*** 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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Underwood Ark
Image: Michael McIntyre
In literary circles, trees are often powerful symbols of perseverance, hope, beauty and wisdom.
In a CBD laneway, a tree has been tipped on its side and suspended 10 metres above ground as a tangible connection to Sydney's Indigenous and Colonial past.
The mature eucalypt, a Blackbutt (Eucalyptus Pilularis), with massive root ball attached has been trucked and craned into the city from a south coast timber yard, part of a unique collaboration between the National Art School and a local property developer.
The trunk is attached by cable and bracket to three land bridges. At one end the branches sit and at the other the root ball, conveying a sense of awe in nature among the soaring office towers.
Underwood Ark, is the work of visual artist and National Art School graduate Michael McIntyre, who was selected from a group of four student artists to develop an art installation that would enliven Underwood Street.
The artist said his simple and poetic aim was to trigger reflection about the past, remind pedestrians of the natural landscape and connect with the cove's Indigenous guardians.
Image: Sydney Nimble Tours
"It is a pretty unremarkable laneway but has a really remarkable history," Mr McIntyre said.
"Through the years since British settlement, the area has been a centre for ship building, commerce and trade but the image of the stream (Sydney's first water supply, known as The Tank Stream) flowing through the site prior to the First Fleet's arrival was the strongest and most resounding: a pristine landscape full of trees, grasslands, mangroves, birds, animals and home to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. The tree emerged as a possible symbol for all this."
The Tank Stream - Early Sydney
Image: Pocket Guide to Sydney
The tree was selected by the artist for its strength, height and straight growing habit from a forest in Tomerong, three hours south of Sydney.
The tree was cut and stripped of its bark and leaves and the root ball cleaned and sculpted. As it ages and weathers, the Blackbutt will develop a silvery grey colour.
The Underwood Ark is a "symbolic vessel that carries the history of this particular place, floating down the once existing stream," Mr McIntyre said. "Laying on its side, the tree becomes a boat, an ark floating down Underwood Street."
Source: Linda Morris - Arts Writer at The Sydney Morning Herald
To watch a YouTube video about the Underwood Ark tree, click on the following link...
Underwood Ark
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