Paddington Reservoir Gardens Traditional Cache
blossom*: I hope someone will place a new cache here as it's been a hugely popular spot over many years, not only with lots of tourists but also Sydneysiders who often have no idea of this place's existence and history. As I no longer work anywhere near here, it is too difficult to get there to check on the cache so not sure it it is in fact still in place or not.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
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A multi-level park made from amazing structures: brick vaulting, huge wooden supports, staircases and hanging gardens.
Note that this cache is only available in the daytime. Two gates are opened about 7:30-8:00 am and closed at sunset. There are 3 gates, one is permanently locked, don't be fooled.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens was opened in March 2009 on the site of the former Paddington Reservoir. It is a really interesting spot to visit with a row of information plaques along the front describing the history of the site.
But what I like the best are the amazing structures they have created from the ruins. This is how the council describes it:
Originally the site of an Anglican Church School, the State Heritage listed Paddington Reservoir consists of two 1,023 square metre chambers built in 1866 and 1878 respectively. It played a key role in Sydney's early water supply system but was decommissioned in 1899, becoming a workshop and parking garage for Sydney Water.
Since sections of the old reservoir roof collapsed in 1993 this site has been boarded up. Now the park on the reservoir roof has been completely reconstructed and a stunning sunken garden has been established in the reservoir's western chamber. Some vibrant graffiti art has been preserved in the eastern chamber, which provides a new space for community and cultural activities. Special lighting highlights the beautiful new timber work and stunning stone of the reservoir. New stairs and viewing platforms now provide access to the chambers.
The reservoir is a fine example of 19th century public architecture and an important record of Australian construction methods and materials.
The best way to locate the cache is to get a good gps reading from the top level, check out exactly where you ought to be on the bottom level and then make your way down. There is no need to leave the paved area to retrieve the cache and no climbing is needed either.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgnaq evtug ng gur ybpxrq qbbejnl naq ybbx vagb gur rnfgrea punzore, gura purpx lbhe yrsg unaq fubrynpr.
Treasures
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