1. Start at the Clock Tower in Woodend 2. Hanging Rock is a magnificent backdrop 3. Enjoying a drink post-ride in Woodend
Get the Woodend to Hanging Rock Loop Bike Map
You can download the Woodend to Hanging Rock cycling route from our website, or alternatively:
• Drop by the Woodend Visitors Information Centre and pick up a printed copy of our ‘Ride Guide’.
• Download the Strava app and join the Ride Macedon Ranges community to map and share rides.
*Please note this route does not travel along a designated bike path. Although these are country roads, you will be sharing them with vehicles travelling up to 100km p/hr. Please take necessary safety precautions for road riding such as wearing high-vis vests.
Hanging Rock by Llama
That’s right. Visit Hanging Rock by llama. Hanging Rock Llama Treks offers a unique way to experience the Australian bush and bond with a very cool animal. Plus it offers some super fun photo opps along the way!
Lead a friendly llama along a 5km walk in the Hanging Rock Reserve.
Llamas allow you to hike in comfort while they transport your gear and picnic supplies. As an added bonus, they make really fabulous hiking companions. In fact, llamas are naturally curious and very aware of their surroundings, often the first to spot wildlife on a trail. They enjoy new sights and become very much a partner in your Hanging Rock adventure walk.
Before you embark on this three hour hike, Hanging Rock Llama Treks will provide a special ‘llama orientation’ before you hit the trail. You will be educated on how to lead your llama, how to protect them, and what to watch out for along the way.
Writer Jocelyn Pride from Australian Traveller enjoying a llama guided hike at Hanging Rock Reserve in Victoria.
Prices and Booking Details
The Hanging Rock Reserve llama walk is designed for ages 12yrs and over. Entry into the Reserve, the 5km hike with llama companion and simple morning/afternoon tea costs:
• $55 per adult (15yrs and older)
• $35 per child (12-15yrs)
*This price is current as of 12 June 2019, however, price may be subjec to change so please confirm with Hanging Rock Llama Treks at time of booking.
Hike is by appointment only. Contact Mark at hangingrockllamas@bigpond.com or phone 0408 285 667. Hanging Rock Llama Treks also offer a wonderful farm experience aimed at families.
Llamas are very cool and unique animals. They also make great travelling companions!
Hanging Rock by Vineyard
Gather a group of friends and family for a rock-meets-vineyard-hopping experience. Pack a picnic lunch and take a hike at Hanging Rock Reserve, then reward yourself afterwards with a visit to Hanging Rock Winery for a cheeky tipple.
Only a ten minute drive from the reserve, this award-winning winery offers cellar door tastings seven days a week from 10am – 5pm (except Good Friday and Christmas Day).
Sip on a glass of vino with a simply magnificent view of Hanging Rock as your backdrop. And don’t forget to pick up a few bottles of wine to take home as a memento of your day!
Couldn’t Be Bothered Packing a Picnic?
The recently refurbished Hanging Rock Café at Hanging Rock Reserve is a great option for a light snack, meal or ice cream (and a cheeky beer). There are also many great pubs nearby including the Lancefield Hotel, Macedon Railway Hotel and Mount Macedon Hotel. Take your pick!
Enjoy wine tasting and a magnificent view at Hanging Rock Winery
Where to Stay Near Hanging Rock?
There are a number of wonderful places to stay near Hanging Rock! Woodend is the ideal village to base yourself from when planning a visit. Below is an accommodation ‘taster’ to get you excited… Alternatively, check out our complete guide of places to stay, or call our Visitor Information Centres on 1800 244 711 for expert local advice.
Spud Diggers Hut at Hesket Estate offers a rustic vineyard accommodation experience.
Hanging Rock Reserve Essentials
The reserve is open all year round between 9am and 5pm, except Christmas Day. Note incoming gate closes 30 minutes before closing time. Hanging Rock Café open 10am to 4pm, closed Tuesdays throughout winter.
Access to Hanging Rock itself is not permitted on days where winds above 40km/h are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology. The reserve and picnic areas are still open on these days, and the café hours will be unchanged. The reserve will not be open to the public if a Code Red Fire danger day is declared.
- $10 per car
- $4 per pedestrian
- $20 per minibus
- $50 per coach
To exit the reserve, you will need to buy a ticket from the ticket machine located outside the cafe. The machine accepts cash and credit cards. You will need to scan this ticket at the gate to activate the boom gates when leaving the reserve. These fees are accurate at the time of posting however may be subject to future change.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at the reserve (excluding major event days), but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are, however, not permitted to ascend the Rock itself as it is home to many native animals.
There are numerous picnic tables and 13 free barbecues located throughout the reserve.
Learn more.
Start Planning your Hanging Rock Experience
So there you have it. Three unbelievably cool and unique ways to experience Hanging Rock. Bike, llama or hike and vineyard hopping – what would you choose?
What to Do Near Hanging Rock
If you are a nature lover and have an interest in wild mushrooms and fungi, take a trip to nearby Mount Macedon. There is a wonderful world to explore on the trails up there, particularly over the cool winter months. Check out our guide to fungi and mushrooms on Mount Macedon for more information and inspiration.
Mycena interrupta Mount Macedon by Instagram @longinomus
