Hastings

Quick facts

• Population approximately 6,000
• 62 kilometres south of Melbourne
• Fishing and boating centre.

Visit the historic fishing town of Hastings. Once a base for Western Port anglers, fishing is still an important industry in the town. There is a pleasant foreshore area and a large and modern boat harbour where fishing trips, cruises and boat hire arrive and depart. There are also good swimming and surf beaches located nearby.

Activities and attractions

• Visit the Pelican Park Aquatic Centre and Pelican Pantry café. Enjoy breathtaking views over Western Port and watch pelicans assemble on the foreshore in front of the waterside cafe
• Take a fishing trip or a cruise around Western Port Bay
• Take a ferry trip from nearby Stony Point to French Island and Australia's largest koala community
• Enjoy a guided wildlife tour at the Moonlit Sanctuary and see native nocturnal animals including bettongs, quolls, and pademelons in a natural setting
• Explore boutiques, galleries and antique and craft stores, including the extensive showroom of antiques and the craft village at Tyabb Packing House Antique Centre.

Major events
Queenscliff to Hastings Ocean Yacht Race – September.

How to get there
Hastings is approximately 1 hour from Melbourne. Take the M1 from the city and then take the Western Port Highway to Hastings.