BGM_Sorrento’s Penal Colony

Long before Melbourne’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks, a penal colony was established on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the story of Sorrento’s forgotten settlement at Sullivan Bay. Why did the British choose this sandy, inhospitable location for one of the first attempts at settlement in Victoria? And why did it fail so quickly? Join us as we explore the harsh conditions faced by not only the convicts as well as the free settlers, the tense interactions with the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, and the dramatic escapes-including the legendary tale of William Buckley. Discover how this fleeting settlement paved the way for Hobart and left an indelible mark on Victoria’s history, Don’t miss this fascinating dive into one of Victoria’s most overlooked stories.