*** A reminder, particularly to new geocachers, that in order to claim an online find, you must retrieve the physical cache container and sign the logbook within it. Please make sure you have a pen/pencil with you. This is a fundamental rule of geocaching.
Totally Findable Tourist Caches
Welcome to Sydney
This series of geocaches is designed primarily with visitors to Sydney in mind who may have limited time and transport options and want a quick and easy find while out enjoying some sightseeing around this beautiful city.
All cache containers will be one of three types; a flat magnetic key case (MKC), a round film canister (FC or MFC for magnetic) or a fake rock (FR).
The hint will indicate the type of container used and will be very specific to help you find the cache easily. If you want a challenge to find this cache and don't wish to know exactly where it's hidden, do not look at the hint.
At each location you’ll be given some information about the site you are visiting.
Enjoy!
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Hyde Park Racecourse
The first official horse race in Sydney was run in Hyde Park in mid-October 1810, just two weeks after the park was formally created by Governor Macquarie. The track had been established by the officers of the 73rd Regiment, with the idea of improving the breed of horse available to the military.
The first 'meet' was a three day event, with prizes including a silver cup valued at 50 guineas and a purse of 50 guineas for the two principals in the race. A grandstand was erected near the winning post, at the top of what is now Market Street, with the course running in a clockwise direction towards Macquarie Street, along College, around Liverpool and returning along Elizabeth Street to the post. The clockwise direction was chosen to accommodate the topography of the site, but was then maintained as a standard on New South Wales racecourses.
The Hyde Park course was in regular use until 1814 when the regiment was transferred from the colony, after which races were run intermittently without official endorsement until 1819. In 1819 the Hyde Park track was reopened, with races being held here until 1821, when the newly-arrived Governor, Thomas Brisbane, placed a ban on official racing, in an attempt to wind back what were perceived as the excesses of the Macquarie era. Despite the ban, there was at least one more race on the Hyde Park track in 1825, after which it was discontinued.
Source: Dictionary of Sydney
Early Hyde Park
Corner of Elizabeth St and Liverpool St where Museum Station is located today. These streets were part of the original race track.
Image: Wikimedia Commons