Hastings (including Tyabb, Stony Point, Crib Point, Bittern, Somerville and Pearcedale)
Fishing and boating centre in shire that juxtaposes heavy industry with some fine scenic areas
Hastings is the administrative and commercial centre of Western Port and the principal industrial area of the Mornington Peninsula. With a population of over 6000, it is located 62 km south of Melbourne on the western shore of Western Port, just off the Frankston to Flinders Rd. It is a popular tourist destination with a pleasant foreshore area and a large and modern boat harbour. Fine swimming and surf beaches are located nearby. Western Port Marina is typically adorned with numerous pelicans. On the other side of the Hastings Bight is Long Island Point, the centre of a heavy industrial complex.

The Boonwurung Aborigines occupied the area prior to European settlement. The first known white man to explore Western Port was George Bass in 1798. An attempt was made to establish a British colony on the Mornington Peninsula (see entry on Sorrento) in 1803 but it did not last and it was not until the mid-1830s that Europeans gained a permanent foothold in the area (see entry on Melbourne).

As it is a natural deepwater harbour, the locality developed, from the 1850s, as a base for Western Port anglers and fishing is still an important local industry. Initially known as King's Creek it was renamed c.1860, either after Warren Hastings, the governor-general of India, or after the town of Hastings in Sussex. Meat, wool, apple and pear orchards and dairy farming buttressed the local economy in subsequent years.

In 1933 Hastings benefited from the establishment of the naval base HMAS Cerberus at nearby Crib Point. In the 1960s the traffic in bulk cargo ships and oil tankers saw the opening up of Western Port as something of a second port to Melbourne. Consequently, an oil refinery and jetty were built at Crib Point in 1965. Esso-BHP developed a petroleum complex at Long Island Point in the late 1960s to process oil extracted from Bass Strait. Facilities included a fractation plant, a liquid petroleum and ethane gas plant and a crude oil shipping plant. An integrated iron and steel pant was developed in the early 1970s.

From the 1980s the tourism potential of the area was developed with the construction of the multi-million dollar marina and resort and the beautification of the foreshore area.

The Hastings Street Market is held every Tuesday and there are also markets every Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at the Bittern Railway Station in Bittern. The Western Port Festival is held each year in March and the Hastings Ocean Yacht Race in mid-September.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
At the corner of Skinner St and Mullet St a driveway leads to a large carpark by Western Port Marina. There is an information centre at the marina, tel: (03) 5979 3699.

Foreshore Area
The foreshore is a popular area with its marina complex in Mullet St where fishing trips, cruises and boat hire services are available, along with a jetty, cycling and walking tracks, a childrens' playground, picnic and barbecue facilities, and views over the upper end of Western Port Bay, with its mangrove shores and across to French Island and the diminutive Sandstone Island. Westernport Fishing Charters offer half and full-day trips, tel: (03) 5987 3136 or (0407) 801 422.

The information centre has a flyer outlining walks in the area. A logical and simple trek is to start at the marina and walk around the foreshore reserve, passing the pier, where there are usually plenty of pelicans about, and the historic fisherman's cottage. It is 4 km return in all but can be shortened.

Mangrove Walk and Crib Point
The main nature walk also starts at the marina. It heads south along the edge of Western Port, offering good views of Sandstone Island and French Island, and takes in the boardwalks over the southernmost white mangrove swamps in the world. It concludes at Jacks Beach which is located at Crib Point. You can do the walk in reverse by starting from the Wooleys Rd carpark at Jacks Beach. It is a lengthy trek which would take a good couple of hours.

Crib Point was allegedly named because two early European fishermen built a hut there which they referred to as their 'crib'. They supplied fish to Melbourne via the 'Fish Track', part of which became the Nepean Highway.

HMAS Cerberus
Just south of Hastings (via the Flinders-Frankston Rd) there is a turnoff on the left along Stony Point Rd. Along this road (you can't miss it) is HMAS Cerberus. Covering 1800 ha of land and 1600 ha of water it is Australia's largest military training establishment and naval base. Over 5000 personnel are trained each year. The base was named after the naval vessel HMVS Cerberus which formed part of Port Phillip's armoury from 1871 to 1924. It was filled with concrete and sunk in Port Phillip in 1929 to form part of a breakwater.

