Last weekend – April 24-27 – the Sorrento Writers Festival hosted more 220 speakers across 169 events We activated 10 local venues and we sold an extraordinary 22,743 tickets although they’re still working out actual numbers they estimate  around 7-8000 people were in and around Sorrento stopping by galleries and visiting our local tourism sites Uncategorized Monique Ryan in Melborune and Allegra Spender in Sydney JOY acknowledges that we work and broadcast from the lands of the Yalukit-Willam Clan of the Boon Wurrung Peoples. We also acknowledge the traditional owner of lands throughout Australia – and pay our respects to elders past and present, as well as brotherboys and sistergirls of the LGBTIQA+ Community. We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Controversy alert at the Sorrento Writers Festival, south of Melbourne, where a private invite-only “sunset garden talk” hosted by Josephine and James Baillieu, of the prominent Melbourne family, was the talk of the town, if we can drop a cliche. The literary salon, hosted in a garden marquee overlooking the million-dollar views, was not part of the official program and was seen by some as a sort of conservative antidote to a lefty literary event. Former minister Josh Frydenberg, journalist Joe Aston, and artist Lisa Roet attended the invite-only event. About 70 guests including media Melebrity Russel Howcroft sat inside the fairy light-lit marquee and listened to former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is writing a book on antisemitism, and Qantas tormentor Joe Aston, founder of the Rampart website, fresh from official SWF events, as well as sculptor Lisa Roet and local writer, yoga teacher and storytelling facilitator Jane Hone. “We wanted to have a special event with an eclectic mix of writers and story tellers. The talks were all apolitical, fresh and in good spirit,” James Baillieu told CBD. “We wanted to build on and be a counterpoint to SWF. We called it ‘SWF off-piste’.” Frydenberg (right), pictured with moderator Cameron Stewart, also spoke at the official Sorrento Writers Festival.Credit: Gena Ferguson Federal Liberal MP for Flinders Zoe McKenzie wrapped the evening by saying she supported SWF but also that great festivals had fringe events with a different mix of speakers. That seems to have gone down badly with some. SWF director Corrie Perkin told CBD: “I don’t care who’s at satellite events at the festival so long as they don’t use that gathering to diminish our festival because I feel that’s sad. “I wonder why there are people in our community having a crack at our festival.” At last count the festival had sold 22,701 tickets out of a possible 24,000 and programmed a vast array of speakers including Greg Sheridan, Geraldine Brooks, George Megalogenis, Thomas Mayo, Steve Vizard, Princeton University Professor of English Sophie Gee and The Age’s John Silvester. Journalist Rick Morton is off to Paris to write his first novel - French visa application permitting. Rick Morton brings together perspectives on growing up in regional and rural Australia. “It’s about a shit journo called Oscar Pringle – it’s not based on me – are you writing this down?” Morton admitted the plot was “hard to explain”. From what we could glean, it involved love and marriage and parallel universes. We think. The Saturday Paper journalist, who spoke at the writers’ festival, is hopeful of a three-month stint overseas, maybe more. It’s unclear how he’ll juggle his role with the weekly paper while he’s over there. Morton has written four non-fiction books, the most recent Mean Streak on robodebt, which has just resulted in the author issuing a correction to South Australian senator Alex Antic, after he mistakenly wrote that the Liberal Party MP had once worked as a data analyst at PwC which had advised the federal government on the Robodebt scheme. A different Alex Antic, as it turns out. When Gina Chick, 55, won SBS survival program Alone Australia, she instantly became a celebrity. Since her bestseller We Are The Stars was published on October 1, she has attended more than 40 festivals and events – including the Sorrento festival on the weekend – and says she is glad she became famous in her 50s and not her 30s. “There are a whole lot of pitfalls in sudden celebrity,” she told CBD. “Being post menopausal I have been able to avoid some of those pitfalls which as a young woman I would have fallen into… Every single thing that I say can bite me.” Chick, who is the granddaughter of esteemed writer and journalist Charmian Clift, and who has 143,000 Instagram followers, remains highly wary of the social media influencer culture. “It is seductive … I catch myself getting sucked into the validation machine. But at last I catch it, then I go bush and sleep in the dust.” Former Labor science minister and lifelong polymath Barry Jones got emotional when former prime minister Julia Gillard gave the oration named in his honour at the festival last week. Julia Gillard and Barry Jones as the former PM delivers the Barry Jones Oration at the Sorrento Writers Festival.Credit: Leigh Henningham/Sorrento Writers Festival Gillard, who succeeded Jones in the seat of Lalor, avoided politics and spoke about the importance of books, however also teared up as the former politicians acknowledged each other. Jones had a busy event calendar, including inspiring local kids from the local nearby Dromana College about Shakespeare and speaking at the Bach versus Mozart event, proving that even at 92 you can have enough energy to be the Eddie Everywhere of a literary festival. The years of turning up to climate events such as COP, Davos and the International Energy Agency has paid benefits for mining billionaire Dr Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest. Sorry, that should read “technology, energy and metals” billionaire Dr Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, who is “accelerating commercial decarbonisation of industry, rapidly, profitably and globally”. Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest and Caroline Kennedy attend the Time 100 Gala.Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Alas, not because the executive chairman of Fortescue has achieved his dream of green hydrogen, but because it allowed him late last week to step out in style at the Time 100 Most Influential People Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Centre in New York as the list’s sole Australian entry. His plus one for the red carpet was former US ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, although some media outlets including Yahoo News saw fit to make her the main event. CBD hears that Twiggy, who was afforded a Time cover story in February pictured in RM Williams clobber (owned by his investment company Tattarang), got on the magazine’s radar through his connections with US climate influentials John Kerry and Al Gore. The mag listed Forrest as a “transformative titan” in an appreciation penned by Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency. “Not content with building one of the world’s biggest mining companies, he’s now in the process of turning it from a major emitter into a clean-energy powerhouse…” Birol wrote. Birol made glowing reference to Forrest’s “trademark Aussie charm”,“foresight and grit”, amateur boxing career and his record as one of the world’s most generous philanthropists. Sadly, no room to make mention of all Fortescue’s green hydrogen troubles, leading some to ask if the clean energy dream is over or merely delayed. Forrest made the Time list with other significant creatures including Ed Sheeran, Snoop Dogg, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, JD Vance, and Joe Rogan, so the magazine is either having a bet each way or capturing a culture in transition. Stephen Brook was a guest of the Sorrento Writers Festival Controversy alert at the Sorrento Writers Festival, south of Melbourne, where a private invite-only \\u201Csunset garden talk\\u201D hosted by Josephine and James Baillieu, of the prominent Melbourne family, was the talk of the town, if we can drop a cliche. \\u201CWe wanted to have a special event with an eclectic mix of writers and story tellers. The talks were all apolitical, fresh and in good spirit,\\u201D James Baillieu told CBD. \\u201CWe wanted to build on and be a counterpoint to SWF. We called it \\u2018SWF off-piste\\u2019.\\u201D That seems to have gone down badly with some. SWF director Corrie Perkin told CBD: \\u201CI don\\u2019t care who\\u2019s at satellite events at the festival so long as they don\\u2019t use that gathering to diminish our festival because I feel that\\u2019s sad. \\u201CI wonder why there are people in our community having a crack at our festival.\\u201D At last count the festival had sold 22,701 tickets out of a possible 24,000 and programmed a vast array of speakers including Greg Sheridan, Geraldine Brooks, George Megalogenis, Thomas Mayo, Steve Vizard, Princeton University Professor of English Sophie Gee and The Age\\u2019s John Silvester. \\u201CIt\\u2019s about a shit journo called Oscar Pringle \\u2013 it\\u2019s not based on me \\u2013 are you writing this down?\\u201D Morton admitted the plot was \\u201Chard to explain\\u201D. The Saturday Paper journalist, who spoke at the writers\\u2019 festival, is hopeful of a three-month stint overseas, maybe more. It\\u2019s unclear how he\\u2019ll juggle his role with the weekly paper while he\\u2019s over there. When Gina Chick, 55, won SBS survival program Alone Australia, she instantly became a celebrity. Since her bestseller We Are The Stars was published on October 1, she has attended more than 40 festivals and events \\u2013 including the Sorrento festival on the weekend \\u2013 and says she is glad she became famous in her 50s and not her 30s. \\u201CThere are a whole lot of pitfalls in sudden celebrity,\\u201D she told CBD. \\u201CBeing post menopausal I have been able to avoid some of those pitfalls which as a young woman I would have fallen into\\u2026 Every single thing that I say can bite me.\\u201D \\u201CIt is seductive \\u2026 I catch myself getting sucked into the validation machine. But at last I catch it, then I go bush and sleep in the dust.\\u201D The years of turning up to climate events such as COP, Davos and the International Energy Agency has paid benefits for mining billionaire Dr Andrew \\u201CTwiggy\\u201D Forrest. Sorry, that should read \\u201Ctechnology, energy and metals\\u201D billionaire Dr Andrew \\u201CTwiggy\\u201D Forrest, who is \\u201Caccelerating commercial decarbonisation of industry, rapidly, profitably and globally\\u201D. Alas, not because the executive chairman of Fortescue has achieved his dream of green hydrogen, but because it allowed him late last week to step out in style at the Time 100 Most Influential People Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Centre in New York as the list\\u2019s sole Australian entry. CBD hears that Twiggy, who was afforded a Time cover story in February pictured in RM Williams clobber (owned by his investment company Tattarang), got on the magazine\\u2019s radar through his connections with US climate influentials John Kerry and Al Gore. The mag listed Forrest as a \\u201Ctransformative titan\\u201D in an appreciation penned by Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency. \\u201CNot content with building one of the world\\u2019s biggest mining companies, he\\u2019s now in the process of turning it from a major emitter into a clean-energy powerhouse\\u2026\\u201D Birol wrote. Birol made glowing reference to Forrest\\u2019s \\u201Ctrademark Aussie charm\\u201D,\\u201Cforesight and grit\\u201D, amateur boxing career and his record as one of the world\\u2019s most generous philanthropists. Sadly, no room to make mention of all Fortescue\\u2019s green hydrogen troubles, leading some to ask if the clean energy dream is over or merely delayed. A small resort with a big reputation, Sorrento is a town of lemons, high-pedigree hotels and plunging cliffs that cut through the heart of the historical core. Sorrento Back to topAttractionsMust-see attractionsMuseo Correale di Terranova this wide-ranging museum is well worth a visit whether you're a clock collector an archaeological egghead or into delicate… Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea Sorrento has been famous for