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Just an hour and a half from Melbourne is the historic seaside town of Sorrento. The site of the first European settlement in Victoria (but more of the history later) is also now the home of our very latest Provincial store, which opened in August 2022.
PROVINCIAL HOME LIVING OPENS IN SORRENTO
In the pretty main street of Ocean Beach Road, amongst the beautiful Victorian-style limestone buildings, sits our white beachy store, perfectly echoing a coastal vibe. Entering the building, it feels as if you are being welcomed into someone’s home and can’t wait to see it all. As you move from room to room, you’ll be tempted by the carefully curated range of kitchenware, bedlinen, rugs, furniture, homewares – in fact there’s everything you could possibly need for yourself or for a gift.
The inspiration continues as rooms are revealed – there are bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms, all showcasing classic, contemporary, Hampton’s style furniture, so whatever your favourite style, you will find the perfect piece for your home. If you’re having trouble deciding – our helpful team members are always happy to assist with informed advice.
The Continental Sorrento
DISCOVER SORRENTO'S FASHION, FOOD AND SCENERY
Sorrento is perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or a week whatever the time of year – there’s so much to see and do around the area.
The main street is a treasure trove of stores from fashion, local produce, homewares, cafes, providing modern luxuries sitting beautifully with the old-world charm of the buildings. Accommodation ranges from sweet Airbnb cottages to the newly opened Intercontinental Mornington Peninsula located in the historic Continental Hotel which was constructed in Victorian Italianate style from the local limestone in 1875.
The Mornington Peninsula is a destination for all ages – it is home to more than 50 wineries, natural hot springs, fabulous golf courses, you can swim with the dolphins and seals, there’s a maze to explore and maybe get lost in, hiking trails, museums highlighting the history of the area … you could spend days here without being bored.
The main street of Sorrento (left). The Peninsula Hot Springs (right).
THE HISTORY OF SORRENTO
Sorrento is extremely important to the history of Victoria. For tens of thousands of years, before European ships disembarked, the Bunurong people, the traditional landowners of the Nepean and Mornington Peninsula region came regularly to gather shellfish from the rock platforms along the coast.
In February 1802, Lieutenant John Murray of the “HMS Lady Nelson”, discovered the entrance to Port Philip Bay and anchored off what is now known as Sorrento Beach. In March that year, the Union Jack was hoisted on Point King claiming possession in the name of His Sacred Majesty George III of Great Britain and Ireland.
In October, 1803 the “Calcutta” under the command of David Collins, and “Ocean” arrived with about 400 people (299 male convicts, some of their wives and children, free settlers and 30 Royal Marines and civil staff) and of course provisions including cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, etc) with orders to start a new settlement.
Sorrento shoreline.
There were many firsts …. A cluster of tents became the first village, the first death occurred about 5 weeks after arrival, the first birth followed, Victoria’s first marriage between a free settler and a mail convict was conducted and at Christmas the first baptism was performed. Victoria's first magistrate’s court, public hospital, postal service and government printing office were established in Sorrento.
The planned convict settlement was abandoned due to the lack of fresh water, and in January 1804, the “Lady Nelson” was loaded and sailed to Van Diemen’s land (Tasmania).
Melbourne was eventually founded on the Yarra River in 1835 and by 1838 the construction of many private and public buildings was being carried out in Melbourne and lime was required for cementing the blocks together. Point Nepean Limestone was plentiful, and the first lime burning permits were issued. Soon there was a steady stream of boats travelling to Melbourne carrying the lime. In fact, from 1840, lime burning was the main source of livelihood.
The Nura Gallery (left). The main street of Sorrento (right).
In the late 1870’s Sorrento, with the foresight of George Coppin, a local entrepreneur and visionary, Sorrento was transformed into a holiday destination for Melbourne residents. A pier and paddle steamer were built to carry people between Melbourne and Sorrento, a horse and steam tram was constructed to take holiday makers down Ocean Beach Road between the front beach and the back beach, stopping at the recently constructed seaside hotels and villas. The local limestone was used for almost all the buildings and many still stand proudly today.
If you’re interested in delving more into the local history, the Nepean Historical Society has an excellent website and run guided tours.
