Hanging Rock, Macedon for Treasure Tuesday

 

Just an hour's drive northwest of Melbourne, lies the enigmatic Hanging Rock. This awe-inspiring geological formation, rising majestically from the Macedon Ranges, has captivated the imagination of visitors for centuries.

A Geological Marvel

Hanging Rock, or Mount Diogenes as it is formally known, is an extraordinary rock formation made up of volcanic magma that solidified around 6.25 million years ago. Its unique pinnacles and sheer cliffs create an otherworldly landscape that is perfect for exploration and adventure. The rock stands 718 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Cultural Significance

Hanging Rock holds a special place in the hearts of the local Indigenous Wurundjeri people, who regard it as a sacred site. The area is steeped in rich cultural history and tradition, making it a meaningful destination for those interested in Australia's Indigenous heritage.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

The mystery and allure of Hanging Rock were immortalized in Joan Lindsay's 1967 novel "Picnic at Hanging Rock," and the subsequent 1975 film adaptation directed by Peter Weir. The story, centered around the unexplained disappearance of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher, has added an air of intrigue and mystique to the site, drawing countless visitors keen to experience the setting of the iconic tale.

On New Year's Day, finding ourselves rather bored, Joel and I decided to explore this area, while everyone else frolicked at the beach.

DJ MiniPro4 

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Granite Island, Victor Harbour for Sunday Best

 

Granite Island, located off the coast of Victor Harbor in South Australia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It was originally home to the Ngarrindjeri people, who called it "Nukalilla." The island's striking granite formations were later discovered by European settlers in the early 1800s. In the 19th century, Granite Island became a key site for early European exploration and settlement. Today, it's a popular destination for tourists, known for its stunning coastal views, wildlife, including the famous little penguins, and its historical significance.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Cape Schanck Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

This view was via a staircase on the walk down to Pulpit Rock

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FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Sky Watch Friday 

Sierra Nevada Rocks for Treasure Tuesday

 

It was great to hang out with Joel again. More trips to come before Xmas

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Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Sierra Nevada Rocks Portsea for Water H2O Thursday

 

It is the first time re-visiting this location this year. It was a good walk around the area.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Bridgewater Bay Sunset sky for Sky watch Friday

 

Here is the sky for the Friday event

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Bridgewater Bay for Treasure Tuesday

 

I did not get a sun star out of this view.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Bridgewater Bay Long Exposure for Water H2O Thursday

 

Another visit to the region. Joel and I had fun snapping here

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Castle Hill New Zealand for Sunday Best

I love this place very much

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Sunday Best

Portsea Melbourne for Sunday Best

 

The beautiful cave 

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Sunday Best

Cape Schanck Long exposure for Water H2O Thursday

 

I have many captures of the region in different light here

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FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Pulpit Rock Cape Schanck for Skywatch Friday

 

Another long exposure shot from a while back

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Pinnacles Cape Woolamai for Sunday Best

 

I have been playing the game from midnight til 6 am almost in the last 3 consecutive weekends. It is so addictive.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Different corner of Cape Schanck for Water H2O Thursday

 

The purple hue is the problem with Sony lenses in general. I did not want to bother colour correction.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

The seascape at Kilcunda Gippsland for Water H2O Thursday

 

Joel identified the spot, and I quickly took over after he finished the shot. 

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Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 

Linking Water H2O Thursday

just got off the phone with Joel. We might scout another spot near this place on the weekend. 

Kilcunda rock arch Gippsland for Treasure Sunday

 

I have been here a few times over the years. It was a lowest tide ever while everywhere on the back beach of Mornington Peninsula was actually high tide. 

This is probably the moodiest shot I have taken this winter.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 14-24mm f2.8

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Castle Hill, New Zealand for Sunday Best

 

On the hill where Kingdom of Nania is filmed. A nice series of layers

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road Victoria Australia for Sunday Best

 

Except from local website:

"Loch Ard Gorge is the site of the most famous shipwreck on the aptly named Shipwreck Coast. The Loch Ard ran aground crashing into Mutton Bird Island in 1878. The only two survivors Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael managed to drag themselves to the safety of the beach inside Loch Ard Gorge. For a moment, these two tragic teenagers were the talk of the English-speaking world, which very much hoped they would marry (they did not). Walk along this sandy beach, dramatically closed in by towering sandstone cliffs. Explore several other short walks in this area including the cemetery where Tom and Eva’s less fortunate shipmates are buried."

I have stopped droning for a few months now. I will be droning in NZ next month. 

DJ Mini Pro4

Linking Sunday Best

Cadillac Gorge in San Remo for Water H2O Thursday

 

I have different versions of the landscape over the years. This was taken 3 years ago. I compare this shot to the one I took last year which was completely opposite to this frame shown above. 

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FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Gibson's Steps for Sunday Best

 

I was here for a long exposure expedition. It turns out a quick snap works out better just needing a better timing on the wave.

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FE 20-70mm f4 

Linking Sunday Best