Melbourne Hospitality Dynasty to sell Sorrento clifftop mansion

Descendants of Melbourne tourism and wealthy socialites the Matear family are selling their stunning Sorrento clifftop home.

The Matears were prominent as the family behind the Hotel Australia in Collins St until the late 1980s, and the late Bruce Matear was considered the Melbourne goddess of hospitality in his day.

At one time the family’s empire included Melbourne restaurants, dozens of cake shops and Hotel Australia, which had long been considered among the nation’s finest.

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In discussions about his time in the tourism industry, Mr Matear revealed that the family’s Dorchester estate was occupied by the young Prince of Wales – now England’s King Charles.

Mr Matear, who died in 2015, was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the tourism industry.

His $19.75m-$21.5m, seven-bedroom family home at 5 Point King Rd is in one of Victoria’s most exclusive waterfront locations.

Public records show that the house is held in the name of Mr Matear and his wife Judith, after Ms Matear’s death in 2025.

This property at 5 Point King Rd, Sorrento, has a private driveway with a security gate.

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Warwick Anderson of RT Edgar says the house is ideal for multiple people.

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RT Edgar’s Warwick Anderson said the Matears bought the 2182sq m block from a friend, a member of the well-known Baillieu family, about three decades ago.

At the time, it was known as the ‘Lavender Block’ because of its covering of flowers.

“Bruce and Judy went on to use builder Wayne Gillespie, who was a cousin, to build them a house,” Mr Anderson said.

The mansion was designed to accommodate two families, as the Matears’ grandchildren were born at the same time.

Located steps to Point King Beach, this residence features a lounge and dining room featuring open fireplaces, a landscaped garden with solar-heated pools, five bathrooms and two terraces with sweeping views of the harbour, Arthurs Seat and Queenscliff.

Sightseeing boats, including the Sorrento and Queenscliff ferry service, pass by.

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The late Bruce Matear at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2004.

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“The view is death, it’s like standing on a ship,” added Mr Anderson.

The jet that can be seen in some of the listed photos is not local, he said.

But Mr Anderson said the home came with an unusual high water deed which meant the owner had land that accessed the beach, although it was not a private beach and members of the public still had access to the sand.

Mr Anderson and his partner Ilze Moran have already received inquiries from overseas buyers about the mansion, many of whom are ex-Australians.

A study and playroom, living room and storage room, powder room, hardwood floors and four water tanks provide gardens among the features.

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The property measures 2182sq m and is minutes from Sorrento city centre.

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Sorrento’s $30m house price record was set by a Point Nepean Rd home in 2022.

Mr Matear’s father, Fred Matear, bought the Hotel Australia freehold with his business partners and rebuilt it in 1939.

Expressions of interest close at noon on April 8.

Additional reporting by Nathan Mawby.

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