About SideTracked Caches
This geocache belongs to the SideTracked series that is popular in the UK and throughout the world. The first cache was placed on the 10th August, 2007, and is now spreading around the world. It is designed to be a relatively quick cache find around train stations for travellers but, of course, anyone else can find it too! More Information about the series can be found at the SideTracked Series
Please bring your own writing stick to sign the log and remember if you have not signed the log you have not officially found the cache.
Tramway Avenue
From 1883 to 1928 a tramway existed from Parramatta Park to Duck Creek mostly close to the river for passenger use and for the transport of freight from industrial companies which existed along the river. This enabled the transfer of goods to ferries for the remainder of the trip to Sydney. After 1928 until 1943 when it closed it was only used for freight. The tramway travelled along this street which was constructed and named Tramway Avenue for that line. Although the tramline was removed the name 'stuck'.
Today the area is a new residential hub with many multi storey buildings on both sides of the river.
Parramatta Light Rail
Work began on Stage 1 of the Western Sydney Light Rail project in 2019. It is a 2 way track and goes from Carlingford to Westmead via the Parramatta CBD. The route is 12km long and there are 16 stations. Along with the tramline there is an adjoining shared bike and pedestrian path beginning at Tramway Avenue and going 5.7km to Carlingford. This pathway is already open for use.
About Tramway Avenue Station
The station is just beyond two 90° turns on the western side. There are 2 side platforms with pleasant native landscaping. The station is only about 100m from the Parramatta River where the newly constructed Alfred Street Footbridge which was opened in October 2023 allows access across the river.
Heading east from the station the track crosses the new Bidgee Bridge which crosses above James Ruse Drive.
Currently testing, which began on the 15th March is underway on the Light Rail and passengers are expected to be using the system by mid 2024.