Hanging Rock

Shane Caruana

Ever heard of Hanging Rock? Something about a picnic? Sure, it shot to fame following the release of a book…and a film… and a TV series, but there’s a lot more to ‘The Rock’ than some girls getting lost (or did they?).

Okay, first, let’s get the obligatory facts and figures out of the way. ‘Hanging Rock’ is technically named Mt Diogenes, but yes, within the formation there is a ‘hanging’ rock, and yes you have to make sure you walk under it. Europeans first sighted it in 1844, and that particular European was Robert Hoddle, the same fella that designed Melbourne CBD’s ‘Hoddle Grid’. Robert visited 26,000 years after the local indigenous tribes are believed to have first moved in, and they came about 6 million years after Mt Diogenes was formed.

Now, ‘The Rock’: it’s a volcanic mamelon formed when thick lava pushed through a vent in the earth. Because this lava had high soda content, when it mixed with rainwater, it created magnificent conical-shaped rock formations. The type of rock is called soda trachyte, and it’s super rare. This rock formation rises 718m above sea level – around 100m above the fertile plains below. Wildlife love it here too – around 40 bird species, as well as koalas, wallabies and kangaroos.

Now, let’s walk the trails. There are a few walks, but today we’re takin’ it to the summit. This trail is absolute gold because it zig-zags up the hill, and by the time you get to the top, you’ve taken in a 360-degree view of the surrounding plains.

Take your time; walk about 100m, stop and take a look right. You’ll see the mamelon rock formation first hand. It’s also when you start feeling the tremendous energy of this place. Now I’m no spiritual guru, but there’s something that makes your spine tingle. Continue and at the ‘T’ intersection, go right, then shift your butt into gear and take the stairs. There’s only 150, so it’s not the end of the world, and it’s the only way you’ll walk beneath the hanging rock.

As you start the second flight of stairs, do yourself a favour and look ahead at the massive tree trunk that while alive, must have dominated the view. It would’ve been amazing, but how the hell did it grow there? If you peer past the trunk, you’re going to get your first glimpse of ‘The Rock’, so head on up, walk under it (don’t head-butt it), get your happy snap then continue to the big landing. It’s called ‘Stone Henge’ and you’ll see why. Stop for a rest and take in the views over Mt Macedon; pretty awesome. Quickly google ‘Ed Sheeran Hanging Rock’. He did a surprise gig right where you’re standing.

Now you need to muster your energy and walk the steepest part. The top of this climb is called ‘The Saddle’. At the top, duck over to the right, off the beaten track, through to ‘Lovers Leap’. This place is a cracker because it’s looking over the Hanging Rock Racecourse and the east paddock (aka our concert ground). Keep an eye out for the kangas and leave yourself a mental note to come back here for the races and a concert. If it’s good enough for Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and Elton John, then it’s good enough for you.

You’re on the last stretch, so it’s off the sealed pathway. Take your time, watch your footing, and when you get to the crisscrossed steps (you’ll see what I mean), make sure you look up because koalas love hanging here. Then at the top of these steps, guess what? You’ve reached the summit. Pull out your flag and ram it into the earth. What, you didn’t pack it?!

Now I’m not going to talk about the summit too much, words just don’t cut it. One thing I will say though is, look to the north and spot ‘The Jim’. ‘The Jim’ is an ancient volcano too, and on the side of it you’ll spot vines – that’s Hanging Rock Winery, and that’s where you’ll find some of the Macedon Ranges’ finest. I suggest you head there after stopping for a bite to eat at Hanging Rock Café.

Make the most of your day here. You’ve got another two cracking vineyards nearby, so head on over to Hesket Estate and Parkside Winery Estate. If wine isn’t your thing, there’s Big Tree Gin Distillery and Holgate Beer Brewhouse within 10 minutes too. Another way to explore The Rock is with Hanging Rock Llama Treks. Do an abridged version of ‘The Base’ and ‘Creek Walks’ with them, then head up and do the ‘Summit Walk’ just the way that I’d do it. These folks are my mates, so make sure you tell ’em Shane sent you!

Hanging Rock Winery hangingrock.com.au Hanging Rock Café hangingrockcafe.com.au Hesket Estate hesketestate.com.au Parkside Winery Estate parksideestate.com.au Big Tree Distillery bigtreedistillery.com.au Holgate Brewhouse holgatebrewhouse.com Hanging Rock Llama Treks @hangingrockllamatreks

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