along the Sorrento to Portsea cliff top and getting an insight into how Melbourne's elite spend time at their summer mansions. This stunning cliff top walk has historic significance as it was the first time the Union Jack was used to claim possession of Australia. Continuing along past Point King Beach and Shelley Beach, we will pull in alongside the Portsea Pier right out front of the huge, Tudor-style pub, The Portsea Hotel. We return towards Sorrento, perhaps accompanied at times by some of the Mornington Peninsulas Bottlenose Dolphins known to frequent this stretch of water and friends of our eco-friendly waterbikes. Giving way to the Queenscliff to Sorrento Searoad Ferries, we will finish back at the Sorrento Pier at the base of the Hotel Sorrento. A truely unique way to experience of some of the most popular destinations on the Mornington Peninsula.

From Melbourne: Bay Sightseeing and Ferry Ride with Lunch

5. From Melbourne: Bay Sightseeing and Ferry Ride with Lunch

Start the day off with a walk along the spectacular Geelong Waterfront on Bellarine Peninsula. Take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh sea air and scenic views with the locals. After that, you’ll head to the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre to discover Victoria’s largest collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts and greet the local emus and wallabies in a native garden. The next stop along the Bellarine Peninsula will be a stroll around the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse for a fantastic photo opportunity before boarding the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. Savor the moment of sailing on the bay while enjoying a regional produce picnic lunch onboard. Observe some of the most serene bay views that the coastline has to offer. Set upon the pristine Portsea Surf Beach, you’ll see the London Arch, a unique rock formation and impressive natural wonder. Venture on to St. Andrews Beach Brewery, set among the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula and formerly a world-class horse training facility. Join the locals for a beer paddle tasting, and watch the brewers crafting and pouring great brews right from their stable doors. Next stop at Arthurs Seat to admire the panoramic views from Murrays Lookout across the bay to the city. Finally, take a glimpse into local heritage-protected history and the world-renowned Mornington Peninsula beach boxes. Situated along the coast, these iconic bathing boxes are the area’s symbol of summer and a popular tourist attraction. Enjoy the return trip back to Melbourne after a full day of sightseeing and exploring some of the greatest destinations around the bay.

Queenscliff Harbour: 1.5hr Wildlife Sightseeing Tour

6. Queenscliff Harbour: 1.5hr Wildlife Sightseeing Tour

Join us on our Wildlife Sightseeing Tour on our vessel Maureen .M, where you will meet the friendly (but wild) locals of Port Phillip Bay! Throughout the tour you will watch the playful Australian Fur seals, spot pods of local Burrunan dolphins cruising the bay, be intrigued by the amazing birdlife and marine life around Pope’s Eye and through the winter months you might even spot Humpback whales as they journey past this iconic and historically significant coastline. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew will chat about the incredible wildlife that reside or transit through Southern Port Phillip Bay and shares local history and insights about the region! Surrounded by the historic fishing ports of Queenscliff and Sorrento, the area Southern Port Phillip Bay is an incredible place, packed full of history, wildlife and adventure! We will always do our best to accommodate people with different needs. Please contact our office to discuss any special requirements your group may have. boasts some fascinating maritime and military history and is home to the highly diverse Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, world renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique marine life. Please note: There is a $10 environmental levy included as part of the price of this tour. This levy helps us help our oceans and will be put towards any of the following programs and research through our partnership charity SOEL (Southern Ocean Environmental Link) head to www.soel.org.au to find out more about the conservation programs and work.

Peninsula Hot Springs: Private Sanctuary and Bathing

7. Peninsula Hot Springs: Private Sanctuary and Bathing

Experience 45 minutes of blissful private bathing for you and your partner in a private bathing pavilion with your choice of - rose Infusion, chamomile rest, herbal remedy, lavender milk and essential oils to enhance the relaxation and benefits. You and your partner will also have access to a relaxation lounge where complimentary herbal teas are available. After your private bath, relax in the serene Spa Dreaming Center or enjoy the space of the Bath House. Enjoy access to a range of geothermal baths, saunas, Moroccan Hammams, and cold plunge pools in both areas. Bathe in thermal waters ranging from a relaxing 37 degrees to a toasty 43 degrees. Reap the benefits of the natural minerals found in the waters as you relax and enjoy the natural warmth of the springs.

