Hastings: History and waterfront walks

Hastings combines architectural and local history with walks through mangroves and views across Western Port Bay. Between the small Harry's House, a cannon in the museum, the foreshore and the wetlands, you'll find a range of themes to explore on holiday. Which ones appeal to you most may also shape your choice of holiday rental: would you mainly like to discover historical details, spend time outdoors, or alternate between the two?

Architectural history and maritime heritage

Harry's House is a small pioneer cottage built using timber framing. This construction method was typical of homes in Hastings in the early 20th century. The timber structure brings a historical style of house to life. A restored church porch is also located at Harry's House. It once marked the entrance to a small timber church built in Hastings in 1888 by members of the Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS). At one location, you can encounter both the construction of a small house and a detail of early church architecture.

The Hastings Museum displays a 40-pounder Armstrong gun with a rifled barrel and breech-loading mechanism. During the colonial era, it was used by the local defence force and was known as the “Ham & Beef” Battery. Hastings' historic pier also offers a link to the past: it was first built in 1864. If you're interested in the town's history, you'll find a range of points of interest—from a style of house and a church porch to an exhibit and a waterfront structure.

Foreshore, mangroves and wetlands

At the Hastings Foreshore, Fred Smith Reserve offers picnic tables, slides, an outdoor gym, a skatepark and walking paths. The different facilities give you several ways to spend time there according to your interests—from a break at a picnic table to getting active outdoors.

The Marine Parade Circuit Walk follows the Hastings Foreshore Reserve into the mangroves and offers expansive views of Western Port Bay. Pelicans are usually seen around Hastings Pier; they can add to a nature-watching experience, but sightings are not guaranteed.

The Warringine Park and Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk is open to cyclists and pedestrians. The route runs from Western Port Marina in Hastings to Jack’s Beach in Crib Point. Information boards along the boardwalk describe features of the wetlands and their inhabitants. This gives you a clear point of difference when choosing a walk: the Marine Parade Circuit Walk is described as having mangroves and expansive bay views, while the boardwalk is also open to pedestrians and cyclists and provides information about the wetlands.

The Westernport Visitor Information Centre is located in the historic Fish Shed on Hastings Jetty. This adds another connection to the area's waterfront history.

Discover Hastings to suit your interests

When planning your holiday, consider which experiences you'd like to shape your days: historic architectural styles and a museum exhibit, walks along the foreshore and nature-watching, or the wetlands and their information boards. Families can tailor their choices to the interests of everyone travelling with them, bringing history, activity and nature into their shared plans. The places described offer different themes, so you don't have to settle on just one kind of holiday activity.

If you're looking for a holiday rental in Hastings, first decide which aspects of the town interest you most for your holiday. That way, you can focus your search on the experiences you'd like to discover, rather than on a generic holiday theme. Hastings combines historical details with a variety of waterfront and wetland experiences.

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