Hanging around the Rock

Desperate for a break from housemates, homework and emotional entanglements in Melbourne, I decided that a trip into the country was a prerequisite for my own (if not my housemates') sanity. I woke a companion from her sleep and announced she was to accompany on a trip to Hanging Rock, partly because I hadn't been there before but mainly because it was only an hour and a half out of Melbourne and I needed someone to talk to while I drove there.

The drive there is not particularly inspirational, but the view of Hanging Rock from a distance more than makes up for that. Hanging Rock is a jumble of rocks piled on top of each other standing proudly out from the surrounding farmland. Even from a distance there is a certain magic about the place; anomalous with the plain green fields surrounding it.

Driving into the park surrounding Hanging Rock I was dismayed to learn that, while it was perfectly free to enter the car park, we would have to pay five dollars to leave. I blithely put off thinking about this while we parked and my companion and I made our way up the track, hoping that my companion would have the requisite cash in order for us to leave. Before we could make our way into the rocks themselves we passed through the predictable cafe/gift shop, the gift shop no more tacky than I expected and the cafe a pleasant place with views of the surrounding countryside and a beautiful slate floor.

We made our way to the top of the hill and soon found ourselves in the mess of rocks that is Hanging Rock. We had great fun exploring the natural tunnels and mini caves there. After an hour or so of this we picnicked on a comfortable rock, stared dreamily at the landscape beneath us and argued about who was going to pay the five dollars to get out of the car park.

While certainly not Uluru, Hanging Rock is a fascinating and intriguing rock formation close enough to Melbourne for a day trip. If you're ever stuck in the mad city and desperately need a little pleasant scenery, give Hanging Rock a go.

But don't forget the five dollars for the car park exit!