Private Tour: Mornington Peninsula Wine, Beer & Hotsprings

8. Private Tour: Mornington Peninsula Wine, Beer & Hotsprings

Embark on an enchanting journey through the Mornington Peninsula, a haven of tranquility and scenic beauty, where camaraderie, exploration, and relaxation intertwine to create an unforgettable day tour. Don't miss the chance to indulge in this captivating experience that promises an array of delights and discoveries. As you're picked up, start the day with a coffee and meet your fellow travelers. The drive from Melbourne to Mornington becomes an avenue for connections, where stories intertwine, setting the tone for an enriching day ahead. Our adventure commences with a stop at the iconic and vibrant Brighton Bathing Boxes, an ideal spot for a picturesque snapshot against the backdrop of these colorful beachside structures. Next, ascend to Arthurs Seat, where panoramic views await, offering a breathtaking vista of the Peninsula. A short journey leads to the acclaimed Red Hill Brewery and/or the esteemed Point Leo Estate winery. Immerse yourself in the flavors of meticulously crafted beers or savor the exquisite wines, each sip revealing the essence of this celebrated region. Continuing our odyssey, we venture to additional wineries, absorbing the unique charm and indulging in the finest vintages. En route, marvel at the natural wonder of the Blowhole and find serenity at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Boardwalk, offering glimpses of nature's majestic beauty. It's time for a delightful interlude at St Andrews Brewery, where a lunch spread featuring local produce awaits. Savor the flavors of the region, a culmination of culinary expertise and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The journey unfolds with the option to explore more wineries, unwind at the blissful hot springs, or immerse in the scenic allure of Sorrento and Portsea. Revel in the choices: from wine tastings to rejuvenating soaks or captivating sights. As the day winds down, filled with captivating moments and cherished experiences, we head back to Melbourne, reaching our final destination around 6.30 PM. Reflect on the day's adventures, the camaraderie shared, and the captivating landscapes encountered, carrying with you the essence of the Mornington Peninsula's beauty. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in an exceptional day tour, where every stop unveils new wonders, every sip reveals the essence of the region's finest, and every moment becomes a cherished memory of your Mornington Peninsula escapade.

Other Sightseeing Options in Sorrento, Victoria

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What people are saying about Sorrento, Victoria

Overall rating

4.4
(31 reviews)

This was the perfect day out on the water and can be suited to those who love the water and those who don't- my husband doesn't like snorkeling but was able to go as a spectator. The experience swimming with the seals was amazing! The dolphins were very cool too but swim off so fast that you don't really get the register that they are there before they're gone again. I was very impressed with the onboard cafe and loved that there were some inclusions for free. The crew were very friendly and I had a great time!

An amazing day with Ronnie who was my host He was extremely knowledgeable of the Melbourne history. The day was very relaxed with excellent stop offs (including a winery, beach huts, Arthur’s seat De point estate sculpture park). Ronnie was very flexible and was happy to do what I wanted to see. Had an amazing lunch at a fantastic place and then had a wonderful scenic drive of the Mornington peninsula coastline. All in all a fantastic day and Ronnie was the perfect host. Would highly recommend.

the team was so kind and caring, they brought us nice and close to Chinaman's hat and one of the girls looked after me when it came to morning tea, I can't eat gluten so she ran around and found me some gluten free snacks to enjoy. it was really above and beyond effort and made it even more memorable

Top notch activity. Loved the boat, crew, seals and dolphins. Will return to do another swim😊

An awesome day on the water learning about these special marine creatures :)