Hanging Rock Base Walk is a 1.8km, grade 2 circuit hike located in Hanging Rock Reserve, Victoria. The hike should take around 1 hour to complete at a leisurely pace.
Hike overview
The Hanging Rock Base Walk heads clockwise for 1.8km around the base of the Hanging Rock formation. The trail is wide, undulating but easy to walk and provides a great opportunity to view the rock formation and vegetation of the lower slopes. This well signposted trail that is great for those with a stroller or wheelchair.
Discovery Centre
Hands-on interpretative displays will help you on your journey of discovery as you wander through and learn more about the history and geology of the Rock. Discover how and when the rocks were formed, and what did happen to the school girls who were the subject of the famous book and film.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 645 m
Min elevation: 615 m
Total climbing: 51 m
Total descent: -51 m
Tips
- Rocks can be slippery in wet weather
- Snakes may be active in warm weather
- Dogs are welcome at the reserve (excluding major event days), but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are, however, not permitted to ascend the Rock itself as it is home to many native animals.
- 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm* (*Later in summer months, weather permitting)
- The entrance gate closes at 4pm
- The Hanging Rock Discovery Centre is now open 9am to 5pm
- Entry fees apply
- There are numerous picnic tables and 13 free barbecues located throughout the reserve.
Trail location
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Getting there
To get to Hanging Rock Reserve from Melbourne, follow CityLink then the Calder Freeway north towards Kyneton. Take the Woodend-Wallan/C324 exit. In 400m turn right into Woodend-Lancefield Rd. After a further 3.5 km turn left into Coach Rd/C324 and almost immediately right into South Rock Road. Follow this road for approximately 1.5km to Hanging Rock Reserve.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Entry Fee
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Hanging Rock is located near the traditional boundary between three Aboriginal Traditional Owner groups €“ the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), the Djaara and the Taungurung.
Archaeological evidence found at Hanging Rock demonstrates Aboriginal use and occupation of the place for at least 10,000 years. As a prominent, culturally significant landmark near tribal boundaries with a reliable source of water, it is likely to have been used for Ngargee ceremonies (Corroborrees) and other traditional business that involved gatherings.
Whilst each of the Traditional Owner groups assert custodianship of Hanging Rock, the place has important ongoing connections and cultural values to all three groups and there are important shared values and attachments to Country.
Hanging Rock is set in a broader cultural landscape, with important connections to culturally significant places and story lines at Camels Hump on Mt Macedon to the south, to traditional stone sources located at Coliban Dam to the north west, to Brock's Monument and the headwaters of Deep Creek in the east, the Goulburn River to the north and Mt William to the north-east.
Rumoured to have been the haunt of bushranger 'Mad Dog' Morgan, this small volcano or mamelon was formed by an upheaval of lava millions of years ago. It was made famous by the classic Australian novel and later movie Picnic at Hanging Rock, the mythic tale of the Valentine's Day disappearance of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher while visiting Hanging Rock in 1901. The legend endures, and an air of mystery and intrigue still lingers. The mound of massive granite tors is riddled with caves, tunnels and overhanging boulders, its shapes and acoustic echoes enhancing its already spooky reputation.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.