Get up with the sparrows for a sunrise shoot of the historic Malmsbury Viaduct Bridge.

The Malmsbury Railway Viaduct is one of Australia’s finest early bridges. Constructed of rusticated and finely dressed bluestone, it’s the largest masonry bridge in Victoria. When completed in 1862, it was Australia’s longest stone bridge.

Stretching across the Coliban River, this magnificent bridge has five 18.3 metre spans and is 25 metres high.

The best vantage point for this shoot is from the rear of the bridge.

Park along the edge of the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens and walk to the top of Ellesmere Place. You’ll see an access track leading down towards and underneath the viaduct.

Be in position ready to begin shooting half an hour before sunrise, to just after. Better still, stay the night before so you can rise nice and early for the sunrise.

Tip: Wear a head torch to see where you are going and watch your step walking down the access path. There are public toilets available in the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.

Check out these photos by Journey by Light Photography of the viaduct to get inspired.

It’s approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Malmsbury to Hanging Rock, and a beautiful one at that.

Once you arrive at Hanging Rock Reserve, you might want to start with lunch at the Hanging Rock Cafe.

Alternatively, bring a picnic and stretch out under the gum trees with views up to the Rock.

After lunch, hike to the summit of Hanging Rock where you can photograph views for miles, amazing rock formations and wildlife.

Over 40 species of birds nest around the reserve, including bright rosellas and cockatoos, while mammals like the greater glider enjoy towering eucalypts. You may even spot native species such as koala, kangaroo, wallaby and echidna.

Admission fees apply to enter Hanging Rock Reserve. The reserve is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9-5pm (later in summer months weather permitting). Incoming gate closes 30 minutes before closing time.

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.

See Hanging Rock Cafe‘s website for current opening days and hours. Bookings recommended, particularly on weekends and school holidays.

End your epic photography adventure with a spectacular sunset at Mt Macedon’s Memorial Cross, on the summit of Mt Macedon.

It will take approximately 15 minutes to drive to the mountain summit from Hanging Rock.  Park at the Memorial Cross Reserve nearby Top of the Range Tea Rooms (the perfect spot to pick up a coffee or refuel with a Devonshire Tea*).

A short walk along a sealed path from the tea rooms will take you to the Memorial Cross.

After Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, Mt Macedon Memorial Cross is considered the most significant war memorial in Victoria. It’s an imposing structure that stands 21 metres high and commemorates all those who served in wars and conflicts.

When you’ve finished photographing, head back down to the village of Mount Macedon or Macedon, where you can enjoy dinner at the Mt Macedon Hotel or Macedon Railway Hotel. Alternatively, drive a little further down the mountain to the nearby village of Woodend for a pub meal.