Said to be the best example of a volcanic plug in the world, Hanging Rock is a popular tourist spot around 1 hour north of Melbourne just off the Calder Highway. Best know for the 1975 Peter Weir film “Picnic at Hanging Rock” that is often credited as one of the most significant Australian films ever made.
The film itself was based upon the 1967 Joan Lindsay novel of the same name that tells the story of three girls and a teacher who mysteriously disappear during a St Valentine’s Day picnic at the rock in 1900.
Today, thousands of tourists are drawn to Hanging Rock each year to either have a bet on the fantastic annual horse race that is held on the country racetrack on the footstep of the rock or to even experience the mystery of the rock. Despite the fact that the novel was not based on any real events, many people still believe the “Picnic at Hanging Rock” was a true story.
Several annual events are held at the rock each year, with the races being on New Year’s Day, Australia Day and Labour Day that are often regarded as one of Australia’s best country race meets. February being the month St Valentine’s Day falls in also brings a lot of special events to the rock like the “Picnic at Hanging Rock” film night, The Harvest Picnic and a classic car show. During the summer months, guided night walks are also conducted around the rock.
Hanging rock is not too far from the townships of Woodend and Macedon and is in the vicinity of several wineries, tours of the wineries run around the region and often make a stop at the hanging rock café for lunch. The rock also features a small Discovery Centre that highlights some history of the area and the dam in the centre of the racecourse that is well stocked for a spot of fishing.