Approaching Hanging Rock, it’s easy to see why this famous landmark continues to lure visitors with its air of mystery and adventure. Rising out of the mist on the Hesket-Woodend plain, the Rock (also known as Mt. Diogenes) seems suspended in time, almost aloof, as though closely guarding its secrets.
How Hanging Rock was Formed
Formed over six million years ago, Hanging Rock is type of volcanic feature known as a mamelon (from the French word meaning ‘nipple’). Mamelons are formed when thick or stiff lava is forced through a narrow vent in the earth. Instead of flowing away, the lava congeals and forms a small mound around the vent that is added to by subsequent eruptions. According to the Hanging Rock Reserve’s visitor information website, Hanging Rock is one of the best examples of a mamelon in the world.
Hanging Rock is made up of a rare type of rock called solvsbergite. The only other places in the world where this type of rock can be found are Norway and Sweden. Solvsbergite has a high soda content and this, combined with erosion from rain water, has led to the dimpled effect that is evident on many of the rock faces.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Outside of geological circles, Hanging Rock is most well-known as the setting for Picnic at Hanging Rock, the novel by Australian author Joan Lindsay. The novel centers on the disappearance of three girls and a teacher from an upper-class boarding school who visit Hanging Rock for a Valentine’s Day picnic in 1900. The mystery surrounding the disappearance, and the ensuing rumors, have tragic effects on many of the other characters in the book.
Picnic at Hanging Rock was later made into a film, directed by Peter Weir.
What to Do at Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is a popular place for picnicking and bushwalking. The Hanging Rock Reserve includes a number of picnic grounds with BBQ and playground facilities and there are several walking tracks to the top of the Rock to cater for different levels of fitness. Walkers can observe some of the unusual rock formations such as the Black Hole of Calcutta, the Eagle and the Vampire Cliff
Those wanting to learn more about the Rock can visit the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre, which explores the history, mystery and geology of the Rock and surrounding areas through a series of hands-on interpretive displays.
Hanging Rock Reserve also hosts a number of events throughout the year. On New Years Day and Australia Day (January 26th), visitors flock to watch the horses at the Hanging Rock Races. In February, the Harvest Picnic is held, celebrating food and wine from across Victoria, while every Valentine’s Day, romantics gather under the stars to watch a screening of Peter Weir’s film Picnic at Hanging Rock. Other annual events include car displays, guided night walks and organized camp outs.
Getting to Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is about a one hour drive north-west of Melbourne, near the townships of Woodend and Mt. Macedon. Both of these towns can be reached via the Calder Freeway. There is no public transport access to Hanging Rock.
Hanging Rock Reserve is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm, with extended opening hours during summer. Entry fees apply.
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Kate Machin - Kate Machin has always harboured dreams of being a writer. However, despite a promising childhood (during which she wrote stories and ...
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