From the 1860's to 1945 it was a professional observatory, and in its time most of the science for the fledgling colony was done here. From the 1940's public demonstrations of the night sky have taken place here, and continue to this day (despite Melbourne's weather).
Sometime the GPS readings will be a bit out due to the alignment of the building and satellites, but most clues are easily found (but not all!).
The cache is small (sistema clip top) and containing cards for first three to find. They are swappable for astronomical awards.
1. The Opening Gambit:
When did Melbourne Observatory open at this location? (abcd)
2. Get this Family out of the Main Building:
Turn around and find out when the Gate Lodge was constructed (efgh) and why.
3. The Eight Inch House:
S 37 (c-h)(f).(b)(g)(d) E 144 (c-a)(f-e).(b-d)(e)(a+e)
This Observatory was built for a Transit of Venus. (The original telescopes are still inside.) These occur twice in 122 years. An earlier transit saw a well known navigator sailing to Tahiti for observations. He sailed around the world to see it, did you go outside to see the one in 2004?
When was the first one in the 19th century? (ijkl)
4. Magnetic House:
S 37 (l)(f).(b)(g)(c-i) E 144 (i+l)(j).(d+h)(h)(k)
This small building is interesting for two reasons.
Firstly it was build (originally) with no iron nails, no metal guttering, no brass catches or door knob, nothing to affect the magnetic measurements; and secondly it is as large underground as it is above.
Since it has been refurbished, how many brass window catches are there? (m)
5. A large lump of concrete:
S 37 (l)(f).(j)(h)(k) E 144 (m)(b).(m)(d)(d)
Stand on the north side of the Obelisk and look to true north. The building has a long window that allows you can see right thought and out the other side. This used to hold one of the sites two transit telescopes. Around the obelisk was a small shed (where the bluestone is now) with a window near the top.
The obelisk was used to align the telescope. When was the obelisk erected? (nopq)
Hint: The answer is not on the glass sign.
6. The Astronomer's Residence:
S 37 (m-a)(n+o).(o)(i)(d) E 144 (q)(p).(m)(l)(k)
The few head Astronomers that ran this observatory lived in this house. It is now offices with a lot of the original fitting removed. Something that is still original are the windows. The top half of each window has green and yellow panes. how many in each window? (r)
This is very close to the start of a interesting cache - Woozle Hunt V1.2 (GC4756). If you have some time, I would recommend it.
7. Past the Neutrino:
S 37 (r)(m+r).(k)(k)(d) E 144 (r+e)(p).(q)(d)(h)
Inside the dome is a twelve inch telescope that is now used for demonstrations at night, but it used to hold a larger telescope. This telescope was used for a world wide project to photograph the heavens.
When was this building constructed? (stuv)
Hint: not all information is on the glass.
This would be a good time to stop for a quick Cafe Late (and maybe a bite to eat).
8. A Second Transit Slit:
S 37 (r)(v).(k)(k)(g) E 144 (q)(t).(q)(h)(l)
The GPS does not like this small courtyard as there is access to too few satellites.
However, look up the transit slit. How many circles are there along the roof line right of the slit? (w)
9. The Great Melbourne Telescope or a Old Garden Shed Down the Back?:
S 37 (r)(f).(k)(h)(f) E 144 (q)(j).(m)(g)(m)
This locations has a new sign proclaiming "No Public Access". It is only a car park. If you wish to observe the sign the information can be gleamed from the gate (S 37 49.766 E 144 58.512). The Great Melbourne Telescope used to be housed in this "A" frame roofed building. To expose the telescope you opened the doors in the south end of the "A" and rolled the roof south over the building behind it. The wheels are housed in small "A"'s facing East (and West), how many wheels on the east side? (x)
10. Finally:
S 37 (x)(v).(k)(x-1)(t) E 144 (w-s)(p).(x)(b-a)(g)
Do not walk on any gardens. The cache can be accessed with no damage to the garden beds. It is a 200ml clip-top container (only small swaps).