This cache is NOT at the posted coordinates.
About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
Richmond-Kurrajong Railway
The first public rail line was established in NSW in 1855 when the service opened between Sydney and Parramatta. It was extended to Blacktown in 1860, then Penrith in 1863. The Hawkesbury campaigned from the 1850s for the line to extend to Richmond, but it wasn’t until 1862 that funding was set aside. The Governor of NSW, Sir John Young officially opened the line on 29 November 1864, with festivities continuing all day. From the 1880s, the government was lobbied to extend the line to Kurrajong. Despite a Parliamentary enquiry in 1891 declaring it impractical the issue remained. It was finally approved in 1919 as advantageous but not necessarily economically viable.
Pansy running along March Street near the School of Arts and corner of West Market Street in Richmond. Image courtesy of Hawkesbury Library Service: Image No. 005862
The route selected started at the Richmond Railway Station and cut across the south-east corner of Richmond Park, along March Street down towards the Hawkesbury River across North Richmond and up to Kurrajong. There was public outcry re loss of space in the park, but it still went ahead. The first sod for the line was turned in 1924 with the line officially opening to Kurrajong in 1926. There were several stations and sidings, including the Nepean Sand and Gravel Siding that was used to transport gravel.
The Z20-class steam locomotive that hauled the two carriages for passengers up the difficult grades to Kurrajong, was affectionately known as “The Pansy” and locals had fond memories of travelling on this service. Minimal freight was carried however on the weekends and public holidays, the service was very popular.
Following flood damage and landslides, the line officially closed in 1952. It was decided that repairs were not warranted, particularly as the line operated at a loss. Local residents were outraged with the decision. In the 1990s a group called TRAK investigated options of reopening the line as a tourist opportunity, but it was too complicated.
Pansy crossing the Hawkesbury River on the Richmond Bridge near North Richmond
Image courtesy of Hawkesbury Library Service: Image No. 007419
Finding the cache
This is a bonus physical cache for those who finish the REALLY SideTracked - Richmond-Kurrajong Railway Adventure Lab :
The cache is located at:
S 33 3D.ABC E150 3C.DFF
Did you know that NSW has a geocaching association? Geocaching NSW aims to enhance and improve the activity of geocaching and holds regular events where geocachers meet to enjoy their common interests. Visit the association website here.