City animals: Queen's pet Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
By
The Spindoctors on 03-Jan-11. Waypoint GA3040
Cache Details
| Difficulty: | |
| Terrain: | |
| Type: | Virtual |
| Container: | Virtual |
| Coordinates: | S33° 52.361' E151° 12.404' (WGS 84) |
| 56H 334138E 6250513N (UTM) | |
| Elevation: | 25 m |
| Local Government Area: | Sydney |
/151.206733,-33.872683,14/400x200?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiY2F1Z2h0YXR3b3JrIiwiYSI6ImNqa2l4ZzNzMDE5bjgzdm1sZGpuODF1Mm0ifQ.q8YMzVyzDJJlJHHV8EMjwQ)
Description
A cute little terrier with strange voice
Islay was a pet to Queen Victoria during the early years of her reign. The dog was most likely named after the Scottish island, which means the 'Jewel of the Hebrides'. It would seem quite appropriate given his was a Skye terrior.
According to the plaque behind the statue:
Islay was a favourite pet of Queen Victoria; whenever he saw his royal mistress, he would sit up and beg for a biscuit. He was often sketched and painted by both Queen Victoria and Sir Edwin Landseer, he painting master.
The statue sits on top of a wishing well. Money collected by the wishing well is donated to The Royal NSW Institute for Deaf & Blind Children.
To log this find you must email The Spindoctors with your answers to the following questions. Include a photo of Islay with or without you in the picture with your log.
- The statue is based on a drawing by Queen Victoria from what year?
- There are a number of proverbs surrounding the statues. In how many languages do they appear?
- Finally, what should you touch before casting your coin in the well and making a wish?
Good luck.
Logs
Nothing like a weekend in Sydney.
Nice to pop past here again.
Enjoyed the reading.
Miss the podcasts.
TFTV
Nice to pop past here again.
Enjoyed the reading.
Miss the podcasts.
TFTV
Rated: for Overall Experience
Down in Sydney City to see the Phantom of the Opera for our 10th anniversary and we (mostly Dad) couldn't resist the urge to grab some virtual caches on the way.
Came put of the QVB feeling a bit outclassed out found this little doggies and took a snap. A bit a shock when we turned our back and it started talking at us!
Thanks for the virtual cache
Came put of the QVB feeling a bit outclassed out found this little doggies and took a snap. A bit a shock when we turned our back and it started talking at us!
Thanks for the virtual cache
Cuuuute doggy! Like so many other geocaching things, I have been past and into the QVB and surrounds SO many times, but never had too close a look at this dog and monument. I was quite amazed to see what the 'item' is that you touch before making a wish! I didn't kiss it though 
Answers sent to CO's GC.com account, although I'm not sure if the CO still caches...
Answers sent to CO's GC.com account, although I'm not sure if the CO still caches...Rated: for Overall Experience
Found amongst some soapboxing evangelists in the crowds today as walked back to the hotel.... Thanks, this was a cool virtual.... answers sent....
Rated: for Overall Experience
I've been aware of this cache for some 10 years, but had never really stopped by on the assumption I'd already logged it!
I've been aware of this cache for some 10 years, but had never really stopped by on the assumption I'd already logged it!
In Sydney on a business trip (a very scary one; I was having my capability assessed!) and I decided to de-stress with some geocaching. I'm very familiar with this statue as it stands outside my absolute favourite building in Sydney. TFTC Spindoctors
We were in Sydney for the weekend and taking a stroll around to pick up a few caches.
We actually walked right under the statue in the underground shops and it wasn't until I emerged at the Myer end of the QVB that I found that I had to walk all the way back to find the statue.
I searched around to find the information and the dog gave me a few messages but not the answers that I wanted so I had to excuse myself to a couple of muggles so that I could get close enough to photograph the required information for later recall.
Thanks for showing me this interesting spot.
We actually walked right under the statue in the underground shops and it wasn't until I emerged at the Myer end of the QVB that I found that I had to walk all the way back to find the statue.
I searched around to find the information and the dog gave me a few messages but not the answers that I wanted so I had to excuse myself to a couple of muggles so that I could get close enough to photograph the required information for later recall.
Thanks for showing me this interesting spot.
Answers emailed to CO.
never noticed this little statue before - thanks for making me stop here.
never noticed this little statue before - thanks for making me stop here.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Logging a little prematurely as I'm awaiting response from the spindoctors as to if I got the right answers (I will remove the log if I don't), but I figure if I don't do it now I'm going to forget to log later. At least I'll forget the details.
