Hanging Rock

We were looking for a relaxing getaway not too far from Melbourne, and Hanging Rock was the perfect choice. The views were breathtaking, and the walking trails cater to different levels. Reaching the summit rewarded us with stunning views, and we even spotted a few small lizards along the way. There’s a lovely picnic area, or you can bring some snacks to enjoy at the summit while soaking in the beautiful landscape. Entry is $10, and there’s ample parking available.

As soon as we walked into the park , it just felt like we entered a magic wanderland. It was a beautiful end of summer day, the sun and the blue sky shining on different shaped rocks, made them warm and full of life. Seems some way of them were smiling and talking to us! The gentle breeze blowing up the old gum tree branches, dancing around on top of the rocks, made it more lively. We found the whole mountain was very fun and amazing! Certainly took many interesting photos.

Beauty of Nature Formation of rocks and track it’s amazing to see and visit this place with family and friends. Enjoy picnic or enjoy the nature you will love this beautiful gods creation. Lots of stories about these rocks Group of students disappeared in old days There is a move you can watch picnic in hanging rocks. But it’s a fun and beautiful place

One of the best places to hike, the view of the hanging rocks is absolutely refreshing for the mind. There is a cafe at the entrance, and public toilets are also available. It’s best to take the steps when climbing up and use the ramp when descending. This way, you can conserve your energy for the hike.

This is an incredibly beautiful place to spend the day in. There is a Cafe and toilets with easy access, plenty of parking, a big open grassy oval and a playground for the little ones. Heaps of space to enjoy a picnic. I recommend going into the museum/information centre to learn about the history of the area before making your way up to the top of the rock. The half hour walk up wasn't hard, but with kids under 5 maybe come prepared to take it very slow and possibly carry them some of the way, especially if you choose the track that includes steps. There is another track without steps, but I didnt take that one so I don't know what it's like. There were quite a few young kids on the day I went, so it's definitely manageable either way. There are 2 big open areas on the way where you can rest and the views at both of them are amazing. Some of the flat rocks you need to walk across are slippery even in hot summer conditions, so appropriate footwear is important. And, in warmer months there could be snakes around, as there was when I was there In December, so keep that in mind. The views at the peak are absolutely beautiful. I 100% would do it again, it's worth every second. There is also a lake circuit walk within the park, and I think there was another walk that doesn't go as far up the rock, but again I can't comment on those as I didn't see them myself. That will be next time.

The location, rooms and pavilion Cafe were outstanding. The young man who served us at the cafe was very friendly, respectful, accommodating and courteous. However we spent a long time in reception trying to attend to a couple of accounting mishaps, due to a refund (the baths, that we primarily came for, were out of order due to maintenance, and we had trouble getting our deposit back as the receptionist didn't know how to go about it and this took about an hour.) The one shocker, never happened to me anywhere before, is when the cleaner opens the front door at 10:20 while we were supposed to leave the room at 11am. I was in my bath towel in the room when he opened the door, said he thought we left then closed the door and left. I felt so embarrassed 😳 We complained to reception who were surprised at this occurrence. Zoe from reception was helpful and friendly. Management and those in charge can be more efficient. We didn't feel valued as customers.

This will always be a place of beauty and mystery. The book and film, "Picnic at Hanging Rock" and the events that happened there are always in the back of your mind as you weave your way between the boulders at the summit. It is a fairly arduous walk, steep at times, and slightly difficult when wending your way through some narrow gaps and crevises. The walk up and back takes about 50 minutes but you need to add on the time you will spend up there, looking at the views and photographing the rocks and boulders - their shapes both astound and provide an eerie atmosphere. There is a $10 per car cost to enter the Park - you buy a ticket at a Ticket Station within the Park and use the ticket to open a boom-gate when leaving. There is a tea house with snacks, drinks and souvenirs at the base of the mountain.

