The National Trust has an excellent brochure “Tour of the Melbourne General Cemetery”, with details of a great many of the fascinating residents here. The various stages of this cache will take you to just a few of them, but we hope you will find the sample interesting. A self-guided tour can also be collected from the Melbourne General Cemetery Administration Office.
First Location S 37° 47.372, E 144° 57.791
Take Your Cue From Here.
He was regarded as the best ever seen in his field; world champion at 35, and so far ahead of the rest that the rules were changed. When did he pass away? (Date = ab/c/defg) Now go to the next location, but before you do, look across the road and notice the number of well known and influential political neighbours.
Second Location S 37° 47. (a-d) (e-d) f, E 144° 57. (e-d) b c
Eureka!
A famous leader, he was wounded defending his cause and later became a politician and Speaker in the Victorian Parliament. However, his family has a tragic history with four deaths in their Richmond home. He and his wife died of illness, their daughter committed suicide, as did his doctor son. Several of his early ‘enemies’ are also buried in this cemetery. When did he die? (Date = h/i/jklm). Proceed to the next point.
Third Location S 37° 47. i (2i) i, E 144° 57. k (k-j) (h-i)
Sole Survivor.
Not as well known as his two leaders, monuments to whom abound, this white wreath on its tall bluestone monument marks his resting place. Deceased when? (Date = no/p/qrst). Continue to the next place.
Fourth Location S 37° 47. t o (s+t), E 144° 57. (q+r) (n+o) t
Founding Father?
He was our first innkeeper, first newspaper proprietor, and a member of the Legislative Council. He is described here as the founder, but Batman might disagree. Some historians now say that George Evans should have the title, being the first to settle permanently. When did he die? (Date = u/v/wxyz) Carry on now to Location 5.
Fifth Location S 37° 47. (u-w) (w+y) (z-y), E 144° 57. x (x-w) (y-u)
A Premier Cross.
He was three times Premier of Victoria, greatly honoured, and a leader in his church. His monument is gigantic and reflects his heritage. In what years was he born (ABCD) and did he die (EFGH)? Quite close by, you will notice the grave of the grandparents and other relatives of Mary MacKillop. Now you can head off to find the next stop on the way to the cache.
Sixth Location S 37° 47. (B-H) A (C-E), E 144° 57. D (F-H) (G+C)
Federici’s Last Performance.
A singer and actor, he played Mephistopheles in the first production of “Faust” at the Princess Theatre. As he descended through a stage trap-door, he collapsed and died of a heart attack. Now the “Ghost of the Princess Theatre”, some well-known actors and others claim to have seen him there in full evening dress or to have felt his presence. When was his last performance? (Date = I/J/KLMN)
Seventh Location S 37° 47. (L-I) (J-K) (I-J), E 144° 57. (K+M) (M-N) (N-J)
For the Term of His Natural Life.
Best remembered for his most famous work, he worked at the Public Library, but did not get on with the trustees. Overlooked for the post of Chief Librarian, and with financial difficulties, he died later that year at the age of only 35 (this untimely death is symbolised by the broken column). He was a close friend of poet Adam Lindsay Gordon. When did he die? (Date = O/P/QRST)
Eighth Location S 37° 47. (P-O-Q) (O+T) (R÷O), E 144° 58. (Q-T) (R-S) T
Aye Aye, He Was The First.
Before taking up his highest office at the age of 75, he was Solicitor-General and Attorney-General for Victoria, a Member of the House of Representatives, and later Chief Justice of the High Court. When did he die? (Date = UU/V/WXYZ)
Ninth Location S 37° 47. (U+V) (X-V) Y, E 144° 58. (U-W) Z (X-Z-U)
Find the Cache.
There may be the occasional visitor or cemetery staff passing close by the cache site; if so, retrieving and replacing the cache undetected may require patience. Please ensure the cache is well hidden from casual observation again before you leave.
Have you visited the Geocaching Australia Forum?