This sheltered estuary town's pleasant climate make it a popular holiday and camp destination. Aquatic activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating, are conducted at Port Sorell and at Bakers Beach, just across the Rubicon.

To the east is the Asbestos Range National Park, covering 4281 ha. along the coast from Port Sorell to Greens Beach (near Beauty Point). It has plentiful isolated beaches and sand dunes, and the heathlands are covered in wildflowers. The park is also home to some of Tasmania's largest marsupials, from Forester kangaroos to wallabies and wombats.

Port Sorell was named after Governor Sorell. It has four 4-star accommodation facilities (RACT rated).