OPEN DAILY (Except Christmas Day)
MONDAY — SUNDAY 9.00 AM TO 5.00 PM
SUMMER (DAYLIGHT SAVING) HOURS
MONDAY — SUNDAY 8.00 AM TO 6.00 PM
(Later if weather permitting.)
Coaches and large groups are welcome but please book with Ranger prior to arrival.
WHAT IS HANGING ROCK?
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. For further information, click here.
LOCATION
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.
MAP
ENTRY FEES
Reasonable entry fees are applicable as the Reserve receives no state or local government operational funding.
100% of all income received at the Reserve is used for its continued maintenance, development and care.
Separate entry fees apply on specific days which presently include all race meetings, the Harvest Picnic and the Vintage, Veteran & Classic Car Display Day as well as other selected events.
THINGS TO DO, THINGS TO SEE —
Hanging Rock Reserve caters for a wide range of activities from the racecourse, ovals and tennis courts to wide expanses of lawns. There are coin operated barbeques and picnic areas provided for visitors' use throughout the Reserve. Cook on one of the barbeques or spread your picnic lunch on one of the many tables provided, then enjoy your meal while you watch the activities going on around you; or take in the magnificent views of the Rock.
HANGING ROCK DISCOVERY CENTRE
Visitors can discover the history, mystery and geology of the Rock and surrounding areas at the new Hanging Rock Discovery Centre. Discover how and when the Rocks were formed; learn about the Reserve's native flora and fauna, and some of it's history through a sequence of hands-on interpretive displays.
EXPLORING & WALKING
There are numerous walking paths and trails which allow you to explore the Rock and the Reserve at your own pace.
If you follow the walking paths which ascend the Rock, you will pass by many of the interesting rock formations, including Stonehenge, McDonald's Lookout and The Eagle. If you follow the path to the top of the Rock you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama which extends across the district from Mt Macedon in the south to the Cobaw Ranges in the north.
WILDLIFE/FLORA & FAUNA
Nearly one hundred indigenous plants can be found at the Hanging Rock Reserve which comes alive with colour in spring and summer. The area is also said to be the home to nearly forty species of birds including the popular rosella and cockatoo, and nine mammals including the greater glider, which was not known in the area before the mid 1980's.
Other indigenous species which visitors to Hanging Rock can expect to find include koala, kangaroo, wallaby, echidna and goanna. For detailed information, click here.
Visitors should note that the native animals living on the Reserve are all wild and should not be approached, bothered, or fed.
TENNIS OR CRICKET
Four all weather tennis courts, a full size oval and a smaller oval are available for hire at the Reserve and can be booked for day or half day use.
FISHING
Pack a fishing rod for the kids and they can try their luck in the dam. The dam is located in the centre of the race track and is stocked with fish annually. You will need to bring your own bait and tackle and a bag limit of two (2) fish per child applies.
HANGING ROCK PICNIC CAFE
When visiting Hanging Rock you can enjoy a meal or snack at the Picnic Café, which is situated at the base of the Rock and has beautiful views of the Reserve from its dining room, or from the balconies which overlook the lawns and the Rock. The modern licensed cafe and bistro caters for both dine in or take away; or you can arrange to hold your function or special event there. The Café also includes the region's largest Australiana gift shop, which provides a wide range of local craft, souvenirs, film and photography supplies.
Café inquiries can be made on (03) 5427 0295.
HANGING ROCK NIGHT WALKS
Experience the mystery of Hanging Rock at night, with a guided tour of the Reserve. During the tour you will discover native Australian fauna in its natural habitat and learn about Hanging Rock's past and details of how it was formed millions of years ago.
Night tours of the Rock only operate during the summer months.
ANNUAL EVENTS —
Major events at the Rock include the New Years Day & Australia Day Races at the Hanging Rock Racecourse, Harvest Picnic & Film Night. For further information, click here.
