Just a short drive from Melbourne, this coastal gem is a gateway to hedonistic delights. Here, discover why Sorrento came in at no. 38 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

Australia’s best vanilla slice. It’s a hotly contested title and the ensuing discussion has been known to cause furious debate. But I don’t need a verdict. I’m quite happy to eat my way through a shortlist, which is one delicious reason to visit Sorrento, the quaint-as-can-be seaside village on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

You’ll find The Vanilla Slice Cafe on Sorrento’s main drag and yes, you should absolutely pop in for a slice of finger-licking Australiana. As sugar-dense as this iconic slab of quivering vanilla custard is, time spent in postcard-perfect Sorrento gets a whole lot sweeter.

About 90 minutes’ drive south-east of Melbourne, Sorrento has the hallmark qualities you would expect from a coastal town, which is to say, irresistible vistas, laissez-faire vibes and a glut of experiences that put those dreamy ocean views front and centre.

Better yet, Sorrento is but a hop, sip* and jump away from myriad epicurean delights. *No, that is not a typo.

One of the country’s premium cool climate wine regions, the Mornington Peninsula is home to more than 50 cellar doors and wine folk here are pros when it comes to spoiling visitors.

Pinot noir and chardonnay are the region’s hero varieties, and the maritime influence is as crucial to the region’s wine as it is to its aesthetic appeal. This list is by no means exhaustive, but do add Pt Leo Estate, Montalto, Polperro Winery, Foxeys Hangout and Ten Minutes By Tractor to your itinerary.

For drinks of a different kind, whip over to Dromana where Jetty Road Brewery , and Bass & Flinders and JimmyRum distilleries put on a fine show, too.

On the dining front, foodies are spoilt for choice with several restaurants – winery-based and otherwise – attracting high praise from clientele and critics alike.

This writer loves Laura at Pt Leo Estate (temporarily closed, so watch this space), Doot Doot Doot at Jackalope , DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar , and Red Gum BBQ . Note: this writer hasn’t eaten everywhere on the peninsula… yet.

Sorrento is an ideal base from which to experience these and many other peninsula attractions, but it is also a destination worthy of your undivided attention.

Peppered with galleries, eateries and boutique shopping, Sorrento’s high street is wonderfully strollable, while the limestone buildings give it added heritage cred.

The street is also bookended by beaches, a glamorous touch and just the start of this aquatic paradise, which is now home to the new state-of-the-art Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.

With close to 200 kilometres of peninsula coastline to explore, there is no shortage of water-based delights in the region. Coastal walks are spectacular and for wildlife tours, picturesque Sorrento Pier is your likely launchpad.

Explore more of the Mornington Peninsula in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.