[2] The alternative drive from Queenscliff to Sorrento via road is approximately three hours during non-peak traffic conditions.

Three sea pilots, Paul Ringe, Keith Finnemore and Maurie Cobal founded Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd (PST) in 1983.

The first sailing was intended to be on 7 September 1987,[4] but the berths specially designed for this vessel[5] at Queenscliff and Sorrento were not yet complete.

[4] A few weeks later, during low tide at Queenscliff the crew encountered problems because of the depth of the water and the strong winds.

As one of the deckhands attempted to take control by winching the boat in to its berth, the rope slipped and jumped and he was thrown to the deck.

These works were not without controversy, and Peninsula Searoad Transport was required to attend the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to resolve the issues.

The MV Sorrento was built in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia at a cost of $12 million, and was similar in size and appearance to the existing ferry.

The increased frequency resulted in the closure of the Queenscliff - Portsea - Sorrento passenger ferry service in the early 2000s.