This cache is placed near the historical Waratah Trigonometrical Station (or "trig") which was constructed in 1882 by Thomas Charles Swannell, a piling overseer in the Department of Lands. He wanted to call it "Paddy's Castle" but the powers that be overruled him. Still, Waratah is a nice name anyway. There are around 20 of these historical trig stations scattered throughout West Head and Duffys Forest.
On the way here you may have seen wildflowers (particularly in sprng) and wildlife (throughout the year). You may have seen aboriginal carvings but if you were lucky enough to find them please do not touch them.
Paddy's Castle is actually an old name for the rock formation about 150 metres south of GZ. It may have been named after Patrick Duffy, an early landowner in the area and where the name "Duffys Forest" is derived. After finding the cache you may want to follow the trail over to Paddy's Castle - the view from on top is even better than the view at GZ.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park was dedicated as a public reserve on 14 December 1894. It was the second National Park in NSW (the Royal National Park near Sutherland was established 15 years earlier). On 12 July 2006, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park was added to the National Heritage List.
The walk is a 7.8km return journey, a total of around 1.5 - 2 hours walking. You may want to continue to the end of the maintenance trail and find the Waratah cache.
At the time I hid this cache entry to the National Park cost $11.00 per day or you could purchase an annual pass for $65.00 which was good for almost all National Parks in NSW. Gates close at sunset.
This geocache has been approved by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and complies with their geocaching policy, meaning no swaps or swag. The container is a 2 litre sistema with a logbook and pen.
Other important information about the National Park is here:
- Park safety messages; and
- Fire, floods and park closure updates; and
- Park information pages.
Sorry, no dogs allowed on the Waratah Trail. Bicycles are permitted though!
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. A link to the website can be found here.