Sullivan Bay Beach (Sorrento)
.jpg "Sullivan Bay Beach (Sorrento)")
Sullivan Bay beach is set in an attractive bay just off the Highway but bypassed by many.
The eastern point of Sullivan Bay is the site of Victoria's first white settlement back in 1803. The headlands that border the 400 m long bay are known as The Sisters. A foreshore reserve backs the western half of the bay and the historic section of the eastern Sister. Houses and some private jetties are located along the eastern half of the bay.
There is a public parking area just off the Nepean Highway in the centre of the bay. The beach faces north-east and receives usually low wind waves. It consists of a relatively narrow strip of sand, fronted by 100 to 200 m wide tidal sand flats.
Swimming - A relatively safe beach which is best at mid to high tide.
Sullivan Bay beach has a General Beach Hazard Rating of 1/10 (Least hazardous). The beach is not patrolled.
Review:
This is the site of the first British settlement in Victoria, made up of 384 men, 38 women, 20 boys and 16 girls. The settlement was transferred to Hobart Town, Tasmania in 1804. In October 1803, two ships from England - HMS Calcutta and the Ocean - anchored in the sheltered waters of nearby Cameron's Bight. Unloading began on 14 October. The settlers walked across the foreshore to the flat land located here which became the settlement's parade ground. Sullivan Bay was an open-air goal for 300 convicts, guarded by 50 marines and administered by 11 public servants. There were 55 free settlers. The majority of the convicts had been regular offenders. Most were thieves.
There are some information boards, unshaded tables, water tap and beach shower. There is limited free parking.
There is a sandy beach which has a reasonable width between two rocky points. At the east end there are three private jetties with no access. By the time you visit there might only be two since one is close to collapsing into the water. There are no shops or facilities. It is BYO everything.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs on leash are permitted on the foreshore except between 9am and 7pm during Daylight Savings Period. At other times dogs are permitted on-leash.
Map:
Photos:
Location
3099 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento 3943 Map
Web Links
→ Sullivan Bay Beach (BeachSafe)