its intarsio (marquetry) furniture made with elaborately designed inlaid wood Chiesa & Chiostro di San Francesco this church is best known for the peaceful 14th-century cloister abutting it Basilica di Sant’Antonino the town's oldest church barely looks like a church at all from the outside Marina Grande Noticeably detached from the main city and bereft of the hydrofoils and ferries that crowd Marina Piccola this secluded former fishing village has a… Gallery Celentano which showcases the evocative photography of Raffaele Celentano Centro Storico recently pedestrianised Corso Italia is the main thoroughfare shooting east-west through the bustling centro… Duomo Sorrento's cathedral features a striking exterior fresco four classical columns and an elegant majolica clock View more attractionsPlan with a localExperience the real Italy Get startedArticlesLatest stories from SorrentoRead more articlesBeaches With a historic center and flower-wreathed villas Get to the heart of Sorrento with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopPocket Rome $14.99 Visit in ShopNaples, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast $24.99 Go to checkout (0 items)in partnership with getyourguide No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Police have interviewed and released AFL stars Steven May and Dion Prestia pending further inquiries over their alleged involvement in a wild brawl outside a pub in Victoria’s south-east over Christmas It comes as a young tradie who lost sight in one eye after the fight allegedly involving May told this masthead he was frustrated the footballers could play on while his career was ruined Melbourne fullback Steven May and alleged victim Will Salter.Credit: The Age/Supplied who was also allegedly involved in the altercation in the early hours of December 27 but was not with May and Prestia was also released pending further enquiries Victoria Police initially released a statement on Monday saying they were poised to charge the three men they later revised the statement to say the men were only interviewed and released pending further enquiries “The interviews follow a report to police about a physical altercation between two groups of men on Point Nepean Road about 2am,” the revised statement said “Two men were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries at the time a 33-year-old man from Mount Eliza and a 26-year-old Blairgowrie man were all interviewed and released pending further enquiries This masthead revealed in February that Will Salter had been left unconscious as a result of the brawl outside The Continental hotel in Sorrento after words were exchanged between Salter’s group of friends and May and Prestia’s group earlier in the night Salter told this masthead he had lost all vision in his left eye as a result of the brawl after a series of operations at The Alfred hospital failed to restore his sight The apprentice electrician lost his job following the violent altercation which he says he got involved in only because his friend was being assaulted “I’ve paid a huge price for helping out my mate while they [May and Prestia] have been able to continue playing footy and have been supported by their clubs,” Salter said This masthead is not suggesting that May or Prestia were responsible for Salter’s injuries and police have not alleged that is a key defender for the Melbourne Demons is a prominent midfielder for the Richmond Tigers The Demons and Tigers both declined to comment when asked about the police’s revised statement who asked not to be identified because she says she is traumatised by the incident confirmed May and Prestia were part of a group that allegedly assaulted Salter and his friend when he approached the victims after leaving The Continental hotel “I’ve never witnessed anything like this in my life I genuinely thought they were both going to die.” May and Prestia had been celebrating a bucks’ party at the Sorrento Hotel earlier in the evening Both groups moved to The Continental about 11pm when Salter and three friends left the hotel “There were words between my group and the other group for a bit .. then I saw Steven May yelling and screaming and then I saw him punch [my friend] to the face and then it was on,” Salter said in his police statement made on January 23 The area where the fight occurred is not covered by CCTV Prestia and May made their AFL debuts with the Gold Coast Suns in 2011 Prestia left after the 2016 season to join Richmond going on to claim a best-and-fairest award and three premierships and enjoyed the ultimate team success with the Demons in 2021 He was the All-Australian fullback in 2021 and 2022 Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter Police have interviewed and released AFL stars Steven May and Dion Prestia pending further inquiries over their alleged involvement in a wild brawl outside a pub in Victoria\\u2019s south-east over Christmas \\u201CThe interviews follow a report to police about a physical altercation between two groups of men on Point Nepean Road about 2am,\\u201D the revised statement said \\u201CTwo men were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries at the time \\u201CThe investigation remains ongoing.\\u201D after words were exchanged between Salter\\u2019s group of friends and May and Prestia\\u2019s group earlier in the night \\u201CI\\u2019ve paid a huge price for helping out my mate while they [May and Prestia] have been able to continue playing footy and have been supported by their clubs,\\u201D Salter said This masthead is not suggesting that May or Prestia were responsible for Salter\\u2019s injuries and police have not alleged that The Demons and Tigers both declined to comment when asked about the police\\u2019s revised statement He just came straight for Will\\u2019s friend the fight broke out,\\u201D the woman said \\u201CI\\u2019ve never witnessed anything like this in my life I genuinely thought they were both going to die.\\u201D May and Prestia had been celebrating a bucks\\u2019 party at the Sorrento Hotel earlier in the evening \\u201CThere were words between my group and the other group for a bit .. and then it was on,\\u201D Salter said in his police statement made on January 23 Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country The showdown at Sorrento continues in the wake of the invite-only literary “sunset garden talk” hosted by Josephine and James Baillieu while the Sorrento Writers Festival was in full swing James Baillieu and Corrie Perkin.Credit: held in a marquee at the Baillieus’ clifftop property and which included official Sorrento Writers Festival speakers Josh Frydenberg and Joe Aston has put the cat right among Portsea’s pigeons While some thought the event was a conservative counterpoint to a typical lefty literary festival the Baillieus say the independent event was in good spirits and designed to build on and be a counterpoint to the official festival as a sort of “SWF off-piste” wondered “why there are people in our community having a crack at our festival” That intervention further upset James Baillieu who thought it unfair that Perkin should criticise an event in their private home “Sorrento is not your town,” Baillieu later texted Perkin even more reason to mind your own business.” CBD was pleased to attend both the SWF and the garden party as a guest of both organisers There was no Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country at the garden event which had Lionel Lauch of Indigenous organisation Living Culture perform a Welcome to Country on behalf of the Bunurong community while moderators gave an Acknowledgement of Country at the start of other sessions The festival has several First Nations writers and publishers who are part of its program Josephine and James Baillieu.Credit: Wayne Taylor But during an impromptu speech at the garden literary gabfest made a light-hearted joke comparing Advance Australia Fair to a Welcome to Country Turns out Baillieu couldn’t attend several SWF events because either the time or venue had changed since his tickets were issued SWF said it had updated ticket holders via email founder of the Sorrento Writers Festival.Credit: Eddie Jim and he was seeking either an apology or explanation from Perkin Congratulations to Paul Guerra, the new chief executive of the Melbourne Football Club Paul Guerra is the new Melbourne Football Club CEO.Credit: Jason South one of the few people in Melbourne to attend more events than CBD has been chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for five years He’s also a director at Racing Victoria and previously was the boss at the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria The Age quoted competition sources saying the exec was a strong strategic thinker with good people skills and the Demons believed it could “bring him up to speed on football” It will also have to bring him up to speed on being a Dees supporter We guess his re-education started yesterday “I’m moving from the business with politics to the business with sport I’m trading the black and red of the Bombers to the red and blue of the Demons,” he told CBD And as for the soon-to-be vacant VECCI post CBD is sure that chief of staff Chanelle Pearson would love the job Other contenders might include failed Melbourne lord mayoral candidate Arron Wood or Victorian executive director of the Property Council of Australia No doubt it will be the hot topic at the chamber’s inaugural Melbourne Winter Ball For the Liberals to have a hope on Saturday they need to reclaim John Howard’s old stomping ground now held by Labor on a wafer-thin margin has spent much of the campaign firmly in the “embattled” camp due to reports outlining his ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked casino high roller He also copped heat for handing out Easter eggs to primary school students Opposition Leader Peter Dutton at a gathering in support of the Liberal candidate for Bennelong at the Gladesville Sporties in the seat of Bennelong Yung was evasive when confronted with media questions but he found a softer landing on the podcast of his former boss founder of mortgage-lender Yellow Brick Road “I just want to clarify for the sake of this conversation: you’re not a communist are you?” Bouris asked my parents have come from China and Hong Kong The fine-print on the podcast disclosed that it was authorised by Yung’s campaign – often a tell-tale sign of a paid post Due to an Australian Electoral Commission crackdown on influencer content the authorisation was added to avoid any further damaging headlines faded media dynasties has got the green light for a renovation at his $22 million mansion to build a new and heir to the family that once published this masthead lodged a development application with local Sydney Woollahra Council last year which Charles and wife Kate picked up in 2022 is just 10 minutes down the road from his fabled childhood home now owned by billionaire tech baron Mike Cannon-Brookes Fairfax appealed against the council’s rejection to the Land and Environment Court a revised plan kept everyone happy … and out of court The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here The showdown at Sorrento continues in the wake of the invite-only held in a marquee at the Baillieus\\u2019 clifftop property and which included official Sorrento Writers Festival speakers Josh Frydenberg and Joe Aston has put the cat right among Portsea\\u2019s pigeons the Baillieus say the independent event was in good spirits and designed to build on and be a counterpoint to the official festival as a sort of \\u201CSWF off-piste\\u201D wondered \\u201Cwhy there are people in our community having a crack at our festival\\u201D \\u201CSorrento is not your town,\\u201D Baillieu later texted Perkin even more reason to mind your own business.\\u201D Turns out Baillieu couldn\\u2019t attend several SWF events because either the time or venue had changed since his tickets were issued He\\u2019s also a director at Racing Victoria and previously was the boss at the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and the Demons believed it could \\u201Cbring him up to speed on football\\u201D \\u201CI\\u2019m moving from the business with politics to the business with sport I\\u2019m trading the black and red of the Bombers to the red and blue of the Demons,\\u201D he told CBD No doubt it will be the hot topic at the chamber\\u2019s inaugural Melbourne Winter Ball they need to reclaim John Howard\\u2019s old stomping ground now held by Labor on a wafer-thin margin has spent much of the campaign firmly in the \\u201Cembattled\\u201D camp due to reports outlining his ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked casino high roller \\u201CI just want to clarify for the sake of this conversation: you\\u2019re not a communist are you?