Hanging rock is an extraordinary rock formation located just a stone throw from the sprawling Macedon ranges in Victoria. It is also best known for Joan Lindsay’s famed Australian novel come TV show “Picnic at hanging rock”. After watching the 2017 TV series staring Natalie Dormer, I was hooked by the storyline, mysterious origins and the natural beauty the rock and surroundings flaunted all too well.
Not only is Hanging rock an icon of Australian literature, but it also has its own story. The unique formation was once a volcano, with its distinctive appearance being formed over 6 million years ago by flowing magma in which split into pinnacles after cooling. It is also deemed as a sacred and spiritual destination by the Indigenous Australians who once used the rock for “Men’s business” prior to the colonisation of Australia.
On a recent trip, I found that the rock could be accessed and hiked and I obviously jumped at this opportunity! The mellow yet enticing hike is easy and definitely should be on any hikers bucket list.
Getting to Hanging Rock
The rock is an hour drive North-West of the Melbourne CBD. Given its remote location, car is the most affordable and convenient mode of transport. Alternatively, you can take the train from Melbourne to either Woodend or Macedon and get a taxi to the location.
The Hanging rock reserve is opened from 9am – 5pm Monday to Sunday, and is initially free upon entry. There are numerous parking spaces located next to the cafe. You do have to pay an exit fee which is based on your vechile type. As far as tourist sites in Australia, it is affordable with it being $10 a car, $20 per bus or $5 for a motorbike.
In addition to the cafe, there are toilets and a museum, show casing the rocks history and cultural significance. The hanging rock summit trail is located only metres from these facilities and is straight forward with signage present.
The hike
The hike through hanging rock and to and from the summit is rather easy to navigate and short being a total of 1.8 kilometres. It should take between 30-50 minutes, but I recommend really taking your time to view the natural phenomena and read the sign posts in which explain specific locations of the rock including historic significance.
Once you reach the summit, you will notice an abundance of boulders that give a maze like appearance. The best way to explore this area is by walking through the small trails that effortlessly entwine between the formations. Like the series, this is somewhat of a trippy and entrancing experience, but allows you to take in views of both the formation itself in addition to the horizon of the Macedon ranges and rolling fields below.
If you have watched the 2017 series of “Picnic at hanging rock”, you will also notice a number of locations of where the scenes were shot such as the base of the rock in addition to the summit and its winding passages.
Wander Mak 
Leave a comment