About SideTracked Caches
This simple multi-cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking 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 Series website.
**Please Note**
At all times, for safety, you must remain behind the YELLOW LINE on the platform while searching for the information you need. According to the regulations, anyone entering a railway platform must have tapped on with their Opal or debit card, even if there is no barrier and they don't intend to board a train. After gathering the information for this cache, they can then tap off. That will reverse the transaction. Apparently, transport inspectors can and occasionally do check the Opal Cards of people on railway platforms.
Blaxland
Blaxland was originally named Wascoe after the family of John Outrim Wascoe who held a licence for the Pilgrim Inn. This however was not the original Pilgrim Inn, but a second Pilgrim Inn which was built in Blaxland. The original Pilgrim Inn was located at the junction of the three early roads - Cox's Road, Mitchell's Pass and Old Bathurst Road. The town's name was changed to Blaxland in 1914 after Gregory Blaxland - one of the famous explorers to first cross the Blue Mountains.
Blaxland, Blaxland East, Mount Riverview and Warrimoo share the postcode 2774. Total population was counted as 13,010 individuals, with 3,802 families according to Census 2021. Only 2.1% of them used public transportation for commuting. Rail passengers represented 1.4%, based on data collected on the Census Night, 10 August 2021.
Blaxland Station
Blaxland Railway Station is located on the Main Western line at 236 metre elevation. Opened on 11 July 1867 as Wascoes, being renamed Blaxland on 21 April 1879. In 1867 the railway line was extended from Penrith to Katoomba and a small timber platform was built near to the Pilgrim Inn for the benefit of holiday makers. The station was called Wascoe after the last Licensee of the Inn. This railway line came up on what is now the Great Western Highway from Glenbrook to Blaxland. The concrete island station and brick station building in existence now were erected in 1902 and are a little further west than the original station. The railway line deviation was built in 1914.
Daily and annual passenger usage were 591 and 215,890 respectively in 2023, according to Wikipedia. Local and railway replacement buses service this station, along with northside commuter car parks.
When the ticket office is open, you could visit the waiting room. Old photos, historical and local information and bushwalks are on display.
Did you know that many signal lights at platforms / tracksides are being phased out? Transport of NSW is rolling out the Digital Systems Program. Nothing here, thus no such waypoints here for you.
The Cache
The cache is not at the posted coordinates, but you need to go to the station to collect some information. On the platforms and across tracks (looking out).
Go to WP2, look for 2 blue signs. One has no letter. Add up 2 digits, thence add 2 to get A.
At WP3, how many Black & White triangles are visible on both sides? B is your sum.
Along the platforms, count the benches with "Blaxland" label. Subtract 1. This is C.
On the stanchion (WP4), what comes after SL? Make the 2 digits as DE.
Near the doorway of the Station Office (WP5), observe the grilled window.
How many glass panels per colour? Your number is F.
Cache can be found at S33 44.C(D-A)(D-E) E150 36.(B-E-E)(F-E)(D-C)
You can check your answer at GeoCheck.
Please bring your own writing stick to sign the log.
If you have not signed the log you have not officially found the cache,
Invalid logs can be deleted.
Well done to Graubunden for being the first finder.
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.