\\u201D Bouris asked \\u201CI think it\\u2019s borderline racism they call me a communist,\\u201D Yung responded The fine-print on the podcast disclosed that it was authorised by Yung\\u2019s campaign \\u2013 often a tell-tale sign of a paid post The scion of one of Australia\\u2019s grandest Fairfax appealed against the council\\u2019s rejection to the Land and Environment Court a revised plan kept everyone happy \\u2026 and out of court The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories The Sorrento Carols by Candlelight invites everyone to celebrate the festive season with an evening of music family-friendly event promises a memorable night for all ages  Festivities kick off at 5:30 PM with our Christmas Market This is the perfect spot to grab a unique present or treat yourself to some festive bites the main event begins as talented local choirs and community performers take the stage to lead us in carols under the stars and a celebrity host will keep spirits high ending the night with a fireworks display that lights up the Sorrento sky at 9:00 PM All proceeds raised from the night will benefit Southern Peninsula Community Centre helping support the homeless this Christmas Hosted by The Sorrento Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Sorrento this event is all about bringing our community together to celebrate Service centre and connection point operating hours and days vary by location Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong people the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Sorrento is an excellent base to explore the Amalfi Coast If you were to hand God a blank canvas and ask him to paint the Italian idyll, you would get something like Sorrento. Sitting astride cliffs that plunge down to the brilliant-blue Bay of Naples and at the gateway to the fabled Amalfi Coast this glam coastal town has got it all going on–a historic center brimming with pastel-painted palazzi and roads twisting vertiginously down to a marina where the irresistible tang of freshly grilled seafood hangs on the sea breeze.  Whether you’re slow-touring the peninsula in search of a cliff-clasped cove or sipping an icy limoncello piazza-side as the lights glimmer And it has long been this way: during the 18th- and 19th-century heyday of the Grand Tour Read our first-time guide and get planning your trip and you soon will be Intense heat and crowds rule out the peak months of July and August for anything other than lazy days spent hanging out at beaches, lidos (beach club), and waterfront bars. Room rates and temperatures soar, with highs reaching 35°C (95°F). The roads are jammed, especially if you’re heading on to the Amalfi Coast with an events calendar fizzing with live music Top billing goes to the Festa di Sant'Anna in Marina Grande in July and the Ferragosto festivities in mid-August bright days bring highs of around 25°C (77°F) making this a cracking time for exploring and coastal hiking Sorrento’s White Procession is one of Italy’s most atmospheric Holy Week parades with hooded penitents streaming through the streets by flickering torchlight September is another terrific month to visit and a flurry of sagre (food festivals) championing local produce and Sorrento largely goes into hibernation You can buy tickets in advance online; they cost €5 (US$5.40) EAV trains link Napoli Centrale station with Sorrento via Herculaneum but if you want to stop off elsewhere on the way and you’ll also need nerve for the hairpin roads and traffic of the Amalfi Coast.  Hugging cliffs and staggering down to the sea, Sorrento’s pastel-washed centro storico is a cat’s cradle of cobbled lanes and palazzi (mansions) where nobility swanned around in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Sorrento doesn’t really have a proper beach but it doesn’t need one with the Bagni Regina Giovanna a mile west of town and a rugged 30-minute walk via Via Capo You’ll want to leap straight into the jewel-like green-blue waters of this dramatic natural bathing hole But their history runs far deeper than what you see.  This was once the seaside retreat of Roman nobleman Pollio Felice, and you can now swim among the ruins of his 1st-century AD villa The name is a nod to the legend that Queen Giovanna II of Anjou of Naples used to meet her lovers here in the 15th century.  Off the west coast of the Sorrento Peninsula, ritzy Capri delivers beauty that is off the charts and yacht harbors hum with the mega-rich on holiday.  Cliffs rear above Marina Grande with wow-worthy views of Mt Vesuvius on the horizon It’s a steep walk down from the center to this cute where fishermen still mend their nets and boats bob on the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Naples.  Come for a swim in crystal waters, watch the world drift on by from a cafe terrace, or do as the Sorrentini do and book a table for lunch or sunset dinner at one of the seafood restaurants. Our money goes on Soul & Fish dishing up the day’s catch with flair - from spaghetti alle vongole (with clams almond-crusted tuna and lobster risotto infused with Sorrento lemons The Sorrentini have long known that when life gives you lemons, you make limoncello - or, perhaps, the smoothest lemon sorbet or ice cream. Sharp, zingy, and huge, the lemons here taste of sunshine. One of my favorite things to do is to take a fragrant walk among them in the Giardini di Cataldo orchards Hook onto a tour here for the inside scoop on the region’s oranges and lemons If I want to grab a cone, I swing by Antica Gelateria Sorrentina, whipping up some of Sorrento’s best gelato since 1860. Tucked down a narrow alley, it serves divine limoncello sorbet and lemon ice cream. Right in the heart of town on Via Marziale, Gelateria David is another must for outstanding homemade gelato Here you can learn how to make the good stuff at a 45-minute ice cream workshop with gelato master Mario Gargiulo Sorrento has long magnetized the rich and famous Room rates go through the roof during peak season with a sunbed on the beach setting you back as much as €20 (US$21) and even the simplest lunch at a cafe costing €100 (US$108) Sidestep the peak summer months and you can snag good deals on flights and rooms There’s no need to splurge on fancy restaurants either - seeking out local bakeries and supermarkets for cheap eats will save you a fortune and you can stock up on picnic provisions at the Tuesday morning street market in Via San Renato Most places accept cards but have small change handy for small buys and tips Basic room for two in a budget hotel or B&B: €60-100 (US$65-108) Room for two in an upscale hotel: €150-450 (US$163-488) Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €70 (US$76) Train ticket from Naples to Sorrento: €10 (US$11) Full-day boat trip along the Amalfi Coast: from €70 (US$76) Ferry ticket from Sorrento to Capri: €16.40 (US$17.80) Bottle of limoncello: €20 (US$15.75)  Dinner for two at an upscale restaurant: €80-120 (US$87-130) so think along the lines of light cottons and linens and chic beachwear by day and throw something dressy in the case for the evening Pack an extra layer (a jumper or jacket) for spring and autumn Dress modestly in churches (shoulders and knees covered) All things made with oranges and lemons - from limoncello and other liqueurs to marmalades, lemon-scented oils, chocolates and sweets. Otherwise, look out for intarsio (marquetry) pieces, such as those sold at traditional Gargiulo & Jannuzzi Named after Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso, Piazza Tasso is Sorrento’s beating heart and an atmospheric spot for an aperitivo as the sun sets. Go for an ice-cold limoncello spritz on the terrace of Fauno Bar, before joining the Sorrentini for their evening passeggiata (stroll). Controversy alert at the Sorrento Writers Festival where a private invite-only “sunset garden talk” hosted by Josephine and James Baillieu hosted in a garden marquee overlooking the million-dollar views was not part of the official program and was seen by some as a sort of conservative antidote to a lefty literary event and artist Lisa Roet attended the invite-only event About 70 guests including media Melebrity Russel Howcroft sat inside the fairy light-lit marquee and listened to former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg as well as sculptor Lisa Roet and local writer yoga teacher and storytelling facilitator Jane Hone “We wanted to have a special event with an eclectic mix of writers and story tellers fresh and in good spirit,” James Baillieu told CBD “We wanted to build on and be a counterpoint to SWF also spoke at the official Sorrento Writers Festival.Credit: Gena Ferguson Federal Liberal MP for Flinders Zoe McKenzie wrapped the evening by saying she supported SWF but also that great festivals had fringe events with a different mix of speakers That seems to have gone down badly with some SWF director Corrie Perkin told CBD: “I don’t care who’s at satellite events at the festival so long as they don’t use that gathering to diminish our festival because I feel that’s sad At last count the festival had sold 22,701 tickets out of a possible 24,000 and programmed a vast array of speakers including Greg Sheridan Princeton University Professor of English Sophie Gee and The Age’s John Silvester Journalist Rick Morton is off to Paris to write his first novel - French visa application permitting Rick Morton brings together perspectives on growing up in regional and rural Australia Morton admitted the plot was “hard to explain” it involved love and marriage and parallel universes is hopeful of a three-month stint overseas It’s unclear how he’ll juggle his role with the weekly paper while he’s over there which has just resulted in the author issuing a correction to South Australian senator Alex Antic after he mistakenly wrote that the Liberal Party MP had once worked as a data analyst at PwC which had advised the federal government on the Robodebt scheme Since her bestseller We Are The Stars was published on October 1 she has attended more than 40 festivals and events – including the Sorrento festival on the weekend – and says she is glad she became famous in her 50s and not her 30s “There are a whole lot of pitfalls in sudden celebrity,” she told CBD “Being post menopausal I have been able to avoid some of those pitfalls which as a young woman I would have fallen into… Every single thing that I say can bite me.” who is the granddaughter of esteemed writer and journalist Charmian Clift remains highly wary of the social media influencer culture “It is seductive … I catch myself getting sucked into the validation machine Former Labor science minister and lifelong polymath Barry Jones got emotional when former prime minister Julia Gillard gave the oration named in his honour at the festival last week avoided politics and spoke about the importance of books however also teared up as the former politicians acknowledged each other including inspiring local kids from the local nearby Dromana College about Shakespeare and speaking at the Bach versus Mozart event proving that even at 92 you can have enough energy to be the Eddie Everywhere of a literary festival The years of turning up to climate events such as COP Davos and the International Energy Agency has paid benefits for mining billionaire Dr Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest energy and metals” billionaire Dr Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest who is “accelerating commercial decarbonisation of industry not because the executive chairman of Fortescue has achieved his dream of green hydrogen but because it allowed him late last week to step out in style at the Time 100 Most Influential People Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Centre in New York as the list’s sole Australian entry His plus one for the red carpet was former US ambassador to Australia although some media outlets including Yahoo News saw fit to make her the main event who was afforded a Time cover story in February pictured in RM Williams clobber (owned by his investment company Tattarang) got on the magazine’s radar through his connections with US climate influentials John Kerry and Al Gore The mag listed Forrest as a “transformative titan” in an appreciation penned by Fatih Birol executive director of the International Energy Agency “Not content with building one of the world’s biggest mining companies he’s now in the process of turning it from a major emitter into a clean-energy powerhouse…” Birol wrote Birol made glowing reference to Forrest’s “trademark Aussie charm”,“foresight and grit” amateur boxing career and his record as one of the world’s most generous philanthropists no room to make mention of all Fortescue’s green hydrogen troubles leading some to ask if the clean energy dream is over or merely delayed Forrest made the Time list with other significant creatures including Ed Sheeran so the magazine is either having a bet each way or capturing a culture in transition where a private invite-only \\u201Csunset garden talk\\u201D hosted by Josephine and James Baillieu \\u201CWe wanted to have a special event with an eclectic mix of writers and story tellers fresh and in good spirit,\\u201D James Baillieu told CBD \\u201CWe wanted to build on and be a counterpoint to SWF We called it \\u2018SWF off-piste\\u2019.