The base contains a museum with memorabilia relating to the base and to the Royal Australian Navy. There are uniforms, medals, paintings and other items dating back to colonial times. The museum is open to the public from 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Bus and group tours are available if booked in advance, tel: (03) 5950 7530. As access to parts of the base is restricted a guide is provided to accompany such tours and furnish a commentary. The cost of entry is $3 for adults and children under 16 are free. Lunch, morning and afternoon teas can be arranged in advance if required.

Another way to see the base is during the annual open day in October when there are marching and other demonstrations, performances by the naval band, exhibitions and access to the museum. Ring (03) 5950 7530 for further information.

Stony Point and Ferries
Stony Point Rd continues south to Stony Point itself which is a small fishing village located about 5 km from Hastings. It began to emerge in the 1860s as a port and later became a commercial crayfishing spot and the principal point of departure for Phillip Island. When the railway arrived, coal from South Gippsland was shipped to the railhead for conveyance to Melbourne. Today it is still a railway terminus for Melburnians wanting to take a ferry across to Phillip Island and French Island.

Stony Point boasts a popular pier and fine views across Western Port and French Island.

A government-funded ferry service, called Interisland Ferries, takes passengers from Stony Point Jetty to Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island, and from Stony Point Jetty to Tankerton Jetty on French Island (and also from French Island to Phillip Island). The company tries to ensure co-ordination between trains and ferries but it cannot be guaranteed. Tickets can be purchased on board the ferry or from the Stony Point Kiosk. Single fares cost $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for approved concessions, $4.00 for children (aged 4-12) and $2.00 for bicycles. Return trips are double the price.

From Stony Point the trip to French Island takes ten minutes. It departs at 8.30 a.m. and 4.15 p.m. daily. In addition there are services at 10.00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, at midday on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at 7.00 p.m. on Fridays. The return trips depart daily at 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., with extra trips at 10.15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, at 1.00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at 7.15 p.m. on Fridays. For more information call (03) 9585 5730, or contact their web-site at www.interislandferries.com.au

Prospective visitors should note that cars cannot be ferried to the island. However, there are coach tours and the island is ideal for cycling (you can bring your own or rent one). The other mode of transport is foot power.

Bay Connections organise eco-tours of French Island which include an all-organic lunch. They depart from Stony Point at 12.30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays, tel: (03) 5952 3501.

The trip from Stony Point to Cowes takes about thirty minutes. It departs daily at 8.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. In addition there are services at midday on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at 7.00 p.m. on Fridays. Ferries from Cowes back to Stony Point depart at 9.10 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily, with additional services at 12.40 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at 7.45 p.m. on Fridays.

Bittern and the Coastal Wetland Trail
Just south of Hastings, via the Flinders-Frankston Road, is Bittern which was named after the native bird of that name. The residential area was once part of the Coolart Estate and evolved around Warragine Creek. The railway arrived in 1889 and a small degree of commercial development commenced early in the 20th century. It was once hoped that Bittern would become a major service centre to the naval base but this did not eventuate. However, as a result of this lack of development, visitors can still enjoy the strong local elements of original bushland, which are best seen on the Bittern Coastal Wetland Walking/Cycling Trail which commences in Salmon Street.

Kings Creek Winery
Kings Creek Winery, established in 1981, is located at 237 Myers Road,Bittern. It produces chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and cabernet sauvignon and it is open every day from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. for cellar door sales and light lunches, tel: (03) 5983 2102 and fax: (03) 5983 5153.

Rain Hayne and Shine Mobile Farm
Rain Hayne and Shine Farmyard is an unpretentious establishment which has animals big and small, a native bird display, a playground and a barbecue area. Activities are simple. There is a hay ride, a train to drive, a haystack to play in, a hand-water pump, free gas barbecues and coffee and tea. It is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. throughout the school holidays and on public holidays and is located at 490 Stumpy Gully Rd (1 km from the Myers Rd corner), tel: (03) 5983 1691.

Elan Winery
The Elan Winery, established in 1985, is a 2.5-hectare family run vineyard located in a rural setting at 17 Turners Rd, Bittern. It produces shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, riesling and gamay and has both picnic/barbecue facilities and a playground for children. It is open on the first weekend of every month from midday to 5.00 p.m., from Saturday to Monday over Easter and on the InterWine Weekend in June, or by appointment, tel: (03) 5983 1858 or fax: (03) 5983 2821.

