About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked Series...a series probably familiar to anyone that has been caching in the United Kingdom. SideTracked Caches are intended to provide quick Cache-and-dashes at Train Stations...a distraction for the weary traveller. And of course, anyone else can go and find them too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
Stony Point Line
The Stony Point line is now a metropolitan extension of the Frankston suburban line in Melbourne’s south. It remains non electrified and passenger services are currently operated by diesel railcars. The railcars replaced locomotive hauled passenger services in April 2008. The long Island steel train still uses the track to a junction just short of Hastings, servicing the BHP mill.
The line was opened to Baxter in 1888 and through to Stony Point in 1889. There was a branch line from Baxter to Mornington that opened in 1889 and was closed in 1981. A branch to Bittern to Red Hill opened in 1921, and was closed in 1953. A spur line from the Flinders Naval Base (HMAS Cerberus) was connected to Crib point in 1914. This was closed in 1981. The line to the Long Island steel mill opened in 1969.
In 1981, the line beyond Long Island Junction was closed, however reopened in 1984 when passenger services were reinstated to Stony Point.
Stony Point Railway Station
Stony Point railway station is the terminus of the diesel-hauled Stony Point line in Victoria, Australia. It serves the town of Crib Point, and it opened on 17 December 1889.
In 1910, a turntable was provided at the station. By November 1960, it was out of use and, by March 1963, was abolished.
In 1976, a siding at the up end of the station was removed. The following year, in 1977, the goods yard was closed.
On 22 June 1981, the passenger service between Frankston and Stony Point was withdrawn and replaced with a bus service, with the line between Long Island Junction and Stony Point also closing on the same day. On 16 September 1984, promotional trips for the reopening of the line began and on 27 September of that year, the passenger service was reinstated.
A run-around loop exists to the north and west of the station, but has not been regularly used since locomotive hauled services ceased in April 2008.
Platforms and services
Stony Point has one platform. It is serviced by Metro Trains' Stony Point line services. Between April and September 2014, the platform length was severely reduced from around 150 metres to 80, as the extra length was no longer required as locomotives no longer needed to run around.
Platform 1:
- Stony Point line - all stations services to Frankston
Transport links
A jetty is located near the station, from which ferry services operate to Tankerton, on French Island, and Cowes, on Phillip Island.
The Cache
This cache is wheelchair accessible.
It is hidden close to the footpath.
It blends in with its surroundings.
Bibliography:
http://www.stationspast.net/victoria/stony-point-line/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stony_Point_railway_station
Photography: n0w0rries 20231113
Congratulations on ***FTF*** CeeJayDenno (That was quick!)