\\u201D SWF director Corrie Perkin told CBD: \\u201CI don\\u2019t care who\\u2019s at satellite events at the festival so long as they don\\u2019t use that gathering to diminish our festival because I feel that\\u2019s sad Princeton University Professor of English Sophie Gee and The Age\\u2019s John Silvester Morton admitted the plot was \\u201Chard to explain\\u201D It\\u2019s unclear how he\\u2019ll juggle his role with the weekly paper while he\\u2019s over there she has attended more than 40 festivals and events \\u2013 including the Sorrento festival on the weekend \\u2013 and says she is glad she became famous in her 50s and not her 30s \\u201CThere are a whole lot of pitfalls in sudden celebrity,\\u201D she told CBD \\u201CBeing post menopausal I have been able to avoid some of those pitfalls which as a young woman I would have fallen into\\u2026 Every single thing that I say can bite me.\\u201D \\u201CIt is seductive \\u2026 I catch myself getting sucked into the validation machine then I go bush and sleep in the dust.\\u201D Davos and the International Energy Agency has paid benefits for mining billionaire Dr Andrew \\u201CTwiggy\\u201D Forrest energy and metals\\u201D billionaire Dr Andrew \\u201CTwiggy\\u201D Forrest who is \\u201Caccelerating commercial decarbonisation of industry but because it allowed him late last week to step out in style at the Time 100 Most Influential People Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Centre in New York as the list\\u2019s sole Australian entry got on the magazine\\u2019s radar through his connections with US climate influentials John Kerry and Al Gore The mag listed Forrest as a \\u201Ctransformative titan\\u201D in an appreciation penned by Fatih Birol \\u201CNot content with building one of the world\\u2019s biggest mining companies he\\u2019s now in the process of turning it from a major emitter into a clean-energy powerhouse\\u2026\\u201D Birol wrote Birol made glowing reference to Forrest\\u2019s \\u201Ctrademark Aussie charm\\u201D,\\u201Cforesight and grit\\u201D amateur boxing career and his record as one of the world\\u2019s most generous philanthropists no room to make mention of all Fortescue\\u2019s green hydrogen troubles The Sorrento Writers Festival returns to the Mornington Peninsula from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th April with a vast program that celebrates Australia's finest writers Headlining appearances in this year’s program are Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist Geraldine Brooks in conversation with Santilla Chingaipe award-winning author Helen Garner in conversation with David Leser and ‘Between Us’ conversations with Marcia Langton and Stan Grant as well as Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien Book tickets via:  sorrentowritersfestival.com.au SORRENTO Lifesaving Club has official won approval to rebuild its ageing clubhouse the existing building would be demolished to make way for a new clubhouse with new amenities including on-site accommodation as well as a new beach access ramp.Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voted unanimously in favour of granting a planning permit at their 25 February meeting the club’s 23-year-old building is no longer fit as a training facility or to have lifeguards or equipment onsite.The state government has provided $3.5 million towards the club’s redevelopment while the Mornington Peninsula Shire has committed to contributing $1 million.But despite the peninsula having the highest drowning rate in Victoria the club has had to turn to the community to raise a funding shortfall which is estimated to be $3.5 million.The club’s treasurer Marc Clavin has previously warned that without a new facility this would threaten the safety of visitors (about 650,0000 per year) and impact its dwindling member numbers.The shire has said it won’t release any money until the club was able to find the funding shortfall before any work on the $7 million project began.Clavin said the club was thrilled to win approval for a planning permit noting “It’s been a long journey so we’re really excited” “Current membership is around 570 with the whole purpose of this to help drive the club to the next level – we’re hoping to get to as many as 1500 members by 2030,” he said “We’ve got no amenity so trying to gain members and keep members is not possible so it’s a win-win for the community.”While fundraising was still under way Clavin said he hoped construction would begin in May with completion aimed by the summer of 2026-27 Clavin said he estimated the rebuild costs would be revised to $8 million but was confident they could raise the remaining funds through the community saying the club was “forever grateful to the Beck family for their contribution so far and ongoing”.Property developer and philanthropist Max Beck has been a big driver behind the significant fundraiser which has seen TV personality Eddie McGuire throw his support behind the club’s redevelopment with social media messages.Nepean ward Cr Andrea Allen said the new development would provide the club with much-needed modern amenities ensuring it could continue to serve the community and visitors “The current clubhouse is just a patrol tower storage area and some basic training or office spaces A lot of their equipment is stored in a separate shed off the end of Ocean Beach Rd which is a short drive away,” she said.Allen said the footprint of the plans covered the current 2002-built clubhouse as well as the public toilet block at the request of Parks Victoria which would be detached from the clubhouse and require some vegetation removal as would a new timber access ramp to the beach “The new building includes accommodation which the club considers to be a necessary component for a number of reasons The travel distance for lifeguards and lifesavers from Melbourne is significant and the lack of affordable accommodation within the peninsula This means that staffing the facility is often challenging.” Allen added “The club are very passionate about this build and have been willing to engage directly with the community about it”.Speaking of the timeline of the project’s funding Allen said funding was extended by council in 2024 and the “clock is still ticking” “the longer it takes for approvals to be obtained for this project which means a lot more fundraising is now needed to complete the project than they originally expected”.Allen also addressed community concerns after four objections had been received regarding the plans which among them included overdevelopment of the site and a lack of environmental sustainability in the design/future proofing “I too was originally worried about the size of the build but now having seen how small the current building is on the inside and visiting the club at Portsea which has a lot more space for club activities I can totally understand the need for a bigger clubhouse,” she said.“It’s also important not to forget the actual purpose of this building which literally is to save lives.”The proposal was however nearly derailed after Cr David Gill sought to introduce an eleventh-hour amendment during the meeting arguing there “hasn’t been enough scrutiny in my mind about what the outcome should have been” While Gill did not oppose the new development he said “poor design and risk factors like slip stability need full and considered responses based on merit of the built form and surrounding issues” “There were further opportunities to reduce scale and bulk including the level of accommodation and the consolidation of the amenities building,” he said with changes to the ramp also “impacting ocean beach cliffs”.In a statement the Nepean Conservation Group Inc expressed its concern scope and bulk of the proposed new building was not appropriate for the location with its impact to the National Park being “severe” within a sensitive coastal topography But the proposed amendment was ultimately shot down by all councillors at the meeting with Cr Marsh saying “my concern is I don’t really know where these changes come from or what sort of expertise or decisions have gone into suggesting them” “Given that we’re here making a decision on this application tonight after almost two years since it was submitted First published in the Mornington News – 4 February 2025 Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated MPNG publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News MPNG also publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids The 11-bedroom property at 3206 Point Nepean Road in Sorrento comes with a price guide of between $9 million and $9.9 million.  Selling agent Chris Cain of JA Cain told Domain the home has been owned by the same family for “a few decades”. The stately turn of a century home sits on more than 2000 square metres and steps out onto the sands of Sorrento front beach on the Mornington Peninsula. The impressive access includes an uninterrupted 41 metre frontage to nearby Sullivan Bay. A glance through the listing photos shows an impressive interior with well appointed rooms. There are many formal and informal living spaces, including separate sitting, lounge, dining and family rooms, across the expansive single level abode. Four of the 11 bedrooms are on the beachside of the home, with the remaining seven bedrooms positioned down one side of the property. Triple clifftop property deal inked for $61 million in Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula Falling property prices: Suburbs lose their $1 million, $2 million and $3 million values in 3 months Brighton: What's got celebs and foodies flocking to this bayside locale The estate also has three bathrooms and enough space in the grounds for six cars. “Further adding to the rarity is the supremely level block of land which means your first step off the property lands directly on to the sands of Sorrento front beach,” it reads. As well as access to the beach front, the property is in close proximity to Sorrento village, Hotel Sorrento and the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club. “Undoubtedly, a property of a lifetime,” the listing adds. The property has its first open inspection this weekend with expressions of interest being taken until April 1. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate The request URL is over the maximum size allowed! Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe The Sorrento clifftop holiday home of late businessman Ron Walker – known as “Mr Melbourne” because of his extensive business and personal links in the country’s second-biggest city – has sold for just over $15 million to a local buyer Laguna, as Mr Walker’s family called the Mornington Peninsula bolthole, was put on sale in October with a price guide of $14.75-$15.95 million and sold “marginally in excess” of $15 million who marketed the property with colleague Gowan Stubbings SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Read MoreLuxury propertyVictoria residential propertyLatest In ResidentialFetching latest articles Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Melbourne straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Melbourne without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Melbourne Gather by the sea for a four-day long festival where a talented line-up of Australia’s best authors, playwrights, journalists, speakers and academics will descend upon the coastal town of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.  