Sharing a unique perspective on the modern, urban & rural life in Canberra and the surrounds.

Posts for henge

Winter Solstice at the Henge

Goes To - Sophia - June 14, 2016

Have you ever driven on the Federal Highway between Canberra and Sydney and wondered what that rock formation was on the turn off to Macs Reef Road, Sutton? I know I have!

It is Canberra Region’s very own The Henge. Modelled on Stonehenge in England, one of the world’s most famous and recognisable monuments standing on Salisbury Plain, with its giant stones seen from miles around. Mystery surrounds how and why Stonehenge was built, and we may never know. We chatted to Tracey & Robbie Wallace though, to find out how they built The Henge in Sutton.

The Henge

The Henge was the inspiration of owner Robbie Wallace. As an earth mover, he was once asked to remove rocks from a paddock just outside of Canberra. When he pulled the rocks out from the ground, they came out in the amazing shape that you see today.

Robbie immediately had the idea to use the rocks as a Stonehenge replica. “We went on to the web to see various pictures of what Stonehenge used to be in its heyday and also what is standing today. With a bit of creative licence, our Henge was built.” he said.

“Due to being an earth mover and having the appropriate machines, we were able to set the rocks in place much easier than was done way back when Stonehenge was built! Using a 35 tonne excavator we built our henge over 6 weekends back in June 2012.”

In England, people travel to Stonehenge because of its alignment with the sun on the winter & summer solstice, and every year The Henge also holds a winter solstice event in June and summer solstice event in December. The good news is both events are free and open to the public!

Celebrate the winter solstice this Sunday the 19th June 2016 at the Henge in Sutton.

Tracey & Robbie will be supplying the fire pit and mulled wine. Arrive from 1pm and stay until sunset. Entry & parking is free. You just need to bring your own picnic, chairs, drinks,cameras and enjoy the ambiance and get some great sunset photos.