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).
As always with city caching, the surrounding structures can affect GPS accuracy. If in doubt, use the hint however be mindful that 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. I hope you find this information enlightening.
Enjoy!
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Welcome to Taronga Zoo
Over 100 years ago, the first zoo in Sydney was located on the other side of the harbour in Moore Park, not far from the Sydney Cricket Ground.
In 1916, a new zoo was to open in the leafy suburb of Mosman. But, how do you move a zoo? Most of the animals were able to be packed in crates and transported through Sydney’s streets to their new home. The early morning serenity of city dwellers was disturbed by the “mournful yells of hyenas, angry roars from lions and tigers” and “wild beasts confined to cages”.
One big question remained, how to transport the zoo’s elephant named Jessie? In the end, as Jessie was such a docile creature, it was decided to walk her from Moore Park to Bennelong Point, (where the Opera House now stands), a distance of approximately 5km. Jessie would then be loaded onto a barge for the short trip across the harbour. Ropes and pulleys were the best way to get the elephant off the barge and into the new enclosure.
The zoo finally opened its doors to the public on the 7th October, 1916.
One of the highlights of the time was the chance to go for a ride on an elephant with people queueing for hours to have the opportunity. Of course, this is a sight you just wouldn’t see in our modern day.
"Taronga" is an Aboriginal word meaning "beautiful view" and the giraffes certainly have that!!!!
Images: Taronga Zoo and Rick Stevens