A unique geographical formation located in Central Victoria, Australia, the Hanging Rock was previously known as Mount Diogenes. Found several kilometres north of the former volcano Mount Macedon, the rock is most popularly known as the site the group of school girls in the novel ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ disappeared.
Believed to have been created over six million years ago, the Hanging Rock is a mamelon (type of rock formation). Two other mamelons from the same period can be found nearby: Crozier’s Rock to the east and the Camels Hump to the south. These type of mamelons only found in a very few other places in the world, are made of a form of trachyte called solysbergite. The Hanging Rock’s magma has split into uneven columns after being cooled and contracted. These columns have weathered with time into the numerous pinnacles that are seen today.
With its peak point being over 715 metres above the sea level, the rock is the showpiece of the Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve which includes picnic grounds, a horserace track, a forest, interpretation centre, a creek and a cafe. The reserve is home to endemic flora and fauna such as kookaburras, wedge-tailed eagles, possums, wallabies and koalas.
Being the inspiration behind Joan Lindsay’s mystery novel “Picnic at Hanging Rock”, stands as proof of the rock’s influence on arts. A movie inspired by this novel was made in 1975, which was successful enough to generate a substantial increase in visitors to the rock as well a renewal of interest in the novel.
In addition to its official name Mount Diogenes, the rock has several other names including Mount Alexander and Mount Macedon. Besides the Hanging Rock, Victoria boasts an array of other attractions ranging from the Phillip Island National Park and Healesville Sanctuary to Federation Square and Crown Entertainment Complex.
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