It was from the settlement of Risdon Cove that Lieutenant John Bowen organised expeditions, and one of these exploring parties found the Pittwater area in about 1805. They had high hopes for a port here, although it became clear that the water was too shallow for such hopes to become reality.

By 1808, a number of farmers were operating in the area, and a flourmill was constructed in 1815. Sorell was established as town in 1819, acquiring its name in 1821 from Lieut-Governor Sorell. It is rumoured that he took such an interest in his namesake town that he considered moving the Capital to the site !

By 1823 the population numbered 133, and one of these early residents was a man named James Gordon who owned a property called Forcett. He was the first Magistrate in the area. The vast majority of residents were convicts and their families.

Until the construction of the Sorell Causeway in 1866, the only transport link to the town was the road from Richmond. The railway arrived in the town during 1892, and provided a link to nearby Bellerive, but it ceased operations in 1926.

By 1823 it was decided to post an Anglican chaplain to the settlement for religious instruction, with compulsory attendance at service. The first service was held by the Rev. William Gerrard in 1825. The foundation stone for the Anglican Church was laid that same year, and the church was dedicated in 1827.

This original structure was replaced in the mid 1880s. The Uniting Church was a superb example of Norman-Romanesque architecture. Difficulties in posting a minister to the church over the years led to it falling into a state of disrepair. It took a very dedicated group of people who worked with the Government and the National Trust, to restore it considerably.

Today Sorell is an important agricultural area, particularly important for lamb production, and in the past it was an important grain growing area, supplying the home colony and the settlement in New South Wales with wheat from 1816 until 1860.

Historic Attractions

Sorell has many very interesting buildings of historical significance.

Amongst the churches in the town are St. George's Anglican Church (1884), Scots Uniting Church (1841) and St. Thomas' Catholic Church (1864). The Bluebell Inn dates back to some time mid-nineteenth century, and the original building was destroyed by a fire in 1863. A new building was constructed and subsequently changed hands several times, becoming a hospital at one point earlier in this century.

Records of the exact date of construction of the Pembroke Inn are also somewhat unclear, although it would seem that in 1847 the license was transferred to a Mr. George Wright. Another hotel, the Gordon Highlander Hotel, had a license in 1844, which was in the name of Jonathon Watson.

Pelham House was built in about 1864, using bricks which were made at the rear of the building. The fact that it was once known as The Verandahs seems to support the notion that there were at one time verandahs not only to the front of the building, but also on the sides. It was a hospital at the turn of the century, and has had strong links with the medical profession since then.

There are numerous other buildings throughout Sorell, including the Barracks, and the Police Commissioner's Residence to name a couple which are well worth seeing.

Other Attractions

A very pleasant way of passing some time is to visit the Orani Vineyard, just four kilometres out of Sorell. Here you will be treated to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Opening hours for visitors are from 9.30am until 6.30pm on the weekend and on Public Holidays.

Enjoy a game of golf on the Tasmania Golf Course in town, or travel to nearby Barilla Bay where watersports, tennis and bowls can be played.

Eaglehawk Dive Centre organise dives into the depths of the sea off the Tasman Peninsula. Here you will encounter the stunning beauty of the ocean with such features as Waterfall Bay Caves and Canyons, the Sisters Rocks, Giant Kelp Forests and Hippolyte Rock with its sea lion colony. The Centre is located at 32 Gordon Street.

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