GC7BNP0 Platform 9 1/4? (Traditional Cache) in Queensland, Australia created by Arachnauts

This cache has been archived.

Jingeri: Unfortunately there has been no response (or regular update) from the owner within the time requested and as per the original note this geocache has now been archived. If you wish to replace it please submit a new listing via this link.

Jingeri

GC7BNP0 ▼

A cache by Arachnauts Message this owner

Hidden : 8/31/2017

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This platform won't get you to Hogwarts and in fact, won't even get you to the train any more.

The Tablelands line is a railway line between Cairns and Ravenshoe at the southern end of the Atherton Tablelands. It was opened in a series of sections between 1887 and 1916. The rail system served by this line was unusual for Queensland in that the majority of lines that connected to it were built by private companies and later purchased by the Queensland Government.

Although it received an offer for a private line to be built south of Mareeba, the government considered that to be prime agricultural land, and constructed the line itself, reaching Atherton in 1903. By the time the railway reached Herberton in 1910 the tin mining boom was long over, and the line was being built to facilitate development. Construction continued, reaching the timber milling town of Ravenshoe in 1916. The line used grades as steep as 1 in 33 (3%) and a tunnel at the summit to cross the Herberton Range and Tumoulin Railway Station, south of Herberton, was Queensland’s highest railway station at 965m.

The Queensland government also built a branch line from Tolga, the first section opening in 1910, and opening to Millaa Millaa in 1921, using grades of 1 in 44 (2.27%) and 5 chain (100m) radius curves. The line facilitated the transport of significant volumes of logs for sawmilling in its early years, but once all-weather roads were provided, traffic declined, although the grain silos at Kairi provide significant if seasonal loadings. An 18 km branch line from Peeramon (situated between Yungaburra and Malanda) south east to Boonjee was proposed in 1920 but never constructed.

The Atherton - Ravenshoe line closed in 1988, although here has been talk of resurrecting the line for tourism with a rail trail alongside for pedestrian and cycling access. The Atherton - Mareeba line closed in March 2013 with the rail trail being opened in sections to the public, currently reaching Walkamin. The last remnants of the Atherton Railway Station can be seen in this area, with the end of the shunting area visible behind the Barron Valley Hotel.

Thanks to Wikipedia for information on the region's rail history.

This cache is too small for swaps and is BYOP. The rail trail path and nearby bike skills park can get busy, so stealth is essential. Please take care accessing the cache and replace as found. Happy caching!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Yvxr gur cyngsbez va gur fgbel, jung lbh'er ybbxvat sbe znl or uvqqra evtug va sebag bs lbhe snpr.

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)

This cache has been archived.

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Platform 9 1/4? Traditional Cache

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