History:
The area in and around Quarry Branch Creek contains a large number of sandstone relics, which appear to be related to quarrying activities that took place over a long period of time. The list of relics is extensive and includes a number of heritage roads and bridges, a ford, several dams/weirs, stone walls and of course a number of quarries. In several instances, the relics have not been recognised or documented by recent heritage reports. All however, in one way or another, can be classed as engineering heritage, much of it from the colonial period. This cache has been placed near one such relic, being a sandstone weir. Whilst deteriorated somewhat, this weir is in amazing condition considering its likely age. Studying the landform in the vicinity of the weir, it appears the sandstone forming the structure may have been quarried from the surrounding creek banks. It is well worth taking some time to have a look at the weir. It’s coordinates have been listed below.
The region around Quarry Branch Creek was developed initially for agriculture and early subdivision maps mention 'orchard and farm blocks' and later 'residential sites'. It is highly likely that the nearby weir was used to irrigate surrounding orchards.
The Oakes Subdivision map, dated 1881, covered '650 acres Torrens title' and included eight lots around Quarry Branch Creek. The fact that the creek is called 'Quarry Branch Creek' on the Oakes Subdivision map suggests strongly that the quarrying activities were already well established in 1881, possibly by several quarrymen, including the pioneering Robert Henry Moxham, who arrived in Parramatta in 1836.
The Quarry Branch Creek gully is quite deep and rocky in places and along its length there are many rock overhangs and caves, which have strong Aboriginal associations and their own relics.
The Cache:
The cache should be relatively easy to find but may require a small amount of thinking to retrieve. No tools or aids are required to retrieve the cache. The outer container has all you need for extraction.
There are mosquitos in this area, so I recommend wearing appropriate protection.
Being my first cache placement, I would appreciate any feedback in regards to the coordinates and difficulty rating.