Hastings Pier provides many opportunities for both anglers and the visitors who just enjoy a casual walk, soaking up the surroundings of the busy area. A Visitor Centre located in the old fish shed on the pier provides visitors with inspiration for their day out and there is a waterfront cafe nearby.

Pelicans can normally be seen in this area and are fed daily by local fishermen. Angling is most productive at high tide, those who are keen could expect to catch a variety of fish including: King George whiting, Australian salmon, silver trevally and flathead.
Hastings is located on a crescent-shaped bay opening onto Western Port. It is probably the safest small boat harbour on Western Port, as it is easily accessible, and protected from prevailing winds.

The mudflats support significant mangrove forests, these being the most southerly species of mangrove in the world. Jacks Beach Walk takes hikers through and over the mangroves via a series of boardwalks. The mangrove forests are natural fish hatcheries, important for the maintenance of good fish populations in the bay. A significant area of Western Port north of Hastings has been declared a Marine National Park.