Kangaroo Island Seafront History
The Sorrento Guest House was originally built in 1914, and in over 85 years has been looking after guests from all over the world! As Ocean View and chalet accommodation was built onto the property in the late 1970's, the property was renamed 'The Sorrento Resort' and still holds a place in many South Australian honeymooners hearts!
Extensive renovations began in August 2000 at which time a time capsule from the original builders was found hidden in a wall cavity. A range of newspapers from the day, postage stamps, coins and signatures were amongst some of the items found in an old jam jar!
An updated time capsule was installed just prior to the relaunch of the property as the Kangaroo Island Seafront in November 2000. The original time capsule is now proudly displayed in Sorrento's restaurant that has been aptly named 'Sorrento's' in keeping with the property's history and tradition.
In 2006, the Oceanview rooms have under gone a total refurbishment from new furnisher to new bathrooms. In October 2008 we replaced all 6 garden chalets and built 6 new garden Villa's. The latest refurbishment has been our heritage rooms which were completed in September 2009.We are very proud of the new 4 star décor, and know you will love your stay with us.
Kangaroo Island History
The brilliant English explorer Matthew Flinders discovered Kangaroo Island. He mapped much of the coast whilst on his famous voyage to chart Terra Australis in 1802. Flinders got there just before French Commander Nicholas Baudin and it was Flinders who named the Island after a large number of kangaroos as fresh meat, and then salted some away for the journey.
There is a colourful history of the years between 1803 and the first official settlement in 1836. Sealers and Whalers arrived early and traded thousands of sealskins and tonnes of salt. Some settlers were a lawless lot who raided mainland settlements and kidnapping Aboriginal women and bartering skins and salt for liquor and tobacco. Eventually action has to be taken, and in 1827 a ship was sent from Sydney in NSW. Police rounded up a large group of these people and took then back to the east, returning Aborginal "wives" their children and their dogs to the mainland.
The barque, the Duke of York, arrived at Reeves Point in Nepean Bay on July 27th 1836. The dense scrub, limited water and poor soil made farming and gardening difficult. Many settlers became ill and died. Pioneer life was very different from expectations, but many people preserved, turning Kangaroo Island into a thriving farming community, yet preserving the natural beauty of much of the land. Kingscote became the first capital of South Australia until Colonel Light shifted that settlement to Holdfast Bay.
Today, farming, fishing, argriculture and tourism are thriving industries and Kangaroo Island has some of the most stunning and unspoilt coast, and well presented National Parks and Conservation parks in Australia.
There are many old buildings, lighthouses, museums, memorials and relics that portray the rich history of Kangaroo Island. Sunken ships can be spotted on diving expeditions testifying to the dangerous waters and the risks taken to settle Australia.
