B&W (V) Mechanic's Institute Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
By
Geocaching Australia on 20-Aug-10. Waypoint GA2318
Cache Details
| Difficulty: | |
| Terrain: | |
| Type: | Burke and Wills |
| Container: | Virtual |
| Coordinates: | S37° 48.909' E144° 58.046' (WGS 84) |
| 55H 321089E 5812748N (UTM) | |
| Elevation: | 13 m |
| Local Government Area: | Melbourne |
/144.967436,-37.815148,14/400x200?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiY2F1Z2h0YXR3b3JrIiwiYSI6ImNqa2l4ZzNzMDE5bjgzdm1sZGpuODF1Mm0ifQ.q8YMzVyzDJJlJHHV8EMjwQ)
Description
This is a special Burke & Wills cache listed on Geocaching Australia.
This cache requires you to visit a Burke & Wills historical location and take a photo as described along with your GPS receiver and if possible yourself in the picture. Once you have logged this cache as a find, you are required to load your picture to your log to validate your find.
Validating Your Log
Take a picture of your GPS receiver and if possible yourself in front of the theatre and attach it to your online log.
Important Information
The Burke Wills Historical Society notes: "The actual route Burke and Wills followed once they left Camp 78 is unknown and one of the most intensely debated issues. Wills' map and some of his journals containing astronomical observations have been lost. Because the journals have never been transcribed, it means the expedition's track north of the Diamantina, through the gibber rises, confused sand dunes and extensive claypans, is a matter for conjecture."
Travel in Outback Australia can be extremely hazardous. Plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice on what precautions to take. Be aware of private property restrictions. Do not risk your life to log this geocache.
About This Location
When Dr David Wilkie of the Royal Society (then called the Philosophical Institute) came up with the notion of a Victorian Exploring Expedition in 1857, a committee of esteemed persons met regularly here at the Mechanic's Institute on Collins Street - today it's the Athenaeum. They weighed several options but settled on an ambitious push northward by land, with the aid of camels.
In 1858, wealthy local merchant Ambrose Kyte anonymously offered £1,000 to finance a fresh expedition if another £2,000 could be raised through donations. The offer was seized upon and George Landells was sent to India to buy camels for the campaign.
Construction of this building was completed in 1842, when city council began meeting here. The Mechanic's Institute became the Athenaeum in 1873, at first serving primarily as a library but in '96 hosting Australia's first movie screening.
Additonal Information
Source: Paul Dorsey Used with Permission
Logs
My early morning walk took me to another swag of GCA virtuals today, in the rain! Almost missed this, the GPS fails to show these sometimes?
Lucky I got the photo for the history cache!
Lucky I got the photo for the history cache!
Rated: for Overall Experience
In Melbourne for a meeting but my room was not ready so I filled in time getting a few history caches. This was on my list. 
Rated: for Overall Experience
out and about with 1 Rafa caching in Melbourne, watching the tennis, Thanks for the GCA cache GA. more great buildings with history.
Rated: for Overall Experience
After going to the event nearby this afternoon and then doing the two nearby GC virtual caches I was heading back to the motel via some of these Burke and Wills caches.
By the time I got here I was extremely tired so decided to make this the last one for today and get on the nearest tram back to where I was staying.
Thanks Geocaching Australia for the cache.
By the time I got here I was extremely tired so decided to make this the last one for today and get on the nearest tram back to where I was staying.
Thanks Geocaching Australia for the cache.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Grabbed a selfie while in the area while the wife got ready. Thank you for the cache and history lesson.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Wandering the streets, grabbing the New GC virtual and I was grabbing the GCA ones along the way.
Took my photo and kept heading towards the end goal.
Took my photo and kept heading towards the end goal.
Now the Atheneum well - father was a member here and I celebrated my 21st here. Didn't know of the B&W link though
I didn't realise there was another Burke and Wills one here, it was hidden behind the at the Athaneum building history virtual. But since I was here I might as well do both.
How hard it would've been, to sit in this building back then, and decide whether or not to spend good money on buying some camels, not knowing how they would fare in this country, and send them out on a journey in the hope that they would reach the far end of Australia, ferrying explorers and their supplies.
As a kid learning history you looked at things a lot differently to what you do now. Reading this again brings it all back to life.
Really enjoying the series, looking forward to finding the next one.
How hard it would've been, to sit in this building back then, and decide whether or not to spend good money on buying some camels, not knowing how they would fare in this country, and send them out on a journey in the hope that they would reach the far end of Australia, ferrying explorers and their supplies.
As a kid learning history you looked at things a lot differently to what you do now. Reading this again brings it all back to life.
Really enjoying the series, looking forward to finding the next one.
Rated: for Overall Experience
On the Burke & Wills trail around Melbourne city today. Another one ticked off the list , just near another History Market Cache so I nearly missed this one.
This would probably have been better tackled from across the street where I could get I good shot of the whole building... But couldn't be bothered crossing the road again! Took a pic that includes the history plaque that says 'Athaneum Theatre' instead. That's still technically the theatre wall in the background!
