Sorrento

Sorrento is on the Mornington Peninsula , just over 1 hours drive from Melbourne

We regularly go to Sorrento for weekends and over time we have gradually established what works with the kids and what doesn’t. Unfortunately most of our old favourites such as the Red Hill wineries, the pubs and lazing on the beach with a book don’t work, but we have found some relaxing, enjoyable (and potentially healthier) alternatives.

In the mornings we grab a coffee from Stringers and head to the large community-built playground in Sorrento gardens. Overlooking the pier, these gardens are tucked in behind the Sorrento pub and provide a great view of the boats on the water. The steep grassy hills are fun to roll down and the playground is fantastic with lots of swings, slides and places to explore. Sometimes we end up back here for dinner as well for it is fairly sheltered from the wind and picnics are easier on the grass than on sand.

From the gardens we usually head to the front beach which is fairly unexciting as far as beaches go but good for toddlers who are more interested in building sand castles than swimming. Much nicer though are some of the little pocket beaches along the road between Sorrento and Blairgowrie – park the car and pop your head through the bushes and there is your own private beach. The Sorrento back beach is far more dramatic but not suited to young children, better to grab a milkshake at All Smiles café and enjoy the views.

We have found Smokehouse Pizza to be the best place for dinner with young kids and they do a 6 o’clock sitting but you have to book. (03) 5984 1246

Geppetto’s Workshop on Ocean Beach Road is a great toy shop. Or for the more thrifty addition to the toy box head to the op shop on the corner of Ocean Beach and Melbourne Roads, kids get a free lucky dip whilst you find a bargain.

For further information on Sorrento, visit www.virtualsorrento.com.au