Hastings

Hastings is the commercial capital of Western Port. The popular foreshore area includes a jetty, cycling and walking tracks, picnic and barbecue facilities, childrens playgrounds and the colourful marina complex.

A 3.5km walking trail and boardwalk connects the town to Jacks Beach through an expanse of White Mangrove.

It overlooks the mangrove-fringed upper reaches of Western Port Bay, with views to French Island and the tiny Sandstone Island.

Established during the early 1850s as a fishing and farming community, the industrial development from the 1960s ?including Esso and the BHP steel mill ?were based on its deep water harbour.