Peter and I set out for drive to Woodend  and visit Hanging Rock Reserve, where the plan was to walk 1. 57 km up to the summit, Morgans Lookout. 

Hanging Rock is an hours drive from Melbourne, via the Calder Hwy. On arrival we drove through the gates and parked our vehicle, before heading to the Hanging Rock Cafe where we enjoyed a cafe Latte and a delicious scone with home made jam and cream.

Hanging Rock is a Mamelon, created 6.25 million years ago by stiff magma pouring from a vent and congealing in place. Often thought to be a volcanic plug, it is not. Two other mamelons exist nearby, created in the same period: Camels Hump, to the south on Mount Macedon and, to the east, Crozier's Rocks. Alternative names for Crozier's Rocks are Brock's Monument, Alexander's Head and Mount Crystal. All three mamelons are composed of soda trachyte. As Hanging Rock's magma cooled and contracted it split into rough columns. These weathered over time into the many pinnacles that can be seen today.

Peter and I commence our walk to the summit, the walk is moderate with a steady climb to the stair case which brings us up to the distinctive rock formation "Hanging Rock" (a boulder suspended between other boulders, under which is the main entrance path).

As we climbed one can see wonderful views through the rock formations, especially once we had arrived at the saddle.  Being a sunny day one can perch themselves on a rock and enjoy its serenity. 

Peter and I enjoy exploring the wonderful sculptured rocks and its crevices which were inspired the setting for the novel "Picnic at Hanging Rock", written by Joan Lindsay and published in 1967. The novel dealt with the disappearance of a number of schoolgirls during a visit to the site. Their disappearance was explained in the final chapter, but Lindsay deleted this chapter at the suggestion of her editor, thinking the mystery was greater without it.

Everyone loves a myth or a mystery and Joan Lindsay has created a believable story including the character Miranda, who everyone loves mentioning her name and association with Hanging Rock.

The novel inspired 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. Yvonne Rousseau wrote a book called The Murders at Hanging Rock, published in 1980, which examined possible explanations for the disappearance of the girls.

We reach 'T Scott 1866" engraved into the rock by a graffiti artist of the time and from here we scramble up to the top of Morgan's lookout. The highest point on Hanging Rock is 718 metres above sea level and 105 metres above the plain below. Magnificent views from the top are received and  one can also find a perfect spot to sit and meditate. 

Peter and I finally return the same way we walked up, but instead of taking the stairs down, we opt for the ramp, finally arriving at the foot of Hanging Rock to complete our walk.

Hanging Rock is a Great Place for a Picnic. Best time to go......anytime but a weekend as it is when it is the busiest. 

Time for lunch as we did not prepare our lunch today we decided to drive into Woodend where we had lunch at the Holgate Pub & Brewery. Note there is a fee to enter the reserve - currently $10 per car, which you pay as you exit. 

Peter and I enjoyed the Chicken Parmigiana, which came with fries and a salad. We felt that $27.00 for a Parma was a bit steep. We also enjoyed a pint of the German Larger which had a distinctive Banana and Clove undertone. After a walk around Woodend we decided to make our journey home.