Running from April 24-27 over the ANZAC Day long weekend the Sorrento Writers Festival (now in its third year) is an opportunity for literary enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the power of storytelling.  The brainchild of award-winning journalist former bookshop owner and director Corrie Perkin the festival is now the largest literary event in Victoria and includes author meet-and-greets, keynote speeches panel discussions and even musical performances The stacked program features the likes of Stan Grant Don Watson and Peter FitzSimons – to name just a few And this year's Barry Jones Oration will be delivered by former prime minister Julia Gillard Topics up for discussion vary from the upcoming Australian federal election to The Great Gatsby 100 years on For more information and to view the full program, head to the website Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitterinstagrampinterestAbout us Contact us is the final home to be built and sold on the former site of the Midway Caravan Park The last home to be built on a former Mornington Peninsula caravan park site has just hit the market with a whopping $6m-plus asking price with a night at Sorrento’s Midway Caravan Park back then costing about $50 Twenty years later the property has been progressively developed as gated townhouse communities and luxury stand-alone houses RELATED: $15m-plus Melbourne mansions listed after house price record smashed The 8 tricks behind renovating your home to make it worth the money 20 ‘rock bottom’ Melb suburbs that you should target right now The final home to be built there is now finished and has been listed for sale at $6m-$6.6m with the agent handling it estimating that alone might well have covered what the builders paid for the site Home values in the coastal hamlet have surged over the past two decades and latest PropTrack figures show Sorrento’s median house price has jumped from $810,500 in 2015 to $1.8m today and initially began developing it as a series of eight gated townhouse communities is built in what was once the Midway Caravan Park site A townhouse in the Illoura townhouse development on the former Midway Caravan Park site was part of a $16 million gated community being built back in 2007 subdividing the remaining land into five luxury home plots — and building the residences that have gone onto them Former Australia Post boss Ahmed Fahour is among those who have bought one of the impressive residences that have been built on the former caravan park site Now the Smiths have built the final residence at 7 Parkside St, Sorrento, and are selling it via Sotheby’s International Realty Peninsula boss Rob Curtain “This is the last new build from the old caravan park,” Mr Curtain said as I used to go through St Paul’s Rd … for the one down on the foreshore (public) they were about $20 a night … but this would have been about $50.” With the foreshore camping zone booked out for years in advance by regular visitors the Midway site was where those who were new to Sorrento wound up Multiple living zones offer light and bright spaces to entertain guests in The home’s architecture has plenty of coastal cool but it’s nothing like what you’d expect in a caravan park despite its popularity — the area’s value for homes has surged in the 20 years since the caravan park was sold to the Smiths “I don’t know what they paid for the caravan park but I suspect this home is worth more than that,” Mr Curtain said The property spans 1472sq m and was built by Smiths Builders and designed by Wolveridge Architects bespoke tiling and a range of stone surfaces with large windows to allow for extensive natural light The main living zone inside is warmed by a gas fireplace in the poolside outdoor entertainment area which also includes a barbecue kitchen and spotted gum deck The pool is solar heated and self cleaning automated irrigation and slab heating for living areas add to the home’s appeal The party can easily continue outside with a paved seating area warmed by a fireplace The home’s rammed-earth walls are a visual feature in many of the rooms Mr Curtain said the property had attracted a number of interested parties with few newly-built houses on the market in the area “The vendors have done a great job,” he said A few blocks away from Sorrento’s main village along Ocean Beach Rd the house is also a short walk from trails along the ocean side of the town’s dual coastlines Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Revealed: Melbourne suburb set to spike in 2025 Ex-forklift driver behind Melb’s biggest plaza buy since 2018 Interstate investors ‘blitzing’ Melbourne auction market third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. A grand estate set across a prime piece of beachside real estate in the Mornington Peninsula has hit the market for the first time in almost 60 years The 11 bedroom, three bathroom home at 3206 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento has been listed for sale for a cool $9 million to $9.9 million 3206 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento is on the market for $9 million to $9.9 million Sales agent Chris Cain from JA Cain said he believed the original limestone residence was close to 150 years old “We’ve been told its one of the more original homes and it was obviously located accordingly as not many face the beach,” he said The property has a rare 41m frontage to Sullivan Bay the beachfront residence’s many highlights include several formal and informal living areas feature archways and views aplenty of the ocean The property’s rare 41m frontage to Sullivan Bay has struck a chord with many interested buyers The original limestone residence is close to 150 years old “I think because it's a very level block we're stating the first step off the block is you land on Sorrento front beach because we know there are other beachside properties … but you can't access the beaches easily,” he said A number of people are looking at the home as a holiday residence “There's been a number of families who really appreciate how easy and safe it is to have the beach and your home on the same level.” said the residence will likely be snapped up for beyond the listed asking price “What looks to be the most interested people are the ones who really appreciate the heritage and want to work around it,” he said “There's a sprinkling of those types of property down there with a very nice extension and renovations Heritage features including lead-light windows feature throughout “We are certainly not telling people what they should or shouldn’t do We've met a lot of people who have big imaginations.” so it caters into any family I know in that regard and this provides a lot of options,” Mr Cain said I would be surprised if someone didn’t spend a little bit more on it Not many homes in the area have a flat block with direct beach access Melbourne-based property developer brothers Tony and Steven Sass have quietly picked up three adjoining clifftop mansions to create a record-setting $61 million family compound in the elite holiday playground of Sorrento The brothers and co-founders of Oreana Property Group have inked three trophy deals worth $24 million $16 million and about $21 million across three neighbouring addresses on coveted Point Nepean Road The $24 million purchase has already settled a small suburb on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula where the median house price is $1 million lower than some of its famous neighbours Tootgarook may be lesser known than its coastal co-stars – Portsea Rye and Rosebud – but the suburb’s incredible capital growth over the past five years suggests buyers are catching on Tootgarook offers a lower median house price than Sorrento.Credit: Prentice Real Estate The latest Domain House Price Report reveals Tootgarook’s median house price surged by 46.7 per cent in five years Tootgarook is the most affordable suburb within 15 minutes of Sorrento where the median house price is $1.88 million Also neighbouring Tootgarook are Rye ($1.045 million) and Blairgowrie ($1,442,500) – all within reach in 10 minutes or less Tony Talarico of YPA Estate Agents Mornington Peninsula is not surprised by Tootgarook’s capital growth “I always thought that Tootgarook was a suburb that was undervalued … so I’m not surprised that it has had such high growth in the last few years,” he says Talarico attributes Tootgarook’s capital growth to price hikes in neighbouring suburbs that have broadened buyers’ search pool on the Mornington Peninsula “Rye started to become a lot more expensive and the gap between the values in Rye and Tootgarook became quite significant” “People just saw better value in Tootgarook and probably hence why values probably started going up in that area as well,” he says Rachael Holman of Hodges Rye has worked on the Mornington Peninsula for nearly 20 years and has seen interest in Tootgarook skyrocket “It’s probably been one of those areas that’s probably been a little bit overlooked and there’s some really great spots in there and some really great buys,” she says While the pandemic boosted Tootgarook’s house prices “if you look at the figures even pre-COVID … the growth is still there” Beyond the more affordable price gap compared to its neighbours Tootgarook is also appealing to both locals and holiday-makers for its central location on the peninsula “You’ve got good shopping at either Rye or Rosebud and you’ve got the big aquatic centre in Rosebud now too there’s terrific shopping in Sorrento as well,” says Holman Another drawcard is Tootgarook’s easy route back to Melbourne “You’re that much closer to the city when you’re at Tootgarook because you’re not all the way down the end of the peninsula and it’s an easy drive to get on the freeway and you’re back in the city or wherever it is at the end of your weekend,” Holman says For those considering property in Tootgarook Talarico says homes surrounding the front beach are prime real estate especially that front part of Tootgarook where you can walk down to the front beach; it’s flat so for those who have boats and caravans and jet-skis it’s a perfect place to buy a property,” he says Whether you plan to live in Tootgarook permanently or whiz down on the weekend to catch that salty beach breeze you can get plenty for the median house price of $880,000 a garage … they will most likely have a block that’s anywhere sort of between 600 and 900 square metres,” Talarico says “It’s certainly an area that is still offering good value for money.” This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission. Welcome to Tootgarook, a small suburb on Victoria\\u2019s Mornington Peninsula, where the median house price is $1 million lower than some of its famous neighbours. Tootgarook may be lesser known than its coastal co-stars \\u2013 Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Rye and Rosebud \\u2013 but the suburb\\u2019s incredible capital growth over the past five years suggests buyers are catching on. The latest Domain House Price Report reveals Tootgarook\\u2019s median house price surged by 46.7 per cent in five years, taking its median house price to $880,000. Tootgarook is the most affordable suburb within 15 minutes of Sorrento, where the median house price is $1.88 million. Also neighbouring Tootgarook are Rye ($1.045 million) and Blairgowrie ($1,442,500) \\u2013 all within reach in 10 minutes or less. Tony Talarico of YPA Estate Agents Mornington Peninsula is not surprised by Tootgarook\\u2019s capital growth. \\u201CI always thought that Tootgarook was a suburb that was undervalued \\u2026 so I\\u2019m not surprised that it has had such high growth in the last few years,\\u201D he says. Talarico attributes Tootgarook\\u2019s capital growth to price hikes in neighbouring