Hanging Rock is a distinctive geological formation in central Victoria, Australia. A former volcano, it lies 718m above sea level on the plain between the two small townships of Newham and Hesket, approximately 80 km north-west of Melbourne and a few kilometres north of Mount Macedon. Hanging Rock is a mamelon, created 6.25 million years ago by stiff magma pouring from a vent and congealing in place. 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.

🪨 Hanging Rock Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is the visitor hub inside Hanging Rock Reserve, designed to help guests understand the geological, cultural, and natural significance of the site.

🌿 What you’ll find

• Interpretive displays explaining the volcanic origins of Hanging Rock and its unique rock formations

• Local history exhibits, including stories of the region, early settlement, and the site’s cultural importance

• Wildlife and flora information, helping visitors identify what they may see on the walking trails.

☕ Hanging Rock Café

The Hanging Rock Café sits right inside the reserve, nestled among the trees at the base of the rock. It’s the main food and beverage option for visitors.

🌄 Atmosphere

• Surrounded by bushland with views of the reserve

• Indoor dining room with large windows

• Outdoor deck and alfresco seating for warm days

🍽️ Food & drink

• House‑made meals, cakes, and slices

• Popular items include corn & zucchini fritters and scones with jam and cream

• Coffee, milkshakes, cold drinks

• Fully licensed, serving local wines, beers, and ciders.

WOODEND Nestled in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, embodies the perfect blend of contemporary country living. This vibrant village serves as a welcoming gateway to the region’s many attractions and natural wonders. Set beneath generous verandas lining the Old Calder Highway, the town exudes a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Wander through and you’ll find rustic bakeries, stylish cafés, and lively pubs. The local shops and bookstores offer a delightful blend of vintage treasures and contemporary finds, perfect for curious browsers and seasoned collectors alike.

Mount Macedon is a dormant volcano that is part of the Macedon Ranges of the Great Dividing Range, located in the Central Highlands region of Victoria. The mountain has an elevation of 1,001 metres with a prominence of 643 metres and is located northwest of Melbourne. Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is a 21-metre high monument standing near the summit of the mountain, in an area called Cross Reserve. It was established in 1935 as a memorial to soldiers who had died in World War I.

🌿 Mount Macedon Village

Mount Macedon village sits high on the slopes of the mountain, surrounded by tall eucalypts, heritage gardens, and cool‑climate forest. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, historic homes, and seasonal beauty—especially in autumn when Honour Avenue glows with colour.

☕ Mount Macedon Trading Post

The Mount Macedon Trading Post is the heart of the village—a café, general store, and community hub all in one.

Highlights

• Excellent coffee, award‑winning pies, house‑made cakes, and local produce

• A curated selection of giftware, local wines, preserves, and ready‑made meals

• A relaxed, welcoming stop for breakfast, lunch, or a Devonshire tea

• Also functions as a general store with books, gifts, and even an Australia Post outlet.

🌱 Dicksonia Rare Plants (Mount Macedon Nursery)

Located right in the township, Dicksonia Rare Plants is one of Australia’s most distinctive specialty nurseries.

What makes it special

• Run by renowned plantsman Stephen Ryan

• Features over 2,000 rare and unusual plants to explore

• A peaceful, beautifully curated space perfect for garden enthusiasts.

Meet the resident cat!

🌿 Stanley Park Waterfall, Mount Macedon

Stanley Park Waterfall—also known as the Mount Macedon Waterfall—is a small but beautifully atmospheric cascade tucked within the Stanley Park Bushland Reserve. Turitable Creek flows through the reserve and drops over a rocky ledge into a fern‑filled gully, creating a tranquil, sheltered pocket of nature.

🌄 What it’s like

• The waterfall sits in a lush bush setting, surrounded by ferns, mossy rocks, and tall eucalypts.

• A wooden viewing platform overlooks the top of the falls, giving visitors a close but safe vantage point.

• After rain, the falls are especially picturesque, with water funnelling through a square‑cut channel in the rock before spilling over the edge.