Recreation and Tourism
Hastings has one small beach, most of the coastline being mudflats. The town also features several large coastline reserves, some of which allow pet dogs to roam leash-free.
Hastings is located on a crescent-shaped bay opening onto Western Port Bay. It is probably the safest small boat harbour on Western Port, as it is easily accessible, and protected from prevailing winds. Therefore much of the recreation centres around boating or fishing at the local marina and yacht club.
The mudflats support significant mangrove forests, these being the most southerly species of mangrove in the world. Jacks Beach Walk takes hikers through and over the mangroves via a series of boardwalks. The mangrove forests are natural fish hatcheries, important for the maintenance of good fish populations in the bay. A significant area of Western Port Bay north of Hastings has been declared a Marine National Park.
The area around the pier is popular with sightseers, there being a waterfront cafe, and many yachts moored nearby. Pelicans can normally be seen in this area, and the pelicans are fed daily by local fishermen.
Other nearby attractions include the Tyabb antiques centre and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League.
Read more about this topic: Hastings, Victoria
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