Hanging Rock Walk

45 min to 1 h

1.7 km
return

↑ 146 m
↓ -146 m

Hard track
Starting near the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre on Racecourse Road, Woodend, this walk takes you to Hanging Rock and back via the Summit Walk. Enjoy this walk that takes you past unusual rock formations and peculiar trees, ascending to the 105-metre summit where there are bird's-eye views over the surrounding flat plain and farmland. Hanging Rock, also known as Mount Diogenes or Ngannelong, is a rare volcanic formation created by an upheaval of lava millions of years ago. Located on the boundary of three Aboriginal groups, the area was a sacred place for meetings and ceremonies for over 26,000 years. Famously known as the setting for the novel and film "Picnic at Hanging Rock", ‘The Rock’ hosts various events throughout the year and is a cultural icon for visitors and locals alike. Visit the Discovery Centre to learn about the fascinating background on the area's history and geology, with interpretive displays and informative panels. Dogs are not allowed on the walk, but are allowed on a lead around the carpark area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-37.3326973,144.5968334)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Calder Freeway, M79
  • Turn on to Calder Freeway Offramp then drive for 155 m
  • Turn sharp right onto Calder Freeway, M79 and drive for another 41.8 km
  • Keep left onto Calder Freeway Offramp and drive for another 530 m
  • Keep right onto Calder Freeway Offramp and drive for another 740 m
  • Continue onto Romsey Road, C324 and drive for another 2.8 km
  • Turn left onto Coach Road, C324 and drive for another 75 m
  • Turn right onto South Rock Road, C322 and drive for another 1.4 km
  • Turn left onto Racecourse Road and drive for another 370 m
  • Turn sharp left and drive for another 65 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Summit Walk.
Find the Hanging Rock Reserve at the start.
W:
Hanging Rock Reserve (about 65 m back from the start).
Hanging Rock Discovery Centre (about 25 m back from the start).
After another 270 m continue straight, to head along Summit Walk.
After another 230 m continue straight, to head along Summit Walk.
After another 30 m head into the "Hanging Rock Reserve".
W:
After another 85 m veer left, to head along Summit Walk.
After another 15 m pass the "Hanging Rock" (30 m on your right).
Continue another 235 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 850 m to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Hanging Rock Walk


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 1.7 km
Time 45 min to 1 h
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
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Articles
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Get more information
| www.mountmacedon.org.au
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