European settlement of Wollongong began in 1815 when Dr Charles Throsby established the first cattle station in the area, with his stockman’s hut built near Market Square becoming a meeting point for the first Illawarra land grantees in 1816. The first school was established in 1833 and the following year the township of Wollongong was laid out on property owned by the nephew of Dr Throsby.
This trail, best done on foot, provides an introduction to the historical sites of Wollongong’s original township which was bounded by Crown, Keira, Smith and Harbour Streets, still major roads in the city today, and includes some of Wollongong’s most significant and historic landmarks post European settlement, many listed on the National Trust Register.
There are a number of waypoints to visit and can be done at any time and in any direction however if you wish to complete the 3 km loop in one go, select a starting point (WP1 is used as posted co-ordinates) and follow the listed order, allowing up to two hours… extra if you wish to shop, eat or explore further along the way. All answers are visible or within a few metres of the WP co-ordinates and accessible 24/7 from public footpaths however terrain is given an extra star for length and areas that may require minor assistance for wheelchairs and strollers.
Stealth will be required at GZ, which is within walking distance of at least one or more of the waypoints. Select the right starting point and it could be just a few steps or another walk to sign the log.
While required answers can only be found by visiting every waypoint in person, further reading on each of the heritage listed sites and a trail map can be found at local tourist bureaus or on the Wollongong Council website.
To find the cache, visit each WP, answer the question and calculate the following sum (using BODMAS where applicable). Note: Where left or right is required, assume you are facing GZ with the road behind you. All waypoints as letters are used in the formula, only answers will be a number. Divide is / and * is multiply.
Check sum: south 23 east 23
South (N+L-S) (D/H) (E+F) . (O/Q) (K) (R-P) East (V x M) (I+C+T) . (A-W) (B+U) (G+J)
A = South-east side rooms added in 193___
B = Archaeological remains of wall to observe only. No question (B=0)
C = The plaque was moved here on ____ December 1954 (Plaque currently obscurred by construction. C=4)
D = Number of glass panels above double black doors
E = The stairs to the second floor are visible in the left (1) or right-hand window (2)
F = What number is above the word “Girls” 188___
G = Number of wrought iron panels on upper veranda (driveway side of building only)
H = Number of concrete benches to left of main door
I = A Court of Petty Sessions was established on ____ Sept 1832
J = Number of doors on front veranda (upper level)
K = Porch was added in 19___0
L = Number of letters in the word to complete art works name “______ Mosaic”
M = William Lang donated the site in December 19___5
N = The foundation stone was set on ___ August 1954
O = Number of full circles on roof décor (either side of 1888)
P = Number of red roses on crest/coat of arms
Q = Building is capable of seating ___00 people
R = Number of spikes at top of wrought iron green entry (gate only)
S = Cardinal Moran blessed this stone on May ___ 1906
T = Mail closes for Sydney on Saturday at 11. ___ am
U = Archaeological remains of kerbing to observe only. No question (U=0)
V = Arthur Baker marked the occasion of ____ continuous years’ service
W =Total number of arched stained-glass windows on chapel section