Sorell Farms for Sale - Region Spotlight

Sorell: Rural Living with a Big Heart

Sorell is a diverse community located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. We enjoy a relaxed rural and seaside coastal lifestyle, only 25 kilometres out of picturesque Hobart.

"Community, Coast, Country" is Council’s tagline, and it describes us perfectly. Our beautiful rolling hills, peaceful forested hills and stunning beaches are matched only by the vibrant people who live and work in our community. 

An aerial view of Sorell's Park Beach

The Sorell Municipality continues to attract people with our relaxed lifestyle, affordable housing and proximity to services and the city. We are one of Tasmania’s fastest growing municipalities, with recent population growth exceeding state averages. 

Where is Sorell?

Established in 1862, Sorell is one of Tasmania’s oldest towns and celebrates its bicentenary in 2021.  

Sorell is the heart of the south-east and provides a regional commercial focus for residents of the municipality, as well as servicing the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas and the east coast as far north as Swansea. It is a bustling shopping district with numerous cafés, speciality shops, major supermarket chains, well known branded food outlets, pubs and hotels, and government services including Service Tasmania and Centrelink.

Rich in history, the municipality has a vibrant artistic community and is popular for its relaxed rural lifestyle and unique townships. It is home to one of Australia’s oldest continuously operating schools and the regional sporting complex of Pembroke Park.

The Southern Beaches area, once a traditional shack settlement, has become increasingly attractive to retirees and families who are keen to take advantage of the relaxed beachside lifestyle. In summer, an influx of shack owners and visitors significantly swells the population of this area.

Sorell provides a strategic gateway to two of the State’s busiest highways. Each year, an estimated 370,000 tourists travel through our municipality on the Arthur Highway to the Tasman Peninsula, and on the Tasman Highway to the picturesque East Coast.

Lifestyle and activities

The Bream Creek Show is one of our longest running and most popular annual events. Beginning in 1896, the Bream Creek Show has proven to be one of the most enduringly popular agricultural shows nationwide.  Despite the small size of the Sorell community, the Show routinely attracts crowds in the thousands.

All the hustle and bustle of the Bream Creek Show

The Show has a focus on local crafts and rural industries which showcases the activities of our vibrant community very well. Held in March each year, this is a country show with a very big heart.

The Bream Creek Farmers Market is a produce based market held on the first Sunday of every month, showcasing growers, cooks, brewers, producers and makers, from South Eastern Tasmania and beyond. The Market has a focus on locally grown, fresh and seasonal produce which is sold directly by the people who grow and make it.

Agriculture and horticulture in Sorell 

The South East Irrigation Scheme provides a reliable water supply for an increasing area of our municipality.

The scheme services agricultural, horticultural and viticulture enterprises around our townships of Orielton, Pawleena, Penna, Sorell and Forcett. Current production in the area includes cherries, apples, salad vegetables, berries, wine grapes, apricots and olives, as well as more traditional sheep and cattle grazing.

Cattle at Bream Creek Farm

This area is now home to some very large and well known producers who specialise in food and wine. They grow their produce in our community and send it around Australia, and also further afield internationally. The seaside village of Dunalley is the centre of the Tasman Peninsula‘s growing and developing oyster and shellfish industry.

Vineyards in Forcett

The recent upgrade of the Hobart Airport has seen an increase in local opportunities for producers and businesses. The extension of the runway means the airport has the ability to handle larger flights from overseas. The development of a freight handling facility has given local producers the opportunity to freight their produce direct from Hobart to national markets and a growing number of international export destinations.

Currently under construction in Sorell is a comprehensive farm stay development, and the world’s largest Gomphrena flower field that develops gomphrena-based products and offers unique visitor experiences.

There has never been a more opportunistic time to invest in our municipality. If you’re looking for a place to settle down, look no further; welcome home to Sorell.

Fast facts

Land area: 582.6 km²

Population: 14,414

Major population centres: Sorell, Midway Point, Dodges Ferry, Primrose Sands

Mean maximum temperature (°C): 17.5

Mean minimum temperature (°C): 8.1

Mean rainfall: 495.9mm

For further information:

If you are considering a move to Tasmania's Sorell Council region, or just want to learn more about the area, be sure to have a look at the Council website here.

Have a look at some of our favourite farms for sale in this part of Tasmania below, too!

Author: Mayor Kerry Vincent was first elected as a Councillor in 2009, then as Mayor in October 2012, a position he has held ever since. He owns a rural supply business in Sorell and wanted to get involved with local government to make a positive difference in his community.