Darebin 1 - Darebin Parklands Multi-cache
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Darebin 1 - Darebin Parklands
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is the first cache in ssmc4’s “Darebin” series of caches based
along the route of the Darebin Creek. It is located in the Darebin
Parklands in Alphington.
The Darebin Creek is one of the major tributaries of the Yarra River and winds its way through many of Melbourne's northern suburbs. From its source in the city's rural northern fringe, its journey finally meets the Yarra in Ivanhoe and Alphington. This 9-stage multi-cache will take you on a walk around the Darebin Parklands in Alphington and along the banks of the Darebin Creek. The journey is approx. 2.5 km long and will take an unhurried 1 hr to complete. It is based on the unique “Spiritual Healing Trail”, which some cachers may wish to undertake either during the cache or at another time. The shelter at WP1 often has copies of the Spiritual Healing Trail brochure, however the brochure text can be emailed to you if you wish. "The Spiritual Healing Trail is a gift from the aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as a gesture of reconciliation. It aims to promote personal good health through improving our emotional and spiritual well-being and a sense of being connected to the land where we reside, to others and most importantly ourselves". This spiritual healing may be of particular benefit to those cachers who have undertaken Biggles Bear’s fiendish “Diabolical” series!!!
CACHE OBJECTIVES: (a) to highlight the environmental restoration efforts of the local community group & the council; (b) to facilitate good exercise; and (c) to soothe the soul.
PARKING: The main car park is at S37 46.359 E145 01.947 and the dog walker’s car park is at S37 46.266 E145 01.964.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Alphington railway station is located an easy 800m south of the starting point. Buses 158 & 508 go right past the parklands on Yarana Road.
FACILITIES: Toilets, free BBQs and a picnic shelter are located at S37 46.367 E145 01.962, next to the main car park. The Darebin Creek Environment Centre also has its home here.
GEODOGS: These Parklands are very popular with dog walkers, with both on and off-leash areas.
CYCLISTS: This cache can be done by bike but cyclists may need to take the alternative route between WP5 & WP6 back along the western side of the creek.
AREA HISTORY: The Wurundjeri clan of the Woiwurrung people have cared for this land, and enjoyed it, through many millennia. Long a source of foods for local Aborigines, from the mid 1800’s this area was used for agriculture to help supply Melbourne’s growing population with fruit and vegetables. The quarrying of basalt began in the 1890’s and continued until 1965, with some 600 million tonnes of rock being removed. The big hole was then used as a council tip until 1975. The pioneering Rockbeare Conservation Group was formed in 1973 and has evolved into the Darebin Parklands Association, which continues to help restore and regenerate this lovely area. More information: the Darebin Creek Management Committee website is at (visit link) , the Darebin Parklands Association is at (visit link) and the Friends of Darebin Creek is at (visit link) Some useful maps are also available for download from these sites.
WARNINGS: Be very careful of snakes during the warmer months as they are active in this area. There are also some cliffs with loose rocks. The Darebin Creek can also run very fast and high at times.
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WP1: “Start” S37 46.264 E145 01.981
Here you will find a sheltered sign that marks the start of the Spiritual Healing Trail. There is an aerial photo showing the route of the trail through the parklands, and on the adjacent rock you will see the type of brass plaques that mark the 5 key stages of the trail.
a = number of gum leaves engraved on the large "Spiritual Healing Trail" silver plaque.
WP2: “Gathering” S37 46.250 E145 02.043
b = number of gum leaves on the smaller square brass plaque.
WP3: “The Pool” S37 46.242 E145 02.184
This is not an official stopping point on the Spiritual Healing Trail but it is a lovely spot on the way.
c = Number of doggy poo bag dispensers here right next to the wooden seat.
(Note: ARE there any here?)
Keep following the path along the creek to get to the next waypoint.
WP4: “Purifying” S37 46.341 E145 02.063
The plaque is located on this little bridge (which is one of our favourites for playing “Pooh sticks”).
d = Material used for the bridge, where:
...Brick & concrete = 0
...Brick & metal = 1
...Brick & stone = 2
...Brick & wood = 3
...Concrete & wood = 4
...Stone & wood = 5
...Stone & metal = 6
...Wood & metal = 7
...Concrete & stone = 8
...Concrete & metal = 9
WP5: “Contemplation” S37 46.444 E145 02.137
As you sit on the wooden seat there is a small sign to your left stating “No Dogs in the wetlands”, AFTER WHICH there are 4 lines of very small text.
e = Number of words in the 2nd line.
WP6: “Possibilities” S37 46.503 E145 02.162
This is a fun part – crossing the creek via stepping-stones!
f = No. of square concrete stepping stones / blocks across the creek.
WARNING: This creek crossing is potentially hazardous for: cyclists; those cachers not too sure of their balance; or when the creek is running high. In these cases it is recommended to walk/ride back to WP4, cross back over the bridge and proceed along the track on the western side of the creek.
Also, if the creek is running too high to see the blocks, f=(d-g)+2
WP7: “Ready to Go” S37 46.498 E145 02.029
This place is the final point on the Spiritual Healing Trail. Have a rest whilst you look around – you’ve earned it! From the summit walk down the hill about 13m to the south-west. At S37 46.500 E145 02.017 you will find a small wooden marker sign.
g = the sum of the two digits on the marker sign.
WP8: “Quack” S37 46.422 E145 02.037
This is one of several ponds in the parklands favoured by many ducks.
h = the number of wooden seats at these co-ords (don't count the seats across the pond).
The GZ and Final Location:
S37 46. b a e E145 0 h. d (f+g-2) c
WARNING: There is a steep drop-off near here. Please be careful and make sure you keep an eye on any geokids. Also be aware of approaching muggles.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vatravbhf Vtarbhf?