Hastings is a town about 60 km south of Melbourne, situated on an inlet on Westernport, a major port and important environmental area. Hastings has multiple marinas and is home to many recreational boating activities.

I visited Hastings on Tuesday April 13, 2009, exploring the historical jetty, the boat harbour, and the long walking track on the foreshore.

Many pelicans congregrate near the jetty, waiting for scraps of fish given to them from local fishermen, and the nearby Fresh Fish Shop!

Hastings is the starting point for the 26 km Westernport Walking/Cycling Trail which extends to Balnarring.

Other walking trails starting at Hastings include the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk, and the trails the nearby Warringine Park.

There were excellent views over the mangroves across the Hastings Bight towards Long Island and Long Point.

I also visited the Yaringa Marina and Boat Harbour, about 5 km to the north of Hastings.