Location: Central Agricultural district of Victoria

hough there is no historical evidence that Hanging Rock near Macedon, Vic, is haunted or has mystical powers that affect the balance of or disorientates those who climb it, many visitors to the rock still choose to believe the myth. The rumour had its origins in the mistaken belief that the novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, written by Joan Lindsay and published in 1967, was based on an actual event. The novel dealt with the disappearance of a number of schoolgirls from Appleyard College during a visit to the Hanging Rock on St Valentine's Day (14th February) 1900.

Ann-Louise Lambert as Miranda in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock

The novel was the inspiration for the film Picnic at Hanging Rock made in 1975 and directed by Peter Weir. The success of the film was responsible for a substantial increase in visits to the rock and a renewal of interest in the novel. The film is screened after twilight in the Picnic Grounds at the Rock each Valentine's day.
718 metres above sea level and rising 105 metres above surrounding plain, Hanging Rock is said to be one of the best examples in the world of a volcanic feature known as a mamelon (French lit. nipple). It was formed six million years ago when a particularly stiff type of lava formed a rounded pile of layers on the surface as it was squeezed through a narrow vent in the earth.
The lava in Hanging Rock has a particularly high soda content and the action of rainwater has resulted in an unusual rock known as solvsbergite, or soda trachyte, which is the same rock found at the nearby Camel's Hump on Mt. Macedon. (This type of rock is only found in outside of the region in Norway & Sweden.). Since its formation, the mamelon has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in the unusual rock formations that can now be seen on the site.

Hanging Rock was originally named "Mount Diogenes" in 1836 by Major Thomas Mitchell when he travelled through the area. It was in keeping with other Greek mythological titles assigned to geological features in the district.
It is thought the Rock was a refuge for bushrangers during the Gold Rush era – particularly the notorious 'Mad Dan Morgan' whose name is attributed to certain features to be found on the walk to the Pinnacles like Morgan's Lookout and Morgan's Blood Waterfall. Hanging Rock later became part of Edward Dryden’s run and was known as "Dryden's Rock".
In 1886, the "Rock" was purchased by the State Government and joined to the local water reserve to become the Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve, controlled by the local Shire Council.
The Reserve has been host to many sporting events over the years including the popular horse races on New Year's day which date back to 1880. The present race course adjacent to Hanging Rock was constructed and the first Hanging Rock Cup was run in 1909. Since that time 'picnic races' have become a popular attraction for many visitors. The Rock continues to be a very popular picnic spot for both locals and visitors to the area.

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