Totally Findable Tourist Caches
Welcome to Sydney
This series of geocaches is designed primarily with visitors to Sydney in mind who may have limited time and transport options and want a quick and easy find while out enjoying some sightseeing around this beautiful city.
All cache containers will be one of three types; a flat magnetic key case (MKC), a round film canister (FC or MFC for magnetic) or a fake rock (FR).
As always with city caching, the surrounding structures can affect GPS accuracy. If in doubt, use the hint however be mindful that the hint will indicate the type of container used and will be very specific to help you find the cache easily. If you want a challenge to find this cache and don't wish to know exactly where it's hidden, do not look at the hint.
At each location you’ll be given some information about the site you are visiting. I hope you find this information enlightening.
Enjoy!
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School Daze
Sussex St Public School Building
Image: Wikipedia Commons
The history of the 320-334 Sussex Street property in Sydney is primarily tied to its use as the former Sussex Street Public School, built in 1875. The building, designed by architect George Allen Mansfield in the Victorian Free Gothic style, is historically significant as one of the few surviving government schools from that era in Sydney's CBD, demonstrating the importance of Victorian-era education and the former residential makeup of the area.
Image: 4Rods
Later, the site was acquired by the Sydney Technical College and used in that capacity until 1990. Sydney Technical College was used for technical and vocational training, providing accessible higher education for Sydney's working population and supplying the technical skills needed for the city's industrial development. It offered a wide range of courses, from mechanical drawing to applied sciences and trades, and played a key role in training workers for various professions. Over time, it evolved into a major educational institution, contributing to fields like chemistry, engineering, and architecture, and also trained women and disadvantaged groups for specific employment opportunities.
Image: LinkedIn - Mission to Seafarers
After 1990, the property was sold to the Sydney Bethel Union. They turned it into the Flying Angel Seafarers House, run by The Mission to Seafarers. This provides comprehensive welfare services, including practical, emotional, and spiritual support to sailors in ports worldwide. Their work involves visiting ships, offering a place to relax at drop-in centres, providing amenities like phone and internet access, and assisting with transportation and emergency situations. They also offer pastoral care for mental health support, connect seafarers with their families, and advocate for them during times of hardship.
The old school building is now used for retail.
** Special thanks to 4Rods for bringing this historically significant site to my attention.