Sorrento

Last Wednesday we took the ferry across to Sorrento.   An overcast and chilly day, but exciting to be visiting a very popular sea side resort on the peninsula opposite Point Lonsdale.   The ferry trip took 3/4 of an hour, just long enough to enjoy being at sea, and have a rest.    

Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff (Ballarine Peninsula) sit on one side of the entrance from Bass Strait into Port Phillip Bay, and Nepean and Portsea (Mornington Peninsula) sit on the other side of the entrance.   Melbourne is situated in the centre of Port Phillip Bay.  There used to be two military posts on each side of the entrance, in case someone tried to come into Victoria and steal all the gold from the gold mining towns during the late 1800s.   I think there was also a fear of a Russian invasion at some point in time.

The stretch of water between the two peninsulas is called The Rip, a very deep and dangerous piece of water, and the cause of quite a few deaths each year.    In fact, a Prime Minister of Australia, in 1967, got caught in rough sea water by The Rip, and was never seen again.

The port of Queenscliff, looking towards the old town.

On arrival at Sorrento, the ferry had to reverse into this very tight spot, no room for error here.

The ferry safely enclosed in its little harbour.

The back packers hostel in Sorrento.    A very grand affair.

The main street, looks just like all the other main streets in Australia, except that the shops contain very expensive items for sale.

Our lunch of fish and chips was delicious, although a little on the greasy side.   Great spot though, overlooking the sea.  

I am not sure if the Australian Sorrento bears any resemblance to Sorrento in Italy.    Probably not.   One wonders how these places down under got their names.    It must have been fun, naming new places.   Did they draw the name places out of a hat?