O'Keefe Rail Trail - ORT
This cache has been hidden as part of a rejuvination of the caches along the O'Keefe Rail Trail which were originally placed by Whits Wanderers and then ably cared for by Friends of the Trail and jtnsilo. This one is a replacement for GC49RN4 PPPT - 'Chain Link' which was archived back in 2022.
The Rail Trail now extends from Bendigo to Heathcote and includes excellent infrastructure and facilities. For more information and updates check out https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/okeefe-rail-trail.
Following is the description from the original cache, much of which still applies today.
This cache is part of the Pedal-Power Power Trail (PPPT)
You are looking for a 400ml clip lock container containing log, pencil and swaps. All hides are next to the trail and should be easy to find.
PPPT – ‘Chain link'
Background Information
This line was built in 1888 by Andrew O'Keefe to link Bendigo and Heathcote. From here the line continued to Heathcote Junction, near Wallan, on the North Eastern main line. The construction of Lake Eppalock in the 1950s meant the end of this lightly-trafficked branch line and it was completely closed by 1968.
A rail trail between Bendigo and Axedale was established in the late 1990s though like its former railway it was basic affair with rough surface and many low level crossings.
Features
• Relatively flat rail trail traversing box-ironbark and yellow gum woodland
• The gravel trail surface is now of a good standard and all low level crossings replaced with bridges. However the many spring loaded gates remain.
• Horses are only permitted east from around Longlea to Axedale.
• A major upgrade is currently underway including extension to Heathcote.
• BYO food and drinks are required.