Welcome to Sorrento, often hailed as the 'Cradle of the State.' Before the annals of recorded history began, this area was a frequent gathering place for the Bunurong people, who came to harvest shellfish from the rock platforms along the coast. They crafted this land meticulously, lighting fires periodically to manage the scrub, thus giving the area a park-like appeal adorned with drooping casuarinas, moonah, and wirily. In 1802, Acting Lieutenant Murray discovered the entrance to Port Phillip, establishing the first official white settlement under Lt Col. Collins at Sullivan Bay in 1803. Though this settlement was short-lived and was abandoned just a year later, the foundation for future prosperity was laid. After Melbourne was founded in 1835, pastoralists began to populate the Nepean Peninsula. They discovered a lucrative opportunity in producing lime from local limestone to support the burgeoning city of Melbourne. This marked the beginning of a shift, with the original indigenous trees being replaced by the quicker-growing tea tree. The 1870s ushered in a new era for Sorrento, as it started attracting the wealthy Melbournians, enchanted by the area's natural beauty and purported health benefits. In 1863, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, a Member of Parliament and later Premier of Victoria, purchased land at Point King and constructed a holiday house. He christened the area 'Sorrento,' after the captivating Italian coastal town, and kick-started the development of holiday properties in the area. Sorrento Park was established in 1870 with exotic trees supplied by Ferdinand von Mueller. Soon, a hotel, butcher's shop, church, and schools sprung up in the vicinity, marking the beginning of Sorrento's evolution into a resort town. However, it was George Selth Coppin, an actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Member of Parliament, who truly recognised the potential of Sorrento as a resort for the general population. Coppin's companies were instrumental in shaping the town, purchasing land, establishing the Continental Hotel, introducing a seasonal ferry service from Melbourne, and even operating a steam tram from 1890 to 1920. Today, Sorrento's rich heritage is recognised and preserved through the community and the Shire's Planning Scheme. Historical buildings, now housing modern businesses, stand as a testament to Sorrento's past. Each preserved structure provides a snapshot of the town's evolution, offering both residents and visitors a chance to relive Sorrento's vibrant history.
