Major city · Australia
Sorell
Base in Hobart and use Sorell as a 2–3 h stop on the way to Port Arthur; sleep here only if you want the Southern Beaches or an early Arthur Highway start.
Sorell is one of Tasmania's oldest towns, settled in 1808, and sits 25 km from Hobart at the start of the Arthur Highway. It is the shopping and services hub for the Southern Beaches and the Tasman Peninsula, with a compact historic centre, a fruit farm and a market. Most travellers pass through; a night here works if you want beaches or an early run to Port Arthur.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, short days)
- Airport
- HBA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Sorell000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sorell, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet country town and generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckHBA Hobart International Airport (About 13 min by car via the Tasman Highway (A3); no scheduled bus to Sorell — check).
- Getting aroundThe centre is small enough to walk, and parking is rarely a problem.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealBakery lunch (pie, scroll or sandwich)A$8–16 (≈ US$6–11)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel or shared bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedB&B or motel double room, a night, per roomA$165 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedB&B or motel double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$250 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart International Airport (About 13 min by car via the Tasman Highway (A3); no scheduled bus to Sorell — check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Aug
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sorell: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Jul
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small enough to walk, and parking is rarely a problem. Gordon Street (Tasman Highway, A3) is busy at peak times — cross at the lights. Route numbers confuse drivers since the Sorell Southern Bypass opened: the bypass is A9 both ways, Gordon Street and Main Road are A3 both ways, and Cole Street (Arthur Highway) is signed A9 eastbound and A3 westbound. Follow local signs over your GPS.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Port Arthur
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive the Arthur Highway (A9) via Dunalley and Eaglehawk Neck
Leave early; the historic site needs 3–4 h.
Eaglehawk Neck
goDoor to door: check
Drive the Arthur Highway (A9) south
Tasman Arch, Blowhole and Tessellated Pavement are close together.
Nubeena
cautionDoor to door: check
Drive via the Arthur Highway then the Nubeena road
Small settlement; pair it with Port Arthur or the peninsula beaches.
Taranna
goDoor to door: check
Drive the Arthur Highway (A9) south
Useful stop for the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo and peninsula stays.
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive the Tasman Highway (A3) via Cambridge
Salamanca Market and MONA are the usual reasons.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Sorell town centre
Walkable to shops, cafés and the historic churches; the only real base in town.
Southern Beaches (Dodges Ferry, Carlton River, Primrose Sands)
15–25 min drive east; holiday shacks and beach access, few services.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or motel double room1 × 1 night × A$165 | A$165 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × A$70 · check | A$70 |
| Fuel, Sorell–Port Arthur return, about 130 km1 × A$25 · check | A$25 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$60 |
| Trip total≈ A$330 per person per day, bed included | A$660≈ US$450 |
check
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bakery lunch (pie, scroll or sandwich) | A$8–16 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Pub or café main | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Fruit picking, Sorell Fruit Farm | check |
| Fuel, unleaded per litre | A$1.70–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Crossing Gordon Street at peak hours takes care — use the marked crossings.
- Route numbers around the bypass contradict some navigation apps; trust the signs.
- Scots Uniting Church is closed to visitors; view it from outside only.
- Most Sorell businesses shut by late afternoon; plan fuel and food before 17:00.Most Sorell businesses shut by late afternoon; plan fuel and food before 5:00 PM.
- Summer bushfire risk in the surrounding dry bushland — check conditions before driving.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SorellSorell
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies in Sorell; consulates and high commissions are in Canberra, with consulates-general in Sydney and Melbourne.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Sorell → Hobart, drive: about 30 min via the A3 (check)
- Sorell → Port Arthur, drive: about 1 h 15 min via the A9 (check)
- Sorell → Hobart airport, drive: about 13 min (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- How much? — How much is it?
Fuel up and buy food before 17:00 — most of Sorell closes early.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sorell. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HBA: taxi and rideshare times field-checked, no-bus fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Gordon Street and Cole Street, then the Arthur Street churches and Pioneers Park.
- Place pages with verified hours (Sorell Fruit Farm, community market, antiques centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Bypass route-number fixture so drivers get A3/A9 right on arrival.
Sources
- officialSorell Council — Sorell Heritage Walk brochure
- officialSorell Fruit Farm
- officialSorell Barracks
- secondaryWikivoyage: Sorell, revision 4613371 (CC BY-SA 4.0)