Solomonfamily’s first cache is located in Birrarrung Park on the
banks of the Yarra River in Bulleen. It is our first contribution
to our new hobby; this hobby that at least one member would call an
obsession. It is also a thank you to you the community for the fun
we have had up until now.
Located in the Birrarrung Park you will find sealed walking
paths with plenty of benches and places to relax.
Activities such as blading, bike riding, running etc…. are
encouraged. There are also plenty of opportunities to hide
caches.
For the geokids there is a playground with adjoining picnic
tables, a picnic shelter and wood barbecues (with wood provided).
There is a toilet block with facilities for the disabled and baby
changing.
About the Park
The name “Birrarrung Park” was derived from an Aboriginal name for
the Yarra River “Bay-ray-rung” meaning “River of Mists”. Stone
chips, flakes and an axe head have been found in the park, and they
are indications that the area was part of an Aboriginal pathway.
Residential and industrial development did not occur in the river
valley, mainly because of the threat of flooding. When placing the
cache I kept this in mind. The predominant land use was small scale
cattle grazing and horse agistment. The park has been developed
since 1979 and was opened to the public in 1984.
The park attracts over 120 different species of birds, including a
number of rare species such as the white throated needle tail and
Latham's snipe. Other inhabitants include eight species of native
mammals, five species of reptiles, eight species of frogs and a
variety of fish and now one traditional geocache. Dogs are
permitted in the park, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
All native plants and animals are protected.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get there is via car; Birrarrung Park is
located on Templestowe Road in Bulleen. Alternatively, there is a
bus stop near the park on Templestowe Road – buses are operated by
National Buses on route 283. This route is a loop from Doncaster
Shoppingtown.
The park carpark is open every day from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. There
is 24 hour pedestrian access and parking outside the boom gate.
In short we found Birrarrung Park to be an amazing place, with
many caching opportunities.
More park information: I copied a lot of information from Parks
Victoria, they have a data sheet and map that can be downloaded
from: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_0292.pdf
The Cache:
It is a true Tupperware 1.2Ltr container styled on a container
design from the 1970’s, Initially containing; Brooch, USB mobile
phone charger, tie pen, tassie rubber, wireless pcmcia card, number
plate, US navy pocket knife, Susan from Lion Witch and Wardrobe and
TB Phone Home Asimon
Extra Points
For those taking the time to explore the park, here are a few extra
challengers. Email me the answers to the following questions
(please do not include in the log);
1.In what year did children contribute to eating shelter near the
playground?
2. Athlete Wal Sheppard used this park a lot – what year did he
die?
3. What is the maximum speed for bike riding in the park?
4. How long is the Birrarrung circuit walk?
5. Parks Victoria lists fishing as activity to do in the park – add
to your log a WP with your recommended fishing location.
6. Etched in brick at the base of the main information display
board commemorates what event in Victoria’s history?
And of course the nearby cache
"The colour of milo" by Alan-san