suburbs, especially Rye, that have broadened buyers\\u2019 search pool on the Mornington Peninsula. In the past five years, Talarico says, \\u201CRye started to become a lot more expensive, and the gap between the values in Rye and Tootgarook became quite significant\\u201D. \\u201CPeople just saw better value in Tootgarook and probably hence why values probably started going up in that area as well,\\u201D he says. Rachael Holman of Hodges Rye has worked on the Mornington Peninsula for nearly 20 years and has seen interest in Tootgarook skyrocket, particularly in the past five years. \\u201CIt\\u2019s probably been one of those areas that\\u2019s probably been a little bit overlooked and there\\u2019s some really great spots in there and some really great buys,\\u201D she says. While the pandemic boosted Tootgarook\\u2019s house prices, Holman says, \\u201Cif you look at the figures even pre-COVID \\u2026 the growth is still there\\u201D. Beyond the more affordable price gap compared to its neighbours, Tootgarook is also appealing to both locals and holiday-makers for its central location on the peninsula. \\u201CYou\\u2019ve got good shopping at either Rye or Rosebud, and you\\u2019ve got the big aquatic centre in Rosebud now too, and if you drive down to Sorrento, there\\u2019s terrific shopping in Sorrento as well,\\u201D says Holman. Another drawcard is Tootgarook\\u2019s easy route back to Melbourne. \\u201CYou\\u2019re that much closer to the city when you\\u2019re at Tootgarook because you\\u2019re not all the way down the end of the peninsula, and it\\u2019s an easy drive to get on the freeway and you\\u2019re back in the city or wherever it is at the end of your weekend,\\u201D Holman says. For those considering property in Tootgarook, Talarico says homes surrounding the front beach are prime real estate. \\u201CIt\\u2019s highly sought after, especially that front part of Tootgarook where you can walk down to the front beach; it\\u2019s flat, so for those who have boats and caravans and jet-skis it\\u2019s a perfect place to buy a property,\\u201D he says. Whether you plan to live in Tootgarook permanently or whiz down on the weekend to catch that salty beach breeze, you can get plenty for the median house price of $880,000. \\u201CFor that sort of money, you can get three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage \\u2026 they will most likely have a block that\\u2019s anywhere sort of between 600 and 900 square metres,\\u201D Talarico says. \\u201CIt\\u2019s certainly an area that is still offering good value for money.\\u201D This article was originally published by . Reproduced with permission. 1) 0ms;transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;font-size:1.5rem;}.mui-13xs5pt{width:100vw;max-width:100vw;margin-top:1px;}.mui-68tkgc{width:100vw;max-width:100vw;margin-top:1px;}.mui-1i0sejk{min-width:200px;border-radius:4px;}.mui-o2bopd{text-align:center;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;font-size:1.5rem;padding:8px;border-radius:50%;overflow:visible;color:rgba(0 0.54);-webkit-transition:background-color 150ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 150ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;padding:12px;font-size:1.75rem;}.mui-o2bopd:hover{background-color:rgba(0 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.mui-o2bopd:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.mui-o2bopd.Mui-disabled{background-color:transparent;color:rgba(28 1) 0ms;padding:12px;font-size:1.75rem;}.mui-1cqrg4y::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.mui-1cqrg4y.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.mui-1cqrg4y{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.mui-1cqrg4y:hover{background-color:rgba(0 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.mui-1cqrg4y:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.mui-1cqrg4y.Mui-disabled{background-color:transparent;color:rgba(28 28,0.38);}.mui-16y1f2l{font-family:'__Roboto_22ceb1','__Roboto_Fallback_22ceb1';font-weight:500;font-size:0.875rem;line-height:1.75;text-transform:uppercase;min-width:64px;padding:6px 16px;border-radius:4px;-webkit-transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 28,0.38);box-shadow:none;background-color:rgba(29 promising to deliver a mix of high-end apartments to the northern suburbs market.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe development site at 3 Delos Way 18km north-west of Perth CBD and 10km south-east of Joondalup Activity Centre commercial and recreation facilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Locus Property proposal includes 83 apartments across seven storeys comprising 18 one-bedroom units 22 three-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom penthouse-style apartments with three bathrooms.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrivate open spaces range from 10sq m for one-bedroom units to 90sq m for three-bedroom apartments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore than 20 per cent of units will meet silver level universal design requirements.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Delos Way Sorrento is designed to reflect its natural surroundings evoking the soft lines and distinctive beauty of the nearby dunes and coastal vegetation with strategically placed windows to capture ocean views documents said.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe development targets a 4-star Green Star certification incorporating a high-efficiency facade with double glazing about 100kW of solar PV infrastructure and sustainable transport initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe design allocates 48 per cent of the site to open space and targets a 10 per cent reduction in upfront carbon emissions with commitments to divert 90 per cent of construction waste from landfill.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe development’s parking provisions include 148 resident bays and 51 bicycle parking spaces.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe cleared site features 2257sq m of soft landscaping incorporating 75 trees of varying sizes The project includes 900sq m of communal open space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The development aims to provide alternative housing types in Sorrento See Design Studio for landscape architecture and Urbis for town planning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe development site is close to public transport public open space and the amenities of Hillarys Boat Harbour a $280-million residential precinct by Silkchime has been proposed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Warwick Quarter development aims to \u003ca href=\"https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/rowe-group-warwick-quarter-nedlands-wa-norm-carey\" data-mce-href=\"https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/rowe-group-warwick-quarter-nedlands-wa-norm-carey\"\u003edeliver 1024 apartments across seven buildings\u003c/a\u003e Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels “reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address .. which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists who said the measure could prove highly inflationary among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear been endorsed to follow through on its policies and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion 100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have made many changes to how they enable home development The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook promising to deliver a mix of high-end apartments to the northern suburbs market The Locus Property proposal includes 83 apartments across seven storeys comprising 18 one-bedroom units 22 three-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom penthouse-style apartments with three bathrooms Private open spaces range from 10sq m for one-bedroom units to 90sq m for three-bedroom apartments More than 20 per cent of units will meet silver level universal design requirements “Delos Way Sorrento is designed to reflect its natural surroundings connecting inhabitants to the changing beauty outside,” the application said The City of Joondalup’s Design Review Panel and the State Development Assessment Unit have reviewed the proposal The application requires final determination from the Western Australian Planning Commission The development targets a 4-star Green Star certification about 100kW of solar PV infrastructure and sustainable transport initiatives The design allocates 48 per cent of the site to open space and targets a 10 per cent reduction in upfront carbon emissions with commitments to divert 90 per cent of construction waste from landfill The development’s parking provisions include 148 resident bays The cleared site features 2257sq m of soft landscaping incorporating 75 trees of varying sizes The project includes 900sq m of communal open space “The development aims to provide alternative housing types in Sorrento reflecting changing demographics and limited choices for alternative housing types in the area,” the application said The project team includes Hillam Architects for design See Design Studio for landscape architecture and Urbis for town planning The development site is close to public transport The Sorrento development joins some significant residential projects in Perth’s northern corridor as the State Government moves to address housing supply DevelopmentWA has launched an expressions-of-interest campaign for 600ha of greenfield sites across Perth a $280-million residential precinct by Silkchime has been proposed The Warwick Quarter development aims to deliver 1024 apartments across seven buildings responding to Perth’s rental vacancy rate of 1.14 per cent and growing demand for housing in the metropolitan area This article was originally published by Domain.com.au a small suburb on Victoria\\u2019s Mornington Peninsula Tootgarook may be lesser known than its coastal co-stars \\u2013 Portsea Rye and Rosebud \\u2013 but the suburb\\u2019s incredible capital growth over the past five years suggests buyers are catching on The latest Domain House Price Report reveals Tootgarook\\u2019s median house price surged by 46.7 per cent in five years Also neighbouring Tootgarook are Rye ($1.045 million) and Blairgowrie ($1,442,500) \\u2013 all within reach in 10 minutes or less Tony Talarico of YPA Estate Agents Mornington Peninsula is not surprised by Tootgarook\\u2019s capital growth \\u201CI always thought that Tootgarook was a suburb that was undervalued \\u2026 so I\\u2019m not surprised that it has had such high growth in the last few years,\\u201D he says Talarico attributes Tootgarook\\u2019s capital growth to price hikes in neighbouring suburbs that have broadened buyers\\u2019 search pool on the Mornington Peninsula \\u201CRye started to become a lot more expensive and the gap between the values in Rye and Tootgarook became quite significant\\u201D \\u201CPeople just saw better value in Tootgarook and probably hence why values probably started going up in that area as well,\\u201D he says \\u201CIt\\u2019s probably been one of those areas that\\u2019s probably been a little bit overlooked and there\\u2019s some really great spots in there and some really great buys,\\u201D she says While the pandemic boosted Tootgarook\\u2019s house prices \\u201Cif you look at the figures even pre-COVID \\u2026 the growth is still there\\u201D \\u201CYou\\u2019ve got good shopping at either Rye or Rosebud and you\\u2019ve got the big aquatic centre in Rosebud now too there\\u2019s terrific shopping in Sorrento as well,\\u201D says Holman Another drawcard is Tootgarook\\u2019s easy route back to Melbourne \\u201CYou\\u2019re that much closer to the city when you\\u2019re at Tootgarook because you\\u2019re not all the way down the end of the peninsula and it\\u2019s an easy drive to get on the freeway and you\\u2019re back in the city or wherever it is at the end of your weekend,\\u201D Holman says especially that front part of Tootgarook where you can walk down to the front beach; it\\u2019s flat so for those who have boats and caravans and jet-skis it\\u2019s a perfect place to buy a property,\\u201D he says a garage \\u2026 they will most likely have a block that\\u2019s anywhere sort of between 600 and 900 square metres,\\u201D Talarico says \\u201CIt\\u2019s certainly an area that is still offering good value for money.