The cache is accessed by parking at Sam's Camp which is a little picnic area and is rarely used anymore. The forest roads are gravel tracks accessible by 2WD vehicles. Sams Camp is best accessed from the town of Wootton by turning west off Wootton Way (the old highway) onto Squires Road. Another option is to take Wang Wauk Forest Drive near O'Sullivan's Gap if travelling from the South.
The walk is a moderate walk through lush and mossy rainforest which starts just up the road from the picnic spot. We do not recommend this cache immediately after heavy rain as there are a couple of small creek crossings. In normal conditions you will not need to get your feet wet. We have also encountered many leeches along this walk and mosquitoes so insect repellent is highly recommended.
The cache site is approximately half way of the total length of the walk. You will be looking for an ammo can containing a few small swaps. Once at the cache site you can continue on further to the end of the walk at Wang Wauk Forest Drive. As the walk is one way you return to the parking spot the same way you came.
History of the Railway
The logging railway was operated in the forest between 1890 and 1944. Up until 1914 bullock teams would drag the timber to the railway lines where draught horses would then pull the carriages 30 km to Mayers Point. Steam locomotives were introduced to the line in 1914. The original railway line was sourced from disused line from Ireland but it proved too light and would buckle under the weight of the locomotives.
The timber which was logged was used in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Melbourne Dock's and for the Second World War effort. Some of the sleeper supplies were used in the construction of the Transcontinental Rail line across the Nullabor Plain and some were sent to Hong Kong and China.
A total of 5 locomotives were used on the line. The engine driver's day would start at 5am and often not finish until 9pm. Metre long lengths of wood were used as fuel for the engines. Overnight the drivers dampened wood and placed wet bags over the funnel to keep the fire alight until morning.
Information from Bulahdelah visitor centre