This two-stage multi geocache is part of the SideTracked series that is popular in the UK and throughout the world. It is designed to be a relatively quick cache find around train stations for travellers but, of course, anyone else can find it too! There's a pen included but it's always good to bring your own writing implement to sign the log.
To learn more about the series, visit the website at the following link...
SideTracked Series
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Hawkesbury River Station
The Hawkesbury River railway station is a heritage-listed railway station. The Main Northern line between Sydney and Newcastle was constructed in two distinct stages and in the earliest years, was worked as two separate railway systems. The line between Sydney (actually the junction at Strathfield) and the Hawkesbury River was opened on 7 April 1887, with the terminus being on the southern bank of the Hawkesbury River. The line between Newcastle and the northern bank of the Hawkesbury River (near present day Wondabyne) was opened in January 1888.
Whilst the main line terminated at Hawkesbury River, an arrangement of trackwork, sidings and platforms were provided on the causeway formed by reclaimed land on the eastern side of Long Island where the new Long Island tunnel had been constructed. The station was known as "River Wharf" and the tracks terminated at a wharf at the edge of the waterway. The purpose of the arrangement was to allow transhipment between the railways and river ferries, thus allowing passengers to cross the waterway, to another wharf on the northern side of the river, while the Hawkesbury River Bridge was under construction. Hawkesbury River became a popular destination for day trippers and fishermen, outstripping the capacity of the original timber platform building. This was replaced in 1903 with the current brick building, which is of the type that had recently been adopted as the standard construction for island platforms.
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**Please Note**
At all times, for safety, you must remain behind the YELLOW LINE on the platform while searching for the information you need.
According to the regulations, anyone entering a railway platform must have tapped on with their Opal Card, even if there is no barrier and they don't intend to board a train. After gathering the information for this cache, they can then tap off. That will reverse the transaction. Apparently, transport inspectors can and occasionally do check the Opal Cards of people on railway platforms.
To find this cache, walk up, over and down the many steps to get to the platform and find the following. Each letter represents a one or two digit number:
A = Number of raised yellow dots under your feet, in one column, at the top of the stairs that go down to the platforms.
B = All the digits of the Payphone Identification Number added together. Ignore the X.
C = Number on the big blue box on Platform 1.
D = Look for the photographs in the ticket office area of the station building and find the number on the front of the locomotive crossing the old bridge during World War II. Add the digits together.
E = The total number of bench seats on the station.
F = Number of letters in the surname of the last person, last column, beginning with “N”, on the Brooklyn Roll of Honour, Platform 1 side.
Checksum (numbers above) = 127
The cache is located at:
S33° 32.(A-4)(B-40)(C-31)
E151° 13.(D-9)(E-12)(F)
A C35 Class steam engine No. 3528, built in 1917 at the Everleigh Railway Workshops, crossing the Hawkesbury River Bridge
FTF Honours
Crash2079
Sensational SideTracker
Did you know that NSW has a geocaching association? Geocaching NSW aims to enhance and improve the activity of geocaching and holds regular events where geocachers meet to enjoy their common interests. Visit the association website here.