Went to vivid with the family and after finally getting away from the crush of people at circular Quay we walked back down George Street to our Hotel. Got to town hall a figured there must be a cache around here somewhere. Sure enough there was so I ducked off to get the answers. It was dark so it was difficults getting some of them, and the camera was having difficulty getting photos of the answers so I could submit them later. Eventually after a fright from the statue talking to me unexpectedly while leaning over to read one of the plaques I had my answers and I was rushing to catch up to everyone again.
TFTC Spindoctors
Went to vivid with the family and after finally getting away from the crush of people at circular Quay we walked back down George Street to our Hotel. Got to town hall a figured there must be a cache around here somewhere. Sure enough there was so I ducked off to get the answers. It was dark so it was difficults getting some of them, and the camera was having difficulty getting photos of the answers so I could submit them later. Eventually after a fright from the statue talking to me unexpectedly while leaning over to read one of the plaques I had my answers and I was rushing to catch up to everyone again.
TFTC Spindoctors
Visited the pup while on a city visit, but not before passing the "Grandmothers against children in detention" chanting in front of the dog's mistress. Many tourists were also taking a look but not so many donations.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Another one of several GCA virtual caches found whilst walking around the city today. An interesting spot that we've passed by many times before but rarely stopped to look at. TFTC!
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan
While walking from Central to Circular Quay I came to this sculpture. I got there to have someone sitting on the well playing celtic music. It was rather appropriate and while I was working out the answers a young girl came up and put a coin in the well. Thanks for bringing me here
Rated: for Overall Experience
Have sent email to CO. Quite busy at statue today , school holidays so lots of visitors. Not into dogs but this is quite an interesting statue
Rated: for Overall Experience
I can say a lot about these kind of dogs. That I don't like them (very much , that my aunt had two of them, that a dutch comedian called them [NSFW removed]s. Either way, I'm glad this one is made from a metal and that it is collecting money for charity.
While I was there they were cleaning the fountain, so the man who was doing the job was curious on why I was trying to figure out all these things while he was standing there busying a hose...
, that my aunt had two of them, that a dutch comedian called them [NSFW removed]s. Either way, I'm glad this one is made from a metal and that it is collecting money for charity.While I was there they were cleaning the fountain, so the man who was doing the job was curious on why I was trying to figure out all these things while he was standing there busying a hose...
Rated: for Overall Experience
Interesting sculpture. We must have set it off at least 10 times while we were there. TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
I was looking for the information, when the dog started talking to me, telling me how clever he was, and about the wishing well. This was to the sound of the bagpipes being played behind me mind you. Anyway, I collected the info, and was on my way.
Thanks Spindoctors!
Thanks Spindoctors!
#GA158 - 14:00; My meanderings around Sydney were nearing an end when I happened to be passing this cache on the way to meet up with the geohoney for the trip home. I have passed this little statue numerous times and hadn't stopped to have a closer look and learn a little more history in the process. A worthwhile project if I do say so too. An email to the CO gained a quick response and a green light. TFTC The Spindoctors 
Rated: for Overall Experience
We had just arrived in Sydney and had some time to spare before heading to church. After checking out the nearby GC.com cache we stopped off to see Queen Victoria and her dog. This is always a popular stop when visiting Sydney. Mrs THR was shocked when the dog talked but then found him cute. This was a cute virtual. Answers sent to the CO. TFTV The Spindoctors.
Rated: for Overall Experience
a lovely fountain, read about Islay and tossed in our donation
thankyou, woof woof
thankyou, woof woof
Rated: for Overall Experience
This was my last find before heading off to brekky and then, uggh, work. What an interesting spot and I enjoyed the way it 'speaks' to you to let you know what to do.
It's amazing to see this one hasn't been logged for well over a year. Hopefully I'm back again soon so I can follow the 'virtual' trail around town.
FWIW, I reckon virtuals have a place in the game for this reason; thank goodness Geocaching Australia still allow them.
Many thanks The Spindoctors.
(Logged with permission.)
It's amazing to see this one hasn't been logged for well over a year. Hopefully I'm back again soon so I can follow the 'virtual' trail around town.
FWIW, I reckon virtuals have a place in the game for this reason; thank goodness Geocaching Australia still allow them.
Many thanks The Spindoctors.
(Logged with permission.)
