Hanging Rock (formally known as Mount Diogenes), in Central Victoria, Australia, is a distinctive geological formation, 718m above sea level (105m above plain level) on the plain between the two small townships of Newham and Hesket, approximately 70 km north-west of Melbourne and a few kilometres north of Mount Macedon, a former volcano. It’s a perfect day trip from Daylesford.
Said to be the best example of a volcanic plug or mamelon in the world. It consists mainly of soda trachyte rock (solvsbergite), found only outside this district in Norway and Sweden. Since its formation, the mamelon has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in a conglomeration of unusual rock formations that can now be seen on the site.
While the Hanging Rock itself has an air of supernatural, slightly sinister mystery, the bushland around the base of the landmark is somewhat less ominous.
The majestic, subtle complexity of the trees and native flora gives visitors to the reserve the distinct impression that they’ve stepping into a living Fredrick McCubbin painting.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock was the inspiration and setting for the novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, written by Joan Lindsayand published in 1967. The novel dealt with the disappearance of a number of schoolgirls during a visit to the Hanging Rock in rural Victoria on St Valentine’s Day 1900.
Their disappearance was explained in the final chapter, but Lindsay deleted this chapter at the suggestion of her editor, thinking the mystery was greater without it.
The novel inspired the film Picnic at Hanging Rock, made in 1975 and directed by Peter Weir. The success of the film was responsible for a substantial increase in visits to the rock and a renewal of interest in the novel. Yvonne Rousseau wrote a book called The Murders at Hanging Rock, published in 1980, which examined possible explanations for the disappearance of the girls.
As a result of the increased interest, the deleted final chapter of the novel was finally published in 1987 as The Secret of Hanging Rock.
Horse races have been held at Hanging Rock for over one hundred years; the Hanging Rock Racing Club holds two race meetings a year on New Year’s Day and Australia Day (26th January)
Friends of Hanging Rock, started in 1987, is a community group which holds events open to the public, such as night walks and wildflower tours. The group can be contacted through the ranger.
Hanging Rock is located in a rural setting approximately 80km (1 hour) to the north of Melbourne. It is easily accessed from the A79 Calder Freeway which passes by on the eastern side of Woodend. You can also access the Rock via Mt Macedon or from the M31 Hume Highway by turning off at Kilmore and travelling through Lancefield, or alternatively from Wallan via Romsey.
The main title music was derived from two traditional Romanian panpipe pieces: “Doina: Sus Pe Culmea Dealului” and “Doina Lui Petru Unc” with Romanian Gheorghe Zamfir playing the panpipe (or panflute) and Swiss born Marcel Cellier the organ. Australian composer Bruce Smeaton also provided several original compositions written for the film.
The Annual Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock
This is indeed a picnic of gastronomic proportions. The Age Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock brings together over 100 Victorian producers of fine food and wine amidst beautiful natural surrounds, as well as cooking demonstrations and music for a merry, mouthwatering day.
Can you image browsing, sampling and buying cheeses, wines, smallgoods, sensational sweets, the state’s best ice-cream, and specialty items for an entire day? I can. In fact, I indulge twice a year – at this picnic as well as sister event, The Age Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park, in November.
It’s a bi-annual foodie ritual that has a couple of carloads of us heading to the hills for a day to celebrate the finer things in life in the fabulous fresh air.
Tantalise the tastebuds and take a look at the various exhibitors here. Need I say more?
On top of the food, wine and great company, not that you need much more, we also enjoy exploring the fabulous location. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that Hanging Rock, under an hour from Melbourne, is the site at the centre of Joan Lindsay’s book, Picnic at Hanging Rock, and Peter Weir’s subsequent film by the same name, which is now an Australian classic.
It follows the story of a party of schoolgirls who picnicked there on February 14th 1900, several of whom eerily disappeared without a trace… Not the most ideal way to spend your Valentine’s Day.
I recommend climbing the rock. It’s only 2 kilometres, but uphill naturally, so allow an hour or two to also explore its sometimes-spooky caves and tunnels.
Not only will you work off all the goodies that have migrated to your hips faster than you can say, “Did you try that chocolate?”, you’ll also get some spectacular views and a sense of the mystery, intrigue and certain presence that emanates there.
Bring whatever you’d normally take to a picnic – rug, folding chairs, hats and sunscreen – but leave the food at home. There’s plenty to be had here!
Hanging Rock Winery
Enjoy a field trip close to the city with a visit to Hanging Rock Winery, a scenic estate full of charm – and top notch booze.
