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  • Writer's pictureAvalon Karatau

Day 14: "Boulders, Billabongs, and Breathless Hikes Tour"

Saying goodbye to the mysterious Hanging Rock, we head northward, covering a solid 30 km to Kyneton, where we grab a quick bite—because who needs a leisurely lunch when there’s adventure waiting? Refueled and ready, we make our way to Kirrit Barrett, or as I like to call it, "Black Hill: The Sequel." This sacred spot is where Bunjil, the creator spirit, brought the Wadawurrung people into existence. As we trek up the hill, the granite boulders seem like Hanging Rock had a baby—an adorable but slightly menacing baby that might just roll over you if you're not careful. We take a moment to sing and play the corroboree sticks, apparently to put the spirits to rest, but honestly, I was just catching my breath after that climb. You try lugging these legs up a hill!



Next stop: Turpins Falls, where the Campaspe River takes a 20-meter nosedive over a rock wall into a billabong bigger than an Olympic pool. Back in the 1930s, this was where the local swimming club met before someone invented chlorinated water. Nowadays, it’s still a breath taking sight—especially if you're holding your breath while trying not to slip on the way down.

Quick tip: Don’t expect luxuries here—no toilets, no picnic tables, not even a vending machine. Just pure, untamed nature and maybe a snake or two for company. The water is so cold it’ll make you rethink life choices, and cliff diving? Yeah, unless you’re into close encounters of the rock kind, it’s a hard pass. Watch your step on the path down—no, seriously, watch it!



Next, we venture to Mount William/Wil-im-ee Moor-ring, the greenstone quarry of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people. They knew a good rock when they saw one, turning this place into a prehistoric hardware store. Added to the National Heritage List, this spot is perfect for history buffs and anyone who likes rocks—really, really likes rocks.



We wrap up the day talking about Mt. Macedon/Geboor, where we ponder the ancient axe-grinding sites. Here, stones from Mount William were turned into finely-crafted axe heads, then traded during what I imagine were the most epic night-time ceremonies at Hanging Rock. It’s been a day full of history, mystery, and a fair bit of huffing and puffing. Time to call it a day and dream of less exhausting adventures!

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