Formerly a major river drainage system inundated by the rising sea in the Holocene period, the Western Port sunkland now forms an extensive tidal bay. The waters of Western Port cover an area of 680 sq km of which 270 sq km, are exposed as mud flats at low tide.
Two large islands, French Island (approximately 170 sq km) and Phillip Island (approximately 100 sq km), dominate Western Port. The coastline, including that of the islands, is some 263 km.
- Fishing, pleasure boating and yachting are some of the popular pastimes on the bay
- Deep channels lead from Bass Strait into the western section of the bay, giving access to the region's port facilities
- Hastings is the main boat landing in Western Port bay
- There are boat launching ramps at Stony Point, Tooradin, Newhaven, Cowes,Hastings, Warneet, Lang Lang, Grantville and Rhyll (Phillip Island)
- Accommodation is available on both Phillip Island and French Island
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