Rated: for Overall Experience
WanderingAus wandered by on the way from Circular Quay to Paddy's Markets after sending off the in-laws on a three day cruise. The WanderingMrs detoured to take a photo of the QVB Christmas Tree, and on the way I took the opportunity to snap this virtual.
T4TV The Spindoctors
Keith
T4TV The Spindoctors
Keith
Rated: for Overall Experience
Another trip into town for work, but not needing any tools or anything I just caught the train to save money on parking. Walked back from Centrepoint where I was down past the QVB back to Town Hall station. Have walked past this plenty of times before when I worked nearby years back, getting a photo with all the tourists around isn't the easiest. Thanks Darren.
Found with my boy Zalgar, who sent in the answers and got permission to log He is useful sometimes. Another cute city pet crossed off!
Sorry, Im so far behind with my logs!
TFTC! Zhaomin from China
He is useful sometimes. Another cute city pet crossed off!Sorry, Im so far behind with my logs!
TFTC! Zhaomin from China
Rated: for Overall Experience
Logging with the Doctors Permission!
Zhaoy and I had an appointment with the Skin Doc (
) in the city today. All is well, my half ginger youth spent in the sun not biting back yet. As it was across the road I couldnt ignore Islay any longer, so we went to pay a visit.
Got the info and Zhaoy says the Chinese at least is very well translated. No Lawsy today and the well is dry for repairs but Islay was happy to see us anyway. Did some shopping and Munzing in town then headed home.
Only one or two of these to go I think! Cheers SpinDocs!
Zhaoy and I had an appointment with the Skin Doc (
) in the city today. All is well, my half ginger youth spent in the sun not biting back yet. As it was across the road I couldnt ignore Islay any longer, so we went to pay a visit. Got the info and Zhaoy says the Chinese at least is very well translated. No Lawsy today and the well is dry for repairs but Islay was happy to see us anyway. Did some shopping and Munzing in town then headed home.
Only one or two of these to go I think!
Cheers SpinDocs!Rated: for Overall Experience
I had always thought of this wishing well as the John Laws wishing well (due to the voice) so it is VERY nice to now be able to think of it as Islay's wishing well
I had a bit of trouble reading the engraved writings in the flat morning light (and with my eyes too I suspect!) but managed to get at just the right angle to see.
Thanks spindoctors for another addition to my marathon event for the GeosportZ
I had a bit of trouble reading the engraved writings in the flat morning light (and with my eyes too I suspect!) but managed to get at just the right angle to see.
Thanks spindoctors for another addition to my marathon event for the GeosportZ
A city event on Tuesday evening took me very close to GZ, so I just had to go looking for this cute little dog even in the rain and the encroaching darkness.
And he's still there, sitting up and begging quite near the huge statue of his mistress! And the voice of John Laws survives as well, sounding out over the many tourists, who snap Islay's photo at regular intervals.
I only wish I'd had time available to go and track down the other GCA 'virtual' animals around the CBD. Perhaps on another occasion . . .
Many thanks to the Spindoctors!
And he's still there, sitting up and begging quite near the huge statue of his mistress! And the voice of John Laws survives as well, sounding out over the many tourists, who snap Islay's photo at regular intervals.
I only wish I'd had time available to go and track down the other GCA 'virtual' animals around the CBD. Perhaps on another occasion . . .
Many thanks to the Spindoctors!
Rated: for Overall Experience
I briefly tried to get close to this one a few weeks ago, but it was dark (and therefore hard to read the plaques), and some chugger was bugging me, so I gave up. This morning the coast was clear, and I was able to appreciate this statue, as well as get the information for the virtual. I am glad I only had to touch rather than kiss the , as when my wife kissed the real one she got sick for a week!
TFTC
(Logged with the permission of the CO)
TFTC
(Logged with the permission of the CO)
Logged with Permission from CO
Was attempting the nearby munzee but couldn't find it and got muggled out. Moved to this nearby incomplete virtual- this time i had the description on my new phone
Photo attached
Thanks
Was attempting the nearby munzee but couldn't find it and got muggled out. Moved to this nearby incomplete virtual- this time i had the description on my new phone
Photo attached
Thanks
Rated: for Overall Experience
GCA 458 - 4841. Visited a number of mainly Virtuals and Trigs during some spare time in Sydney over a two day period.
One which I have seen and read about before. There are always people here taking photos ! Thanks to The Spindoctors for bringing me here!!
