The area along the Parramatta River was explored by European settlers a mere 10 days after they arrived with the town of Parramatta having been established within 10 months. Many pioneering families were granted land in the area, one of the more notable being John Blaxland who built a house on his land and named it Newington House after the area he called home back in England. Eventually the land was resumed by the state government and in 1882, they decided to use this land for an armaments depot that was far enough away from the colony to avoid any problems in case of an explosion.
Newington Magazine was opened in 1897 and the two sandstone pillars are part of the gates forming the road entrance to the site (the bulk of transport came in via the river). The concrete footings leading from the gates mark where the original boundary fence once stood.
The cache is located on a newer piece of infrastructure rather than the old ones.
* Access to Newington Armory is available 7 days a week between 9am and 5pm, using the existing pedestrian gates.
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. Visit the association website here.