Woodend is a moderate sized, attractive town located just off the Calder Freeway between Melbourne and Bendigo. The main street is very colourful, has tree lined streets and like most the towns in the area, is the centre for the local produce. The name of the town was gained in the 1850's where the track from Melbourne to the goldfields emerged from the forests of Mt Macedon.
Woodend is home to the famous landmark, Hanging Rock, located 10km north-east of the town. A geological phenomenon, the oddly shaped granite outcrop was the mysterious setting for the Joan Linsday book and movie "Picnic at Hanging Rock" where four school girls disappeared. The rock in the bushranger days was often an excellent hide out as it gave the occupier a great vantage point while remaining oblivious. Hanging Rock now has a short walk to the summit with an interesting display adjacent to the kiosk at the base of the hill. While the walk to the summit was certainly far from being mysterious, the views were excellent and the rocky outcrops were also fascinating.

Population: 2,600
State: Victoria
Postcode: 3442
Local Government: Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Location: 66km north-west of Melbourne
Main Roads: Calder Freeway  
Accommodation: Travel Victoria
Main Watercourses: None
Radio Stations (Music): Star FM (91.9), 3BO-FM (93.5), Nova FM (100.3), Mix 101 (101.1), Fox FM (101.9), 3BA-FM (102.3), Power FM (103.1) Gold 104 (104.3), Triple M (105.1), Triple J (107.5)

Photos from Woodend:
 

	High Street, looking north (old Calder Hwy), Woodend (2002).
	High Street again, looking south in Woodend (2002).
	Hanging Rock granite outcrop, taken about 5km north-east of Woodend (2002).