Hastings

You don't need to travel far from Melbourne to discover life in a historic fishing village, with afternoons spent watching fishing boats and pelicans from a marina cafe.

If the pelicans can...
Watch the great birds assemble on the foreshore in front of the aptly named Pelican Pantry Cafe. Dine on the day's catch and sip regional wine to the sounds of live music. Round off the pelican experience with a dip at the Pelican Park Aquatic Centre.

Wildlife on and off the water
Catch the fishing bug from watching the working fishing boats and join a fishing trip or cruise around Westernport Bay. Jump in and cool off at nearby swimming and surf beaches.

Meet local characters, including the nocturnal bettongs, quolls, and pademelons at the Moonlit Sanctuary, and the koalas on French Island (catch the ferry from nearby Stony Point).

Local gems
Explore regional boutiques and galleries. Pick up antiques from the historic Tyabb Packing House to recreate the atmosphere of the area back home. Drop into the neighbouring Tyabb Art and Craft Village for handmade artisan crafts.