Ever since the inimitable philanthropist, thespian and entrepreneur George Coppin built Sorrento’s iconic Continental Hotel in 1875, the landmark building has proudly looked over the ever-evolving town and beyond to Port Phillip. Perhaps tellingly, with its tower even higher than the church, it has long been a central hub of the community and a destination for residents and visitors alike. Restored now to its former glory but with a contemporary flair, the Continental Sorrento, a multi-award-winning lifestyle precinct, is regarded as a one-of-a-kind hospitality destination, drawing national praise and attention. Its impressive design is bright and approachable, offering a wide range of experiences from casual drop-ins to destination dining and premium events.

Meticulously renovated by award-winning architect firm Woods Baggott, the Continental includes five signature restaurants and bars, three event spaces with ocean views, the 108-room 5-star Intercontinental Hotel, and Aurora, an award-winning state-of-the-art wellness centre.

Audrey’s, the signature restaurant, is a homage to chef Scott Pickett’s grandmother, who instilled in him a passion for cooking. This beautiful space with ocean views offers an authentic seafood-centric menu. Expect elevated dining with old-world elegance. Chef Nicholas Deligiannis, The Age Good Food Guide’s Young Chef of Year, said: “My culinary philosophy revolves around the art of blending Mediterranean flavours with chef-driven techniques. When it comes to the plating and service of our food, we focus on letting the flavours speak for themselves. We keep things fun and interesting by consistently changing dishes, ensuring that even our regular guests have a new experience every time they dine.” 

Another dining area, The Atrium, with its stunning cathedral glass ceiling, is ideal for enjoying a long lunch, the famous seafood platter with champagne, or cocktails at the bar. The Conti has three ground-floor areas for dining and drinking: the beer garden, the front bar, and the alfresco Promenade for reimagined pub classics and ice-cold drinks. The precinct is the perfect venue for your special event, black-tie soiree or a night on the town.  Evolving to match the changing needs of the seasons, you can enjoy an autumn/winter program that includes comedy or jazz and shiraz, and a spring/summer schedule that includes sunset drinks, Spring Racing Carnival celebrations, and Christmas and New Year festivities. 

Marketing and partnerships manager Britt Groth said: “We’re not just raising the curtain on entertainment; we’re crafting an unforgettable performance rooted in our heritage. George Coppin envisioned the Continental as the ultimate entertainment destination on the Peninsula, and today we honour his legacy by weaving a consistent and captivating symphony of experiences year-round.”

The venue’s dedication to the community extends beyond its walls, nurturing Peninsula talent and, as a registered training organisation, providing clear career pathways for all employees and fostering growth and development. The newly acquired and renovated Sorrento Lodge provides affordable staff accommodation for the hotel and nearby businesses.

If you haven’t been to the Conti for a while, you will be amazed by its new incarnation. CEO Duncan Thomson said: “The Continental’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance to the community are threads we’ve carefully woven into our ethos. We’ve sought to pay homage to our past, bringing new life into the timeless limestone walls that echo stories of the past, making a statement as the signature social hub of the Peninsula. For the community, it’s the return of an icon as one of the nation’s premier hospitality precincts proudly showcasing the best of Sorrento.” 

The Continental Sorrento      1-21 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento      P: 5935 1200 
www.thecontinentalsorrento.com.au       FB: thecontinentalsorrento           Insta: thecontintentalsorrento