VISITOR INFORMATION

• Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve
• What is Hanging Rock?
• Location
• Entry Fees
• Things to do & see
• Hanging Rock Discovery Centre
• Exploring & Walking
• Night walks

HANGING ROCK RECREATION RESERVE

 
South Rock Road
Woodend Victoria
Australia 3442

Toll Free Telephone           -  1800 244 711   
Hanging Rock Picnic Cafe   -  03 5427 0295
Ranger on Duty                 -  0418 373 032        

OPEN DAILY (Except Christmas Day)
MONDAY — SUNDAY 9.00 AM TO 5.00 PM
SUMMER (DAYLIGHT SAVING) HOURS
MONDAY — SUNDAY 9.00 AM TO 5.30 PM
(Later if weather permitting.)
Coaches and large groups are welcome but please book with Ranger prior to arrival.

back to top

WHAT IS HANGING ROCK?

Said to be the best example of a volcanic plug or mamelon in the world. It consists mainly of soda trachyte rock (solvsbergite), found only outside this district in Norway and Sweden. Since its formation, the mamelon has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in a conglomeration of unusual rock formations that can now be seen on the site. For further information, click here.

LOCATION

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 Rock via Mt Macedon or from the M31 Hume Highway by turning off at Kilmore and travelling through Lancefield, or alternatively from Wallan via Romsey.

back to top

ENTRY FEES

Reasonable entry fees are applicable as the Reserve receives no state or local government operational funding.
100% of all income received at the Reserve is used for its continued maintenance, development and care.

**Fees as at 1st January 2012

Please note:  Separate entry fees apply on specific event days such as race meetings, The Age Harvest Picnic and the Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club Car Display Day as well as other selected events.

ANNUAL PASS
Do you visit Hanging Rock regularly?  Why not purchase an annual pass which allows you access to the reserve during normal opening hours everyday, except Christmas day and major event days.

Click here to download application form.

THINGS TO DO, THINGS TO SEE —

Hanging Rock Reserve caters for a wide range of activities from the racecourse, ovals and tennis courts to wide expanses of lawns. There are coin operated barbeques and picnic areas provided for visitors' use throughout the Reserve. Cook on one of the barbeques or spread your picnic lunch on one of the many tables provided, then enjoy your meal while you watch the activities going on around you; or take in the magnificent views of the Rock.

 back to top

HANGING ROCK DISCOVERY CENTRE

Visitors can discover the history, mystery and geology of the Rock and surrounding areas at the new Hanging Rock Discovery Centre. Discover how and when the Rocks were formed; learn about the Reserve's native flora and fauna, and some of it's history through a sequence of hands-on interpretive displays.

EXPLORING & 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.

 back to top

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.

 back to top

HANGING ROCK 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.

Night tours of the Rock only operate during the summer months.

back to top