Buckleys Chance

Buckleys Chance is a family owned and run business, filling the bellies of locals and visitors alike since 1981. 

The name Buckleys Chance is in honour of the favourite rebellious English man Mr. William Buckley. William was lucky enough to have a one way ticket on the HMS Calcutta as a convict which landed at Victoria’s first penal settlement in Sorrento in 1803.

William decided convict life wasn’t for him, and with luck on his side, escaped and for 32 years lived on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. His ability to survive against almost impossible odds is thought to have coined the phrase “buckleys chance”. They take great pleasure in naming the café after this survivor and hope you take pleasure in dining at Buckleys Chance. Like William they have survived against all odds in Sorrento for over 30 years!