Hastings Vic 3915 (Pop 7 000)

Hastings is an important Mornington Peninsula administrative and commercial centre 72 km south of Melbourne. Although it contains the Peninsula's main industrial area, its picturesque location on Western Port, also makes it a popular holiday destination with great nearby beaches, a modern boat harbour and attractive foreshores. Original inhabitants were the Boonwurung Aborigines with fishing becoming a major industry from 1850s due to its natural deepwater harbour. Following the establishment of a naval base (1933), an oil refinery, jetty, petroleum complex were developed from 1960s with tourism following from 1980s. Hastings market every Tues and Sun. Western Port Festival (Mar), Hastings Ocean Yacht Race (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Foreshores comprises the marina complex, jetty, walking and cycling tracks and picnic areas.

Nearby: 
HMAS Cerberus, Stony Creek Rd Australia’s largest naval base & military training establishment (1 800 ha of land and 1 600 ha of water). The interesting museum contains historic displays, paintings and memorabilia. Open (10.30am-4pm) Mon-Fri and (9am-5pm) weekends/holidays. Stony Point (5 km south) small fishing village and rail terminus for the Phillip Island and French Island ferries. Bittern Coastal Wetland Trail (south).

Accommodation:
Hastings has a motel, 3 hotels and two caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Cnr Skinner & Mullet Sts. Tel (03) 5979 3699.