\\u201D Police are continuing to search the Sorrento area today and appeal for public assistance to help locate missing woman Laura It’s believed the 36-year-old left an address in Murrumbeena about 7.40am on Tuesday Police and family have concerns for Laura’s welfare due to her disappearance being out of character short black hair with golden ends and wears round glasses with gold frames Police located Laura’s grey Mazda CX30 parked in a carpark on St Pauls Road Local police are searching the local area near the carpark and surrounding area Investigators have released an image of Laura in the hope that someone can provide information on her current whereabouts Anyone with information or CCTV/dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow development of up to three storeys at Sorrento’s township entrance will go to a state government-appointed panel because of unresolved issues including heritage values and coastal character impacts.The proposed changes by the Mornington Peninsula Shire would see new buildings have a two storey nine metre building height limit fronting Point Nepean Rd 12-metre height limit for new development abutting Ocean Beach Rd It also proposes that new development has a maximum of two storeys or nine metres at street frontage while any third storey would see a reduced setback from eight to four metres from the street frontage the proposed building rules seek to increase new development heights from 11 metres to 12 metres abutting Morce Ave and side streets within the activity centre.Seventy-three submissions were received in response to the planning scheme amendment after it was open to public feedback in 2022 with 80 per cent opposing the concept One objector said there the “potential is there to destroy the entrance to the township and that should not be allowed” while another commented “It is of great importance for the character of Sorrento to be preserved particularly the gateway to Sorrento – I believe it is important to retain a two storey limit to avoid an overdevelopment”.Another submitter said the “large boundary-built form is not in line with the current foreshore streetscape and historical charm of Sorrento that many Victorians and visitors come to see” noting it “will look out of place to have such a large box-built form surrounded by local historical buildings along the foreshore as an entry to Sorrento village”.In response the shire conducted an independent peer review of the amendment from both a planning and urban design perspective to “explore how submitter issues could potentially be resolved” prompting four new submissions including from Heritage Victoria which suggested changes including limiting new development to the height of the existing heritage buildings as well as limiting the height of new development on sites adjacent to heritage sites.But because all 77 community submissions cannot be resolved councillors at their 25 February meeting unanimously approved a recommendation from shire officers that the submissions be referred to a planning panel appointed by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny The panel will prepare a report for council with its findings and recommendations which will be reviewed before the shire decides whether to adopt the amendment and send it to the Planning Minister for final approval.Cr Andrea Allen said the proposed amendment would “ensure future development protects the low scale coastal and historical character of the township including views of significant heritage buildings and coastal dunes while allowing reasonable growth to occur in line with the township’s broader role and function” “This has been ongoing for several years with the most recent re-exhibition happening from July to September last year,” Allen added “Today is a pretty straightforward decision to progress this to a planning panel to examine the 70-plus submissions and deal with the unresolved issues on those.”The Nepean Ratepayers Association Inc spokesperson Christine Granger said they had “strongly objected” to the southeast precinct being included in the 11-metre/three storey height limit and restricted setback She said Rusty’s Café Bar and Grill known as ‘Rusty’s Corner’ was “the gateway to Sorrento,” and “having a building on that corner (south/east) at more than two storeys would be a disaster” “It must complement the build form on the Koonya Hotel corner The view of the community is that you should be able to see both the Conti and Stringers [The Continental Sorrento and Stringers Sorrento] as you approach Ocean Beach Rd,” she said “The most important aspect of the objection is that the height limit remains at two storeys at Rusty’s Corner and maximum of three storeys in the other precincts.”Russell Norton-Old owner of Rusty’s Café Bar located at the corner of Point Nepean Rd and the Esplanade describing it as “planning madness” that would significantly impact the beauty and historic character of Sorrento’s township.A council report revealed that current planning controls are due to expire on 4 July would leave the Ocean Beach Rd commercial precinct with no mandatory height Parts of the precinct would however remain covered by heritage overlay to protect heritage values Councillors approved a 12-month extension request to the existing planning controls to allow time for the panel process and finalising the amendment A directions hearing will take place later this month before a panel hearing begins on 5 May.All up the whole process is expected to cost ratepayers close to $110,000 This included a panel appointment (between $10,000 and $30,000) as well as legal representation at the panel ($30,000 to $40,000) while a presentation of urban design and planning expert evidence would be about $38,000.The council would also have to pay an extra $1,061.50 to extend the expiry date of the existing planning controls First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 March 2025 Sorrento used to be the place where band Munster Terrace would rehearse before gigs The Sorrento home where Munster Terrace lead singer Greg Sullivan grew up has been listed for sale with a $3.5m-$3.85m price guide the pub rocker and his band were acclaimed as a cover outfit that started playing in the 1980s and worked as a support act for fellow Aussie rockers The Saints in 1985 RELATED: Epic mansion breaks Melb’s 2024 house price record Grim outlook for Melbourne in 2025 laid bare with popular original singles including Rollin’ and Real Human Being but the band is still a talking point along the Mornington Peninsula where they had residencies at a number of the most-popular night spots Kay & Burton’s Liz Jensen said the singer had been like ‘Sorrento’s very own Michael Hutchence’ having been the crush of many young women in the area His sisters have also revealed it wasn’t uncommon for their classmates to try to get a visit to their home on days when the band was rehearsing Built with sandstone walls and on a roundabout set between the coastal hamlet’s main drag the property is also a local icon — and comes with “perfect” acoustics within you feel like you are on 100 acres and not on a round about,” Ms Jensen said “Buyers walk in and they can’t believe the character of it The four-bedroom property features two living areas including an open-plan kitchen connected to one while decorative cornices and timber beams add character with the 1536sq m block sporting mature palm trees among its neat gardens Ms Jensen said while the home had attracted interest from Melbourne-based buyers and locals she’d also heard from a few people just wanting to have a peak inside because of the band’s connection “I remember passing him (Greg) in the street or seeing him at Tom Katz While the family have hung onto the property for some time they now want it to go to another owner who will appreciate it the way have it would see the next owners connected with the address for generations with Sullivan and his sisters’ parents buying the home which was located almost exactly in the middle of where they had each grown up about 1km apart in Sorrento was the local barber and also cut hair at the nearby Portsea Officer Cadet School In a letter describing their families connection with the property the sisters note the local icon had been the site of family members’ birthday parties The property has a $3.5m-$3.85m price guide It has also hosted grandchildren and great grandchildren to their parents though for much of the 1970s and 1980s the home was a meeting point for many local children using it as a central point to town as they hung out with various members of the family “There’s something very wholesome about the whole history,” Ms Jensen said MORE: Aussie suburbs leading nation’s house price boom in 2024 revealed Banks ‘come to the party’ over Aussies’ $265bn 95-year-old Melbourne property investor reveals his tips to make $1.7m+ Please log in or subscribe to access all of Books+Publishing's premium content Purchase a subscription to access Books+Publishing‘s premium content We now offer a pay-by-the-month subscription Click here to see our range of subscription options Subscribe By clicking LOGIN, you are accepting terms and conditions and allowing cookies to identify your browser and keep you logged in. (See the privacy policy.) please click the button below to activate your service Check IP access Category: Local news Model and pilates studio owner Brooke Pitt (nee Hogan) made a name for herself as a fashion model who rose to fame via her social media profile in the mid 2000s. It was a spot on the reality TV show Australia’s Next Top Model back in 2013 that helped propel her from contestant to successful businesswoman.    Pitt now calls the Mornington Peninsula home, and with 633k Instagram followers who watch her every beauty and wellness move, opening her first Pilates studio in Sorrento was a natural next step for the entrepreneur.   The married mother of one swapped Frankston where she grew up, for a coastal sea change when she tied the knot with husband Myles in 2022 (his family own Hotel Sorrento).   Brooke Pitt (Hogan) married Myles Pitt, whose family owns Hotel Sorrento, in 2022. Picture: Brooke Pitt/Instagram She recalls visiting Sorrento 10 years ago and being instantly wooed by its seaside charm – the town itself immortalised by a Tina Arena hit song Sorrento Moon (I Remember) from the 90s.    Pitt’s decision to open her first bricks and mortar move comes after launching her app of the same name – Our Pilates. Sorrento is where she spends most of her time; with her husband and her their son Billy.   Brooke Pitt recently opened our Pilates studio in Sorrento. Picture: Supplied The studio is located a stone’s throw from the main street. Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento is known for its eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants; with everything from health food stores to major brand retailers finding a spot here – think Lululemon, Witchery, Mecca Cosmetics as well as art galleries.    Sorrento is hardly a quiet coastal town anymore – the bustle is real in peak summer, as is to find a spot on the beach. But the high street has all the required city amenities with luxury coastal charm thrown in the mix, which makes the step away from city life all the easier.  My earliest memory visiting Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento took place around 10 years ago.  It was the middle of winter, freezing cold outside and the town was so quiet. There wasn’t a single person in sight when looking from one end of the street to the other. At the time, my now husband and I were the one two people sitting at The Sisters café at 8am ordering a coffee early one morning. One of Brooke Pitt’s earliest memories of Sorrento is going to The Sisters Cafe. Picture: The Sisters Cafe/Instagram I remember thinking to myself, ‘wow, this is one quiet, small town’. But I also remember the moment being so beautiful and having such a special feeling about Sorrento. Not only is it beautiful spot to look at the water, but there’s limestone everywhere you look. It’s the kind of place that gives you a feeling of warmth, even in the wintertime. That very feeling I had all those years ago is still there for me – and it’s only grown stronger. I love the community feel, everyone is so supportive of one another, and during the summer, the town has the most amazing energy from everyone who holidays and visits.  