Skip to content

Yass Tramway Multi-Cache

Hidden : 8/11/2013
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

When the Great Southern Railway was opened in 1876, Yass was bypassed due to the difficult terrain and required river crossings. After much planning and lobbying by the townspeople, a "Tramway" was finally constructed to the town opening in 1892.

This cache follows the length of the tramway from Yass Junction to Yass Town station and beyond! Please take time to explore this now neglected part of history.


This engine served for many years on the tramway. Watch its last journey here

WP1 - Yass Junction

You should now be standing at the platform for the Yass Tramway.

The train departed from here and veered left at the points towards Yass. Just near the platform is a pedestrian bridge over the main line.

The number painted on this bridge is 317.96A

WP2 - Road Crossing

It is worth walking to this waypoint. On the way you will see 2 sets of points and the pipe for filling the steam trains with water (the tank has been removed). At WP2 there is a stop sign. Who stops?

B=1 if trains stop, B=2 if cars stop.

WP3 - BP Siding

Fuel supplies for Yass and surrounding areas were transported by rail. There were four fuel depots along the tramway, this is the first.

C = Number of points levers

WP4 - Oakhill Crossing

Some older cachers may remember the railway line crossing the old Hume Highway here.

D = The number of holes in the horizontal bar at the culvert

WP5 - Williams Crossing

Another place to view the tracks.

E = Number of poles/logs across the tracks

WP6 - Near School Gates

Next to the entrance to Joe O'Connor park. The track runs between the sports oval and the school.

F = Number of brick pillars at the gates.

WP7 - Railway Bridge (North)

You can drive around the oval from WP6 to get to this nice spot below the railway bridge. Paths here lead across the river to a park, or up to Flat Rock crossing on the same side.

G = Number of timber trestles on this side of the river (counting the one at the earth bank)

WP8 - Railway Bridge (South)

This spot can be accessed either by walking across the weir from WP7 or driving to the end of Dutton Street. No question to answer, but it is worth checking out the nearby Gasometer - the only remains of the Yass Gasworks which was demolished last year.

WP9 - Dutton Street Rails

The tracks here are still in good condition and extend the length of Dutton Street. There are two crossings at Rossi Street and Meehan Street.

The number H0 is painted on the road nearby

WP10 - The Station Master's House


At the far end of Dutton street and next to the railway station. This has recently changed hands and has been renovated.

The number of the house is J0

WP11 - Yass Town Station

The station was used until 1988 and kept in good condition. It is now used as a railway museum (open Sundays)

The museum's phone number on the sign ends with 216K

WP12 - Winchcombe's Produce Store

The railway line didn't actually end at the station! It crossed Hume Street (now called Crago Street), passed another fuel depot and ended up at the produce store. You can see the covering between the old mill and the store where the train went in. This waypoint is accessed from the main street next to the council chambers.

I used to play in the produce store as a kid while waiting for my mother to finish work nearby.

L = The number of roller doors above the raised wooden loading dock at the front of the building (not near the rails!)


Calculate GZ as S34 F(C-A).EJ(K-B) E148 FH.(G-B)(L*2)(D-1)

Checksums S:29 E:36

Please be careful approaching GZ and cover the cache again as found.

If you want to find out more about the tramway, be sure to watch the film linked above, and also check out the website of the railway museum.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Va gur ynetr snyyra gerr. Npprff & cnexvat vf ivn n ynar arkg gb bar bs gur jnlcbvagf, gura sbyybj gur srapr.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)