VCE Literature Texts: Picnic at Hanging Rock

This PDF provides a brief overview of the author and synopsis of the book, as well as questions to consider for deeper reflection on the book.

This articles provides an overview of the life and career of Joan Lindsay and the influence on PAHR.

This study guide provides an overview and analysis of the plot, characters and themes for Picnic at Hanging Rock.

This activity provides students with context and background information about the physical location and cultural environment in which Picnic at Hanging Rock is set.

This article reveals the extraordinary story of Joan Lindsay and the writing of the book from a series of dreams.

Helen Withycombe hosts a conversation between Lindsay's biographer Janelle McCulloch, theatremaker Tom Wright (who adapted the play for Malthouse Theatre in 2016) and Helen Morse, who played the French teacher in Peter Weir's film version of the story. They discuss the true story (and the mysticism) that inspired Lindsay, the book's refractions of nature and time, the troubling history of Hanging Rock itself and why Lindsay’s tale continues to haunt and provoke Australian storytellers today.

What happened to the schoolgirls and their teacher who were seemingly swallowed up by their surroundings on a fated picnic at Hanging Rock? Writer, editor and publisher Sophie Cunningham and series host James Ley discuss this iconic story.

This articles provides a critical review of the 1975 film.

This website contains links to scenes, costumes, clips relating to the 1975 Picnic at Hanging Rock film.

Navigate through this online exhibition from NSFA, exploring the characters, costumes and the making of the film.

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia website contains resources reflecting on the impact of the 1975 film, such as a Q and A with actor Anne Louise Lambert (Miranda) and outtakes from the film which didn't make it to the final edit.

Click on File/s to access the full article. This extended analysis of the evidence of spiritual and sacred myth in Picnic at Hanging Rock.

This article provides a film analysis of Picnic at Hanging Rock, examining the effectiveness of camera angles, use of juxtaposition, motifs and imagery.

This article examines the enduring appeal of this story and its representation of young women, from the book, to 1975 film, to the 2018 miniseries