Treatments in novel and film Hanging Rock was the inspiration and setting for the novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, written by Joan Lindsay and published in 1967. The novel dealt with the disappearance of a number of schoolgirls during a visit to the site. The popularity of the novel meant several adaptations in film, theatre, radio and television were made, with the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock directed by Peter Weir as the most prominent example. The success of the film was responsible for a substantial increase in visits to the rock and a renewal of interest in the novel. Concert venue Hanging Rock reserve is currently used as an occasional outdoor concert venue by major international acts on the Australian leg of their tours. The following events have taken place at Hanging Rock as part of a trial by Frontier Touring and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council: Leonard Cohen – November 2010 Rod Stewart – February 2012 Bruce Springsteen – March 2013 (Wrecking Ball tour) In 2014, the Rolling Stones were scheduled to play a night concert (30 March) at Hanging Rock as part of their "14 On Fire" tour. The death of Mick Jagger's partner, L'Wren Scott, resulted in the postponement of the entire tour. The tour was rescheduled and resumed in Adelaide on October 25, 2014. The Hanging Rock concert was rescheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2014, but Rolling Stones lead Mick Jagger cancelled the concert due to a throat infection. In October 2013, Frontier Touring signed a five-year agreement with the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to hold up to four concerts per year at Hanging Rock, effective from 31 October 2014. Subsequent concerts have been: The Eagles – February 2015 (History of the Eagles) Rod Stewart – March 2015 Cold Chisel – November 2015 Ed Sheeran – February 2017 Bruce Springsteen – February 2017 Midnight Oil – November 2017 Elton John – January 2020 (Farewell Yellow Brick Road) Nick Cave and Warren Ellis – November 2022 Gallery See also List of mountains in Victoria References External links Hanging Rock Action Group Victorian Heritage Register Rock formations of Victoria (Australia) Mountains of Victoria (Australia) Dja Dja Wurrung Volcanoes of Victoria (Australia) Pliocene volcanoes