TFTC !!
One which I have seen and read about before. There are always people here taking photos ! Thanks to The Spindoctors for bringing me here!!
TFTC !!
Rated: for Overall Experience
While in the city for a course, I stumbled upon this little GCA cache. Walked over in the moring and checked it out. Read the plaques and took some notes and then took a nice picture of said statue. Sent off the answers and got the OK to log. I have seen this little guy sooo many times over the years, good to finally put a cache to the name Thanx!
Thanx!Rated: for Overall Experience
Returned at lunch today to find the wishing well without hoardings in all its glory! A great little monument and one I must have passed hundreds of times without noticing at all.
Logged with permission from the CO.
TFTC
Logged with permission from the CO.
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
I had to be in the City today and with a little bit of time on my hands decided to have another go at this nice cache since last time I was there it was boarded up.
Interesting piece of historical trivia and a lovely statue.
Thanks for the nice cache, can't wait for more in the series.
Interesting piece of historical trivia and a lovely statue.
Thanks for the nice cache, can't wait for more in the series.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Months ago I came past this statue, got a friend to take my photo with Islay & wrote the answers down. But when I got home, I couldn't find what I'd done with the answers & couldn't remember one of them. It's taken me this long to get back here to get the answers again.
Thanks Spindoctors .
Thanks Spindoctors
.
Hmmmm. Walked by here on Monday and there was no sign of work. Hopefully it will be for a short amount of time.
I was going to do this cache that has been on my radar for some time, however when I got there I was confronted by a massive hoarding around GZ. It seems that work is being done on the site, well not today, it was all locked and no sign of any work being carried out. There is no indication as to how long it will be before the hoarding is removed or as to what is going on. it may be a good idea for the CO to disable this one until the work is finished and checked to see if the clues are still there!
Anyone else thinking "cash for comment" when Islay offers to speak if you give him money? 
Thanks for the cache.
Thanks for the cache.
A great series of caches and I have enjoyed exploring some familiar spots seeking them out.
Thanks for a great series The Spindoctors
Thanks for a great series The Spindoctors
Rated: for Overall Experience
The one thing I have not missed when away from Sydney is "that" voice.
A great series of caches and Just a cacher and myself have enjoyed them.
Thanks for a great series The Spindoctors
A great series of caches and Just a cacher and myself have enjoyed them.
Thanks for a great series The Spindoctors
Rated: for Overall Experience
Yikes, that voice was disconcerning.
A nice little stop on the start of a day in the city.
A nice little stop on the start of a day in the city.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I have been planning to grab a smiley for this for ages, but never seem to have the right chance - but today was the right time, so I detaoured mid-route and got the required info,
A great little pup with good history, thanks.
A great little pup with good history, thanks.
An interesting find when I decided to go out for a late night walk during an overnight work trip to Sydney. An interesting spot that I probably wouldn't have otherwise visited.
TFTC
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
I found Islay while wandering around the city late at night, after coming back from a caching expedition in Meadowbank. I don't know how many times I have wandered passed this spot on many visits to Sydney and not even noticed him sitting? here.
He even tells a good story and rewarded me for my contribution to the wishing well. Thanks Spindoctors for another great city animal.
He even tells a good story and rewarded me for my contribution to the wishing well. Thanks Spindoctors for another great city animal.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Seen this little dog many times over the years, and heard him too, but I don't think I had ever stopped to read the information. Well, thanks to this cache, now I have. TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
Good fun, couldn't seem to shut the dog up for some weird reason, ahah!
TFTC
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
This was really interesting, and I'm awestruck that I can't even begin to count the amount of times I've walked past this and never realised this little pooch was here. Not a very observant geocacher am I?
I learnt a lot and quite a few tourists had also stopped to read the inscription.
Thanks for another informative cache. How do you you find these things?
Photo soon when I download it from the camera.
I learnt a lot and quite a few tourists had also stopped to read the inscription.
Thanks for another informative cache. How do you you find these things?
Photo soon when I download it from the camera.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I vaguely knew two of the three answers already so I must have stopped and investigated it all in the past, but I don't actually remember doing it. The voice of Islay is a bit of a surprise, particularly when you work out who it is.
I had great fun discovering the surrrounding building and the dog statue as well. However for the last bit the fun was spoiled a bit by a street artist taking the spot right in front of the statue!
TFTC Wilbert67
TFTC Wilbert67
Rated: for Overall Experience
