Sorell is one of Tasmania's oldest towns, being first settled in 1808 as a small farming community and becoming an official township in 1821.

[8] This first exploration was done by Lieutenant Governor Collins, who originally named the area Pitt Water after the current Chancellor of the Exchequer.

[7] Fertile land was discovered,[8] and it was first settled in 1808, but remained an isolated farming community until 1821 when the town was established.

Sorell Plaza shopping centre, built in the mid 2000s, provides a supermarket and other major retail outlets.

Historically, it was also served by the Presbyterian Scots Church, designed by James Blackburn, which is now a private residence.

These and other historic buildings - including the railway house, the old Sorell Library (now an antiques centre), and the Gordon Highlander Hotel, form a heritage walk.