High Street in Hastings was packed on Australia Day as locals turned out in strong numbers for a community car meet and street-side celebrations.
Footpaths quickly filled with residents setting up camp chairs to watch a steady, near-continuous flow of vehicles moving through the centre of town, while others walked up and down High Street stopping to view cars parked along the strip.
The display featured a wide mix of vehicles, from classic Holdens and Fords through to hot rods and rat rods, drawing consistent crowds throughout the day.
The event was organised by Les Bromage and the Hastings Peninsula Cruisers.
Community turnout transforms High Street
The atmosphere along High Street was busy and social, with families, couples and groups of friends lining the footpaths, chatting and taking photos as vehicles cruised through the area.
Traffic moved slowly through the centre of town as spectators watched from both sides of the street, creating a focal point for Australia Day activity in Hastings.
STPL News caught up with Les Bromage, who was there with his family, to chat about the day and the strong turnout.
Hastings came alive and was buzzing. It was an awesome day and a great way to celebrate Australia Day ?? seeing everyone out enjoying the amazing weather and awesome cars cruising up and down.
It was also great to see so many Aussie flags flying high and proud, with people and families out having fun on Australia Day ??
Les Bromage, Hastings Peninsula Cruisers.
What locals said online
Comments on STPL News’ video coverage on Facebook reflected a positive response to the turnout, the atmosphere, and the range of cars on display.
Thomas Gadsden: “Was brilliant, and no bloody trouble. Just good people and great cars!”
Tracey Howell: “It was such a nice day to see all the cars. This is our new Australia Day tradition. Thank you to everybody who showed off their cars.”
Yvonne Mason: “Grouse Australia Day as usual we just got home now, amazing cars and such a well behaved large crowd in the Main Street of Hastings thanks Les and Crew”
Kellie Jordan: “Daniel Dangaz Jordan I didn’t know about this and tried to go to the opp shop was hectic so busy haha”
Sue McCreath: “What an awesome day. Becoming an Australia Day tradition for us here in Hastings! Great turn out of cars, people and weather! Well done organisers”
Sandra Blake: “Loved it”
Local businesses benefit from foot traffic adding to the day
A major positive from the day was that the businesses which remained open benefited from a significant increase in foot traffic, prompting spontaneous sales and likely boosting profits on what would normally have been a quiet day.
Among the many businesses that were open are local business owners Lauren and Mark Oliver from Pro Racing Hastings, who had a full house of “sim drivers”.
Pro Racing Hastings operates simulated racing experiences and simulated golf, and is the offers the only simulated racing setup on the Mornington Peninsula.
The business attracted interest from passers-by throughout the morning, adding another local element to the Australia Day turnout.
Strong local focus for Australia Day in Hastings
With High Street busy for much of the morning, the Australia Day car meet created a central gathering point for the community, bringing together residents, car enthusiasts and local businesses.
The steady foot traffic, ongoing vehicle displays and informal street-side viewing reflected a strong local turnout for Australia Day in Hastings.
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