A short yet steep walk to the summit. Learned afterwards as walking with others that they took the stairs and went under the actual Hanging Rock, I ramped it which was great fun being steep yet missed the main attraction haha. Great once you get to the top to climb over everything. Spotted a koala in a tree. Didn't see any rangers or guides but those also in the park were friendly and we all helped each other for directions and great views (and to see the koala!). Be sure to start the climb before 3.30pm due to closure at 5pm, which is still a good time in daylight savings. Parking on the gravel is $10 for cars or less for motorbikes etc, the machines are a big dodgy. The cafe there is OK, or take a picnic as loads of parkland and a pretty cool play area for the kids, or skip all that with great options in Woodend that you can Google. The toilets are feral, take a peg for your nose and keep your genitals off the seats! Easy to get to from the Calder. Will return to try other walks. Even those hesitating - there were international visitors in sandles and appeared unfit yet a steady pace still managed the climb, it's not very long, just steep if you want to head to the top, but grippy runners are best as the rocks can be slippery but the climb is tarmac paths most of the way.

Really a very cool park. There is a book, movie and play called Picnic at Hanging Rock and the story is about 4 teenage girl disappearing up in these rocks from the turn of the 20th century. The hike up to the summit was doable especially being rewarded with the views of the surrounding area.

Large car park with a 15 bucks entry fee. Atm machines were broken on this day so bring cash. There is no reception either. Access to cafes, small visitor center with a viewing deck, and toilets. The walk up to the Summit is meant to be 50 minutes return. Check out various rock formations on the way up such as the saddle and tom's signature (around 20 rock formations with descriptive signs in total). You can either take the ramp up or the stairs and take a different or the same method down. The stairs only go up part of the way. There is a sign that says that it is a 'Grade 3' walk, but it is quite easy. Watch out for slippery rocks and definitely not a good idea to climb up to the summit on a rainy day. The summit view provides you a view of the Melbourne CBD - nicer on a non-windy and non-cloudy day. Once you're back down, you can drive further and check out the Memorial Cross and Cairns or check out more of the Macedon Ranges. The Macedon area is known for its music festival and abundance of picnic areas.

Hanging Rock is set in the Macedon Ranges about an hour and 30 mins from Melbourne. As well as the famous rock formation (remember The classic Australian film Picnic at Hanging Rock?), there is also a racecourse (horses) next door and much larger state forest nearby. The rock can be climbed, just remember your walking shoes! There are easy routes a well as difficult ones. The easy routes still require you to be fairly fit. Hanging rock holds a series of concerts from The Rolling Stones to Rod Stewart every year, as well as special events around public holidays. There is a little museum on site, next to the visitor center, which is interesting, but not essential to visit. I would not just stop at this one site, explore the rest of the state forest, it's beautiful and well worth a few day trips to explore.

What can I say? Hanging rock not only has a place in every Australians heart in poem but also in racing. However, if you've ever had the chance to visit this, up thrust of rocky, volcanic wonder, formed as a secondary event while what's known as the Macedon ranges, then waa an active volcano, then you'd have whitenessed the beauty of these unique rock formations, waterfalls and unique views of the macedon region. Not only does this region have some fantastic wineries (cope-williams in romsey is a fav) but there is also a lot of interesting history to do with the gold rush era and even Ned Kelly. Today i had the unfortunate pleasure of attending the funeral of a great friend and family member on the park grounds at hanging rock. The local counsil were wonderful in providing free entry to over 500 people and allowing us to have private catering by n&m party catering service. Who were fantastic. All in all. It's good for a day of enjoying life and good for celebrating the end of one. A must visit on anyone's itinerary wether local or traveller.

A visually stunning volcanic formation of solvsbergite in the centre of the Hesket plains Hanging Rock is a wonderful sight. It's also a great climb. (Don't worry - chances are you won't get lost or disappear down a gap between the rocks.) The views from the summit are breathtaking. Woodend racecourse nestles at the foot of the rock and is the home of the Hanging Rock Races on New Years Day. Boiling hot but still worth a visit.