That would have to be the Sorrento cinema. This cinema was so full of character and filled with so much history. Before having my little one, if it wasn’t a beach-appropriate day, I would go with my girlfriends or my husband and watch a movie. My favourite thing was ordering an extra-large tub of popcorn and a boysenberry choc top and settling into one of the very old and daggy velvet (and slightly uncomfortable) cinema seats. The old Sorrento Cinema was sold in 2017. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold It was only recently the cinema was closed due to some beautiful developments on the main street in Sorrento. While they have kept elements of the old building, I’ll miss going there with my friends and belly laughing at a comedy movie.  Hotel Sorrento. I may be biased, but this place has only gotten better and better. My husband’s family have had this business for over 40 years and it is a very special place to so many people, not only our family, but the local community and everyone else who comes to visit. We spend a lot of our time here socialising with friends and family, and it is a place where we have made and continue to make many special memories. This is the venue we got married and also celebrated my baby shower. It holds so much history and has the most amazing atmosphere. The Friday Night raffle is a local favourite and anyone who goes will be sure to have a good time and will be made to feel like family when you walk in the door.  It would have to be our new Pilates studio [Our Pilates].  It’s a high-quality reformer Pilates studio located up a small flight of stairs just off the main street – and it’s been a dream of mine since I moved to Sorrento to open my own studio and eight years later it finally happened. Brooke Hogan recently opened her pilates studio, Our Pilates, in Sorrento. Picture: Supplied. I wanted to create a space that people got excited to visit and that also helped like-minded people connect through movement. It’s been such a great addition to Sorrento main strip, and we have received such great feedback.   realcommercial.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Model and pilates studio owner Brooke Pitt (nee Hogan) made a name for herself as a fashion model who rose to fame via her social media profile in the mid 2000s It was a spot on the reality TV show Australia’s Next Top Model back in 2013 that helped propel her from contestant to successful businesswoman Pitt now calls the Mornington Peninsula home and with 633k Instagram followers who watch her every beauty and wellness move opening her first Pilates studio in Sorrento was a natural next step for the entrepreneur The married mother of one swapped Frankston where she grew up for a coastal sea change when she tied the knot with husband Myles in 2022 (his family own Hotel Sorrento) She recalls visiting Sorrento 10 years ago and being instantly wooed by its seaside charm – the town itself immortalised by a Tina Arena hit song Sorrento Moon (I Remember) from the 90s Pitt’s decision to open her first bricks and mortar move comes after launching her app of the same name – Our Pilates Sorrento is where she spends most of her time; with her husband and her their son Billy Brooke Pitt recently opened our Pilates studio in Sorrento The studio is located a stone’s throw from the main street Sorrento is known for its eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants; with everything from health food stores to major brand retailers finding a spot here – think Lululemon Sorrento is hardly a quiet coastal town anymore – the bustle is real in peak summer But the high street has all the required city amenities with luxury coastal charm thrown in the mix which makes the step away from city life all the easier My earliest memory visiting Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento took place around 10 years ago freezing cold outside and the town was so quiet There wasn’t a single person in sight when looking from one end of the street to the other my now husband and I were the one two people sitting at The Sisters café at 8am ordering a coffee early one morning One of Brooke Pitt’s earliest memories of Sorrento is going to The Sisters Cafe But I also remember the moment being so beautiful and having such a special feeling about Sorrento Not only is it beautiful spot to look at the water It’s the kind of place that gives you a feeling of warmth That very feeling I had all those years ago is still there for me – and it’s only grown stronger the town has the most amazing energy from everyone who holidays and visits This cinema was so full of character and filled with so much history if it wasn’t a beach-appropriate day I would go with my girlfriends or my husband and watch a movie My favourite thing was ordering an extra-large tub of popcorn and a boysenberry choc top and settling into one of the very old and daggy velvet (and slightly uncomfortable) cinema seats It was only recently the cinema was closed due to some beautiful developments on the main street in Sorrento While they have kept elements of the old building I’ll miss going there with my friends and belly laughing at a comedy movie but this place has only gotten better and better My husband’s family have had this business for over 40 years and it is a very special place to so many people but the local community and everyone else who comes to visit We spend a lot of our time here socialising with friends and family and it is a place where we have made and continue to make many special memories This is the venue we got married and also celebrated my baby shower It holds so much history and has the most amazing atmosphere The Friday Night raffle is a local favourite and anyone who goes will be sure to have a good time and will be made to feel like family when you walk in the door It would have to be our new Pilates studio [Our Pilates] It’s a high-quality reformer Pilates studio located up a small flight of stairs just off the main street – and it’s been a dream of mine since I moved to Sorrento to open my own studio and eight years later it finally happened Brooke Hogan recently opened her pilates studio I wanted to create a space that people got excited to visit and that also helped like-minded people connect through movement It’s been such a great addition to Sorrento main strip the association representing the ferry industry worldwide has announced its Call for Speakers for the highly anticipated Interferry2025 Annual Conference from October 4th to 8th at the Hilton Sorrento Palace Congress Center Under the compelling theme of “Connections” the conference will explore the vital role of connectivity in all aspects of the ferry industry Building on the momentum of previous successful conferences Interferry2025 aims to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing on a wide range of topics that underscore the importance of connections This year’s theme encompasses everything from community and passenger connectivity to technological integration and sustainable energy solutions “We believe ‘Connections’ perfectly encapsulates the essence of the ferry industry,” stated Mike Corrigan “Whether it’s bridging geographical gaps connectivity is at the heart of what we do our core principle is to facilitate these vital connections within our industry In today’s rapidly evolving landscape and collaborate for the common development of the ferry sector is more crucial than ever We look forward to welcoming a diverse array of speakers who will contribute to a truly insightful and impactful conference.” Interferry is seeking presentations that address a variety of critical areas Interested stakeholders are encouraged to submit their proposals through the https://interferryconference.com/call-for-speakers/ website The Interferry team, in collaboration with host Grimaldi Group, is committed to delivering an exceptional conference experience in the stunning setting of Sorrento. Conference registration to Interferry members opens on May 1st, and for non-members on July 1st. Further details, including event information, sponsorship opportunities, and registration details, can be found at InterferryConference.com Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Seven fashion people show us how they style their favourite ballet flats I asked a trichologist whether it’s possible to make your hair grow faster A Melbourne stylist explains dress codes (and when you can break them) Our favourite brick-and-mortar fashion boutiques in Sydney This is how often you should wash your activewear Why New Zealand label Twenty-Seven Names keeps its supply chain local This is probably not the page you’re looking for I have been an Age subscriber for more than 60 years I started when I was 25 years old and had just moved to Melbourne from Bendigo as a newlywed After being brought up by parents whose choice of newspaper had largely been decided by how easy the crossword was in the other masthead we wanted a paper with more details and background on the news of the day Johns pictured with some of his 170 letters published in The Age.Credit: Justin McManus when I married for the second time to another avid Age reader that I first began contributing letters to The Age I had been invited to a political party fundraiser by my wife’s sister where I was introduced to another guest who proudly announced to me that he had been a member of the Liberal Party for 50 years I had thought that was a rather disappointing introduction it occurred to me that he measured his importance by the length of his membership instead of his party’s achievements or reflections on their mistakes This inspired me to write a letter suggesting that people like that “must be the blinkered faithful” – and that “Thank heaven for the swinging voter who creates policy change,” I wrote I was surprised and felt very excited that I had a voice in such a paper as The Age I continued to send in more letters and I was getting around 10 printed a year I felt my thoughts were only mildly interesting observations that may be of interest to some so I kept them short and punchy before the reader became bored they were all published in the paper’s right-hand column “And another thing” I became used to seeing my name “Peter Johns but then for the first time I was published with a Ron Tandberg cartoon This was a surprise I could never have expected To be honoured with a cartoon by such a legendary artist was colossal Having my articles selected for the headline cartoon now became one of my new goals including 12 with Ron Tandberg and four with Matt Golding cartoons but those published with a cartoon were proudly displayed in frames of all shapes and sizes I will submit a letter on almost anything that upsets or amuses me if I think there may be something of interest for others I have voted for both sides of politics in my life I like to spot connections and disconnections across articles I read in The Age I have used inspiration provided from many politicians climate change and football have given me lots of ideas Whilst I have an interest in the contributions of others in our letter-writing community I enjoy being a part of a shared voice in the Melbourne institution It is still a thrill after about 170 published letters I still subscribe and love reading The Age and I’ve had two or three letters published as “Peter Johns but my family and friends still refer to me when visiting as “Peter Johns Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter I had been invited to a political party fundraiser by my wife\\u2019s sister instead of his party\\u2019s achievements or reflections on their mistakes \\u201Cmust be the blinkered faithful\\u201D \\u2013 and that \\u201CThank heaven for the swinging voter who creates policy change,\\u201D I wrote they were all published in the paper\\u2019s right-hand column \\u201CAnd another thing\\u201D I became used to seeing my name \\u201CPeter Johns I\\u2019ve had about 170 letters published and I\\u2019ve had two or three letters published as \\u201CPeter Johns but my family and friends still refer to me when visiting as \\u201CPeter Johns Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories