Hanging Rock is a rare and mysterious volcanic formation situated in the Hesket plains near Woodend. It is the setting for the world renown novel and film, 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and home of the Hanging Rock Racing Club and other major events.
OPEN DAILY 9.00 AM -5.00 PM
(including public holidays - closed Christmas Day)
Entry fee $10 per vehicle
Coaches and large groups are welcome bookings essential
Please note: On days declared CODE RED fire danger the Reserve will be closed.
LOCATION
South Rock Road, Woodend Victoria
Hanging Rock is located in a rural setting approximately 80km (1 hour) to the north of Melbourne.
It is easily accessed from the A79 Calder Freeway which passes by on the eastern side of Woodend.
You can also access the Hanging Rock Reserve via Mt Macedon or from the M31 Hume Highway by turning off at Kilmore and travelling through Lancefield, or alternatively from Wallan via Romsey.
CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Woodend Visitor Information Centre - Freecall 1800 244 711 or 03 5427 2033
Hanging Rock Picnic Cafe 03 5427 0295
Ranger 0418 373 032
ACTIVITIES/FACILITIES
HANGING ROCK DISCOVERY CENTRE
Visitors can discover the history, mystery and geology of the Rock and surrounding areas at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre. Discover the history of the Rock and Reserve, how the monolith was formed and learn about native flora and fauna in the region.
HANGING ROCK PICNIC CAFE
When visiting Hanging Rock you can enjoy a meal or snack at the Picnic Café, which is situated at the base of the Rock and has beautiful views of the Reserve from its dining room, or from the balconies. The modern licensed cafe and bistro caters for both dine in or take away; or you can arrange to hold your function or special event there. The Café also includes an Australiana gift shop, which provides a range of local craft, souvenirs, film and photography supplies.
NIGHT WALKS
Experience the mystery of Hanging Rock at night, with a guided tour of the Reserve. During the tour you will discover native Australian fauna in its natural habitat and learn about Hanging Rock's past and details of how it was formed millions of years ago. NOTE: Night tours only operate during the summer months.
WALKING
There are numerous walking paths and trails which allow you to explore the Rock and the Reserve at your own pace.
If you follow the walking paths which ascend the Rock, you will pass by many of the interesting rock formations, including Stonehenge, McDonald's Lookout and The Eagle. If you follow the path to the top of the Rock you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama which extends across the district from Mt Macedon in the south to the Cobaw Ranges in the north.
PLANTS AND WILDLIFE
Nearly one hundred indigenous plants can be found at the Hanging Rock Reserve which comes alive with colour in spring and summer. The area is also said to be the home to nearly forty species of birds including the popular rosella and cockatoo, and nine mammals including the greater glider, which was not known in the area before the mid 1980's.
Other indigenous species which visitors to Hanging Rock can expect to find include koala, kangaroo, wallaby, echidna and goanna.
NOTE: Native animals living on the Reserve are all wild and should not be approached, bothered, or fed.
TENNIS OR CRICKET
Four all weather tennis courts, a full size oval and a smaller oval are available for hire at the Reserve and can be booked for day or half day use.
FISHING
Pack a fishing rod for the kids and they can try their luck in the dam. The dam is located in the centre of the race track and is stocked with fish annually. You will need to bring your own bait and tackle and a bag limit of two (2) fish per child applies. Note: Fidhing is dependant on water levels contact the Ranger for details.
ABOUT THE ROCK
Hanging Rock is said to be one of the best examples in the world of a volcanic feature known as a mamelon (French lit. nipple). It was formed six million years ago when a particularly stiff type of lava formed a rounded pile of layers on the surface as it was squeezed through a narrow vent in the earth.
The lava in Hanging Rock has a particularly high soda content and the action of rainwater has resulted in an unusual rock known as solvsbergite, or soda trachyte, which is the same rock found at the nearby Camel's Hump on Mt. Macedon.
(This type of rock is only found in outside of the region in Norway & Sweden.)
Since its formation, the mamelon has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in the unusual rock formations that can now be seen on the site.
Hanging Rock was originally named "Mount Diogenes" in 1836 by Major Thomas Mitchell when he traveled through the area. It was in keeping with other Greek mythological titles assigned to geological features in the district.
It is thought the Rock was a refuge for bushrangers during the Gold Rush era – particularly the notorious 'Mad Dan Morgan' whose name is attributed to certain features to be found on the walk to the Pinnacles like Morgan's Lookout and Morgan's Blood Waterfall.
Hanging Rock later became part of Edward Dryden’s run and was known as "Dryden's Rock".
In 1886, the "Rock" was purchased by the State Government and joined to the local water reserve to become the Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve, controlled by the local Shire Council.
The Reserve has been host to many sporting events over the years including the popular horse races on New Year's day which date back to 1880. The present race course adjacent to Hanging Rock was constructed and the first Hanging Rock Cup was run in 1909. Since that time 'picnic races' have become a popular attraction for many visitors.
Hanging Rock is also well known from Joan Lindsay's narrative Picnic at Hanging Rock and the film made of the story – about the mysterious disappearance of a group of local school girls during a picnic excursion at the Rock in 1900.