Tyabb
Tyabb was once the nucleus of an apple-growing area. It has since been turned into a major centre for antique dealers whose stores line the two main streets. The clearest symbol of this transformation is the old apple coolstores which have been turned into Tyabb Packing House on the Mornington-Flinders Rd. At 5000 square metres, it is reputedly the largest antique barn in Australia with dozens of dealers on the premises. It is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday and public holidays, as well as every day in January and the Easter weekend, tel: (03) 5977 4414.

To the rear of the building, opposite the railway station, is a craft village where fourteen different crafts are manufactured and sold in cottages situated around a village green with a children's playground. There is a fibre cottage, with alpaca fleece and, every second Sunday, there are live alpacas on the green. Also at the village are the Tyabb Ironworks, Wild Edge Furniture, Suzanne's Pottery, the Craft and Garden Cottage, Miniature Engineering, the Bead Shack, Dorothy's Dreams, where folk arts are on sale, Hay Shed Old Wares, a furniture restorer, china painting, wilderness tapestries and the Guild Art Gallery, tel: (03) 5977 4399.

On Sundays, between midday and 3.00 p.m., there is a miniature railway for children at the far end of the village, with a kiosk for sandwiches and tea. On Easter Sunday there are cheese and wine tastings. The craft village is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Thursday to Sunday.

The Tyabb Antique Centre, at 1527 Frankston-Flinders Rd, offers fine quality Victorian, Edwardian and 1920s furniture, decorative arts, and a full antique restoration service. It is open daily from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. in the summer months and, in the winter, from Thursday to Sunday, tel: (03) 5977 4245.

Somerville
Somerville, which dates back to 1859, is a residential estate located on the Frankston-Flinders Rd, to the north of Hastings. Until the decline of the industry in the 1960s, fruit-growing was very much the focus of the local economy; so much so that apple-packing was taught at the local primary school as late as 1967. Danbury Park (tel: 5977 5435), at 101 Dandenong-Hastings Rd, and the Willow Lodge Riding Ranch (tel: 03 5977 4345) , at 1 Bungower Rd, offer horseriding in the area. Walkers can enjoy the Somerville to Bittern Cycle Trail.

Stokesay Angora Stud and Mohair Farm
Stokesay Mohair Farm and Country Style Art are located at 19 Pearcedale Rd, Pearcedale. They sell mohair knitwear, yarns, hats, scarves, rugs and shawls, and art with wildlife and farmyard themes. They are open Wednesdays and Sundays from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. or by appointment, tel: (03) 5978 6293.

Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary conduct evening walks with a trained guide, offering the chance to see native nocturnal animals in a natural setting, with an informative discussion. Wildlife includes such Australian curiosities as bettongs, dunnarts, quolls, thicknees, pademelons and potoroos, as well as squirrels, gliders, kangaroos, emus, owls and other birds. There is a cafe on-site. Moonlit Sanctuary is located at Pearcedale Conservation Park, 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale, tel: (03) 5978 7935.

	Motels
	Hastings Harbour View Motor Inn 126 Marine Pde Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 3333 Facsimile: (03) 5979 3206 Rating: ****
	Hotels
	Hastings Marina Hotel Mullett St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 3699
	Restaurants
	Kings Creek Hotel 1989 Frankston Flinders Rd Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2989
	Hotels
	Kings Creek Hotel 1989 Frankston Flinders Rd Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2989
	Westernport Hotel 16 High St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 1201
	Caravan Parks
	Hastings Caravan Park 249 High St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2700 Facsimile: (03) 5979 1658 Rating: ***
	Marina View Van Park 38 Salmon St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2322 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Bamboo Cottage Chinese Restaurant 93 High St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2173
	Disney Chinese Restaurant 28 Victoria St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 1166
	Ebony & Ivory Restaurant 59 High St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2200
	Hastings Harbour View Motor Inn 126 Marine Pde Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 3333
	Hastings Marina Hotel Mullett St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 3699
	Seahorse Chinese Restaurant Shop 5184 Salmon St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 7779
	Victoriana Licensed Restaurant 126 Marine Pde Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 3397
	Cafés
	Cafe Laconic 35a High St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 1071
	Sit 'N' Sip Coffee Lounge 11 High St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 2891
	The Gallery Cafe Westernport Marina, Mullet St Hastings VIC 3915 Telephone: (03) 5979 4543