Hi Geocaching Australia
Was looking through some old photographs of past trips to Melbourne this morning and came across a picture taken from the co-ordinates of this cache. We were actually staying in the City Square Motel and this was only a short walk away.
Attended and enjoyed the "Lion King" in the nearby theatre
Our trip included tours of the city and a trip to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat
The city lights were great of a night time and were photographed immensely on this trip
Bourke and Wills caches are as scarce as hens' teeth here in Tasmania
Only one exists and that is located on the Eastern Shore just outside Hobart and was placed by SG-3; as you can imagine, it gets quite a few finds as people try to capture as many of this series caches as is possible.
The only other memorial to Bourke and Wills I've seen in Hobart was a painting at Mona, The Museum of Old and New Art, but I can't describe here the theme of that painting as it was in the form of some rough language and their state of play just before they died.
Sainted this cache at 1035 hours
TFTC and cheers
OldSaint
Was looking through some old photographs of past trips to Melbourne this morning and came across a picture taken from the co-ordinates of this cache. We were actually staying in the City Square Motel and this was only a short walk away.
Attended and enjoyed the "Lion King" in the nearby theatre
Our trip included tours of the city and a trip to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat
The city lights were great of a night time and were photographed immensely on this trip
Bourke and Wills caches are as scarce as hens' teeth here in Tasmania
Only one exists and that is located on the Eastern Shore just outside Hobart and was placed by SG-3; as you can imagine, it gets quite a few finds as people try to capture as many of this series caches as is possible.
The only other memorial to Bourke and Wills I've seen in Hobart was a painting at Mona, The Museum of Old and New Art, but I can't describe here the theme of that painting as it was in the form of some rough language and their state of play just before they died.
Sainted this cache at 1035 hours
TFTC and cheers
OldSaint
Rated: for Overall Experience
Today we decided to tick off some B&W virtuals and bag ourselves a Dragon Zone trophy. This was one we snapped and we enjoyed our visit to the various locations.
Thanks Geocaching Australia.
Thanks Geocaching Australia.
Rated: for Overall Experience
After grabbing the B&W caches at Flinders St station and the bridge we wandered up to grab the Monument [which isn't there anymore] and this one.
On most 'girl's weekends to Melbourne' the weekend focuses on the football and shopping but this time my muggle daughter and I managed to squeeze in a few GCA caches as we shopped. Well if you're walking past in the pursuit of 'bargains' it doesn't take long to stop and grab a photo!!!!
Been to many shows at the theatres in the area in the past but didn't attend one on this visit.
Thanks.
On most 'girl's weekends to Melbourne' the weekend focuses on the football and shopping but this time my muggle daughter and I managed to squeeze in a few GCA caches as we shopped. Well if you're walking past in the pursuit of 'bargains' it doesn't take long to stop and grab a photo!!!!
Been to many shows at the theatres in the area in the past but didn't attend one on this visit.
Thanks.
After planning to pick up a few caches in the cbd that I thought hey I should pick up a handful of B&W caches whilst I was there. This was one of the 3 that I did today. anyways thanks for the cache and the adventure.
I had a few hours to spare this afternoon so I set about visiting some of the B&W series. This was my second stop. I have been to a few comedy shows in this theatre.
Rated: for Overall Experience
We had collected quite a few of these caches over the course of the weekend but this one had somehow escaped my attention. Today was our last day in Melbourne and we were headed to Fed Square for brekky so we decided to take a short detour to the theatre. A quick shot and off for brekky
TFTC
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
19:11
Two solid weeks of Pre-poll down, and one more to endure before the main event... with a six-day week behind me, I was desperate for a play outdoors!
I'd promised to check on the condition of a couple of caches for a nun, so it was only natural that I park on the northern fringe of the city and cache around the CBD and the river.
Last of three B&W virtuals added to the collection today.
GCA#123
Two solid weeks of Pre-poll down, and one more to endure before the main event... with a six-day week behind me, I was desperate for a play outdoors!
I'd promised to check on the condition of a couple of caches for a nun, so it was only natural that I park on the northern fringe of the city and cache around the CBD and the river.
Last of three B&W virtuals added to the collection today.
GCA#123
Rated: for Overall Experience
A walk around the city found this little tit bit of info about Burke and Wills.
Back home in Tasmania we only have one B & W cache. It was nice to add a couple more today (despite the horrible selfies)while I had a couple of hours spare on this balmy afternoon. This was my 4th for the afternnon and the worst (and embarrasing) picture. Ah, the things we do for a find. TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
Another quick B&W cache whilst enjoying the sights! TFTC!
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan
Cheers,
The Hancock Clan
so here I am in Melbourne. waiting to win gold in barbershop singing and I find some time on my hands... what to do. will no point wasting it some geocache are in order. an interesting building I suppose, I don't really get into architecture but a smiley on the other hand
It was cold, it was wet. But nothing would stop me to make a picture of me with it!
