More from Hanging Rock Reserve
Plan your visit to Hanging Rock
Where else in Australia will you find the Black Hole of Calcutta, The Eagle, The Chapel and Lover’s Leap? Let the secrets of Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges unfold before your eyes as you wind your way up to the pinnacle where spectacular views await.
Less than an hour from Melbourne, or just a short drive from Woodend, Hanging Rock (Ngannelong) in the Macedon Ranges is a favourite gathering place for families and friends, with wide expanses of lawn for game-playing, free electric barbeques and picnic tables dotted around the reserve.
A day at Hanging Rock Reserve includes more than just the famous walk to the summit of Hanging Rock. Of course the summit climb is a highlight. Wide sealed paths make the walk reasonably easy for people of average fitness. Points of interest along the way are shown on the official Hanging Rock map and brochure.
Experience the Mystery of Hanging Rock
The unexplained disappearance of a group of schoolgirls at Hanging Rock in 1901 is just one of the legends of this mysterious area, and many visitors say they can feel the spirit of the girls as they climb the Rock. Joan Lindsay’s book and Peter Weir’s film about the ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ ensures that the mystery lives on…
See Australian Wildlife at Hanging Rock Reserve
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.
Walks +Things to see and do at Hanging Rock Reserve (See the Hanging Rock Map )
Pram-friendly walking paths weave through the reserve, allowing close access to flora and fauna. Many visitors add a visit to Hanging Rock Cafe for lunch, and a glass of wine, or coffee and cake. Picnics and barbecues with stunning views of Hanging Rock are popular, while larger groups can even reserve a covered barbecue picnic shelter. Many families love fishing for trout in the dam, so make sure to bring your fishing rod and try your luck (don’t forget your fishing licence). Hands-on interpretive displays and informative panels in the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre provide a fascinating background on the history, mystery and geology of the Rock.
Hanging Rock Cafe
If you don’t feel like packing a picnic, or crave a coffee or cold beer after your hike, Hanging Rock Cafe is the answer. Nestled within the reserve, this awesome cafe offers indoor dining (with a warm fire in winter) and outdoor, dog-friendly dining under gum trees and shade umbrellas.
Hanging Rock events
Hanging Rock provides a stunning backdrop for several exciting events, including the Hanging Rock picnic races on New Year’s Day and Australia Day (note the Reserve is open only to ticketed racegoers on these days), vintage car displays, markets, fun runs and concerts. On occasion you might experience an annual outdoor cinema screening of the famous film, ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’, or take part in a Camp Out. Ranger-guided night walks are also held during the warmer months. Keep an eye on our What’s On page for upcoming events.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO HANGING ROCK IN VICTORIA’S MACEDON RANGES
Opening Hours
Hanging Rock is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Day). Hours change seasonally. It is important to note last entry time, and required exit times.
Mid-April to end August 9:00am – 4:30pm. Last entry 3:00pm All visitors must exit the park before 4:30pm
September to mid-April 9:00am – 5:00pm. Last entry 3:30pm All visitors must exit the park before 5:00pm
The Hanging Rock Discovery Centre has similar opening hours, but closes 30 minutes prior to the park closing time.
Entry fee to Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges.
Reasonable entry fees apply when visiting Hanging Rock. Entry fees are used for the maintenance, development and care of this unique and natural Australian icon. The ticket cost to access Hanging Rock varies depending on your mode of entry. Payment is accepted by card only (Visa and Mastercard accepted) and payable before leaving the reserve. There is a ticket machine located outside the Cafe, that accepts cards. You will need to scan this pre-paid ticket at the gate when leaving the reserve. Separate entry fees apply on specific event days such as race meetings, concerts and Macedon Ranges District Motor Club Car Display Day. Plan to visit often? Purchase a Hanging Rock annual pass allowing you access to the reserve during normal opening hours every day, except Christmas Day and major event days.
Car $15.00
Motorbike $5.00
Walk-in /Cyclist $5.00
Midi bus (12-24 seats) $40.00
Coach (25+ seats) $80.00
Entry on 1 January, and 26 January, designated event race days
On 1 January, and 26 January each year, Hanging Rock is closed to non-racegoers for the New Years Day Races, and the Hanging Rock Cup. Separate event entry fees apply. Hanging Rock opens at 11am on Kyneton & Hanging Rock Race meet days. The Summit walking trail is open for racing patrons to enjoy until 3:00pm. The Creek Walk is closed. The Base Walk is open all day. The Discovery Centre and Café will be closed. For further raceday information see the What’s On page, or visit: https://country.racing.com
Weather Events
The Summit Walking Trail (which includes access to ‘the Hanging Rock’ itself) will be closed 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 Summit Walking trail will also be closed on Extreme Fire Danger Days. Hanging Rock Reserve will not be open to the public at all if a Catastrophic Fire Danger Day is declared. The CFA website published fire danger ratings for the CENTRAL fire district which includes Hanging Rock.
Hanging Rock Reserve Dog policy
Pet dogs are welcome at the Reserve (excluding major event days) but must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted to ascend the Rock itself on the Summit Walking Trail as it is home to many native animals.
Hanging Rock drone policy
Drones are not permitted to be flown at or over Hanging Rock Reserve without prior written permission. Please email hangingrock@mrsc.vic.gov.au no less than 14 days prior to the date of visit.
Hanging Rock baby facilities
There are two toilets with nappy changing facilities.
Hanging Rock weddings
Plan a memorable wedding ceremony or reception with Hanging Rock as the backdrop.
Opening Hours
Mid-April to end August
9:00am – 4:30pm
Last entry 3:00pm
All visitors must have exited the park before 4:30pm
September to mid-April
9:00am – 5:00pm
Last entry 3:30pm
All visitors must have exited the park before 5:00pm
Features
- EFTPOS
- Picnic Facilities
- Public Toilets
Downloads
- Hanging Rock Map 6.52M
- Hanging Rock Picnic Shelters 1.21M
