Geocache Description:
The cache is not hidden at the posted coordinate, you will need to solve the jigsaw to obtain the coordinates to GZ.
Engadine is situated on the Princes Highway between Loftus and Heathcote with the Royal National Park adjoining the eastern boundary along the Illawarra railway.
Large areas of the district known as Engadine today were originally part of an area reserved as National Park. Later, these were released and came under the name Heathcote.
Charles McAlister bought large tracts of of land here, and around 1890 erected the middle section of his home on Old Illawarra Road (now Woronora Road) and named it Sunbeam Cottage (later renamed Holmlea after the addition of two wings). The old home minus one wing still stands on the corner of Woronora Road and Fairview Avenue.
The McAlister's, on their return from a world tour, named their property The Engadine Estate after the Engadine District in Switzerland which reminded them of their own property.
McAlister subdivided part of his land and gradually families settled here. By 1912 there were at least nine families in residence.
Highlights of Engadine's History
1921 Preston's General Store opened which also was a post office, newsagent, butcher and baker.
1922 Mr A.Thomas's dairy commenced.
1932 Bower's Produce Store and Poultry Farm opened.
1934 Shoesmiths Bakery opened.
1938 Official switching on of electric light.
1939 Harrington's shale pit opened.
1941 Foundation stone laid for Boy's Town.
1946 Maternity Hospital on Princes Highway opened.
1947 Bus service and hire car service.
1948 Bank of NSW Agency opened.
1951 Two pharmacies opened.
1952 Dr Norma Nelson was Engadine's first residential doctor.
