About Hastings
About Hastings electorate
With a population of around 64,000 the Hastings Electorate – situated on Victoria’s picturesque Mornington Peninsula – includes French Island and the western shore of Western Port Bay, an area of 395 square kilometres.
Just an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD this geographically diverse electorate runs from Langwarrin in the north, through Somerville, Tyabb and Hastings to Crib Point, Balnarring, Somers and Merricks Beach in the south.
The area boasts a mix of agriculture, industry, fishing and tourism and is home to a variety of marine, historic, cultural, environmental and recreational points of interest.
Visitors can take in the environmentally precious wetlands and coastal cycling and walking tracks as well as enjoy boating, bird-watching and sampling the region’s renowned food and beverages.
The seat is currently held by former actor and TV presenter Paul Mercurio for the Victorian branch of the Australian Labor Party
The traditional custodians of the lands on which the Hastings Electorate is situated are the Bunurong people of the South Eastern Kulin Nation to whom we pay our respects.
Some special features of the Hastings Electorate include:
McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, Langwarrin. This unique art gallery and sculpture park is set amongst 16 hectares of natural bushland and showcases Australian culture through a focus on sculpture and its connection to the environment.
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Reserve, Somers. Visitors can enjoy not only the mansion-like homestead, built in 1895, and established gardens of this historical estate, but also the adjacent wetlands and coastal walking tracks, where they can indulge in a spot of birdwatching from the specially created wetlands observatory and bird hide.
Western Port Bay is a large tidal bay and is the second largest in the state that is home not only to an important deep water shipping port, yacht club, modern marina and boating and fishing facilities, but it is also visited by Australian seal furs, whales and dolphins as well as many migratory waders and seabirds. Western Port is listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance and the area is well known as a bird watching haven.
Wineries and Breweries. A drive through the picturesque Hastings Electorate offers fine fare and some of Australia’s very best wine and beer. With over 50 cellar doors and a growing selection of boutique breweries in the region, it’s definitely a treat for the senses.
Cafes, restaurants, clubs, pubs: In Hastings, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to food! Right across the electorate you can enjoy a vast array of culinary delights. Whether you fancy a leisurely meal by the sea or a quick snack on the run, our local foodies will serve you right.
Family fun: The Hastings area is a haven for families with a wide variety of family fun and entertainment, including Dinosaur World, Funky Farm and a host of well-appointed playgrounds, skate parks, sporting facilities, beaches, pools and bushland reserves.
Education: with a wide range of quality schools, kindergartens and childcare facilities in the area, our youngest citizens enjoy excellent education and care.
HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point. HMAS Cerberus is a Royal Australian Navy base that serves as the primary training establishment for RAN personnel. With the establishment of four tri-service schools over the last 13 years, this role has been extended to training Army and Air Force personnel. HMAS Cerberus’ Heritage and Learning Centre is open to the public Monday-Thursday (9:30am-2:30pm).
