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, and your online log may be deleted.
Castle Hill
This area was first explored by Governor Phillip in April, 1791, by following Aboriginal trails from Parramatta.
The 3rd Government Farm was established nearby on the 8th July, 1801, and was mainly worked by convict labour. The first Free settler in the area was a Frenchman, Baron Verincourt De Clambe who was granted 200 acres. His very large house was referred to as "The Castle" because of his noble status as a Baron and it is thought this gave rise to the suburb becoming known as Castle Hill.
The area became established as market gardens and orchards supplying produce to the settlement of Sydney. Orchards were still found around the area until the mid 1970s.
Today Castle Hill is a thriving business district surrounded by a leafy residential suburb.
About Castle Hill Station
A steam tramway was extended from Parramatta to Castle Hill in 1910 carrying passengers and produce to and from the area. The fare was tuppence and the journey took 20 minutes. It was decided to convert the tramway into a railway to encourage opening of the area for residential use and this heavy rail conversion opened in 1923. Patronage was low so the line was closed in 1932.
In 2012 it was decided to build a Metro railway line out to the thriving residential area of the Hills District. Castle Hill again needed a railway station!
The new station is completely underground. The above ground entrance is designed to resemble eucalyptus leaves. This stage of the Metro opened on the 26th May, 2019 and is extremely well patronised.
To find this cache enter the station and look around to find the following information. Remember to tap on and off with your Opal card when you enter the station. Tapping off will reverse the transaction and there is no charge.
A = the number of seats on the platform
B = the number of stations from Castle Hill to Tallawong (look for route maps on the platform)
C = the total number of Opal access gates on the concourse to go down to the platform (don't forget the 'easy access' gates)
D = the number of escalators from the concourse to the platforms
E = the number stations from Castle Hill until you have crossed the harbour (hint Victoria Cross is the last station north of the harbour)
F = the number of double sided destination boards on the platform (only count the boards not the screens)
GZ can be found at S33° 43.ABC E151° 00.DEF
Check sum S = 36 E = 28