Rated: for Overall Experience
#GA324 - 11:55; I was in Melbourne for a few days on the way home after a trip to Tassie. I had picked up my first B&W cache last month while in Melbourne on a Great Aussie Icon Hunt and the opportunity arose to continue with the series. This is the first of 18 successful finds over a couple of days. TFTC Geocaching Australia
Rated: for Overall Experience
In Melbourne for a Gift Fair today and a meeting tomorrow. Time to kill in the evening so a walk around the CBD gave me a chance to knock over a few of those B&W's I've been watching for a couple of years.
Marvin Gaye is playing soon. Book your tickets now
Marvin Gaye is playing soon. Book your tickets now
This was a more peaceful location to log. Just around the corner from pedestrian chaos. I'm glad the notes mentioned the renaming. It could have been a nice historical puzzle otherwise. 
Rated: for Overall Experience
I was in Melbourne catching a Frank Woodly show at the Melbourne Town Hall, as this was close by I decided to knock it over.
The pics I took didn't turn out so well due to it being to dark and no flash.
TFTV
The pics I took didn't turn out so well due to it being to dark and no flash.
TFTV
Rated: for Overall Experience
Took a bit to work out where I was going as the GPSr was bouncing around a bit and I was having trouble spotting the "new" building.
Finally found it and what a wonderful old building.
It was open so I wandered in to see some great old photos. I took a photo of the Mechanic's Institute but was surprised with the history on the walls that I didn't spot anything about Burke and Wills.
I also snapped a picture of the Leidatafal Choir, as the original choir master for the SA choir wrote the song - "Song of Australia".
TFTV Geocaching Australia
Cheers
Finally found it and what a wonderful old building.
It was open so I wandered in to see some great old photos. I took a photo of the Mechanic's Institute but was surprised with the history on the walls that I didn't spot anything about Burke and Wills.
I also snapped a picture of the Leidatafal Choir, as the original choir master for the SA choir wrote the song - "Song of Australia".
TFTV Geocaching Australia
Cheers
Rated: for Overall Experience
Out for a Burke & Wills walking tour of Melbourne. Despite the rain, enjoyed the walk and the information along the way.
Thanks for the B&W series.
Thanks for the B&W series.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Had to go back and take the photo again as I somehow managed to miss it the first time! My last B&W on my Melbourne trip - had lots of fun. Thanks.
Found on a fantastic AFL footy trip with Sol de Lune. Before the Bulldogs vs Sydney match at Etihad Stadium, we decided to go through the city to get a few B&W virtual caches for my statistics. The final B&W today, good to get four into my finds. Another nice snap at a very interesting place, never knew this was here. TFTC!
Rated: for Overall Experience
FlyingPigSquadron has landed! well Piggles has - Ginger is at a Conference so Piggles filling in time between appointments! We enjoy this theatre so nice to have a virtual - will upload photo when we get home THFTC&H
My second night in Melbourne for this trip so after dinner I headed out to find a few more caches around the hotel. Fascinating story about the theatre. It was late so there weren't too many people or vehicles around.
tftc GCA
tftc GCA
Rated: for Overall Experience
091938KOCT12 (Google DTG for details)
1,319km from home.
Down this way on business, the plan for this hunt was to get off the train at Flinders St and work my way through a few caches, somehow I got to the motel before I remembered the plan.
So hoofing along Collins St I set off. May as well left the phone turned off, ages to acquire satellites and I don’t think I found a cache all night that had the co-ords less than 50m out.
This was one of the easy ones, once I worked out how to hold the phone in one hand with the tablet in the other, get my face, phone and building in the frame and then press the button with my spare hand…
Didn’t leave our tag, took nothing but memories and left nothing but footprints (not that anyone will see them on the footpath).
Hide, log and container are all in good nick.
Thanks for the cache Geocaching Australia.
Roaring Ford
Discovering Australia and the World, one hidden treasure at a time.
1,319km from home.
Down this way on business, the plan for this hunt was to get off the train at Flinders St and work my way through a few caches, somehow I got to the motel before I remembered the plan.
So hoofing along Collins St I set off. May as well left the phone turned off, ages to acquire satellites and I don’t think I found a cache all night that had the co-ords less than 50m out.
This was one of the easy ones, once I worked out how to hold the phone in one hand with the tablet in the other, get my face, phone and building in the frame and then press the button with my spare hand…
Didn’t leave our tag, took nothing but memories and left nothing but footprints (not that anyone will see them on the footpath).
Hide, log and container are all in good nick.
Thanks for the cache Geocaching Australia.
Roaring Ford
Discovering Australia and the World, one hidden treasure at a time.
Today I was back in the city after visiting East Brunswick and managed to pick up a few quick smileys. Turned the GPS on and found this one close by. I was actually at this theatre a few weeks ago to see 'Annie' but didn't realise I could get a smiley for it. Doesn't matter, I still got it Thanks again for another B&W
Thanks again for another B&WRated: for Overall Experience
We were in Melbourne to see the Formula one race and had a day to spares, so I spent 3 hours caching around the Yarra finding approximately 17 caches including a few of the Burke and Wills series from GCA.
Located the correct structure, photograph attached.
Located the correct structure, photograph attached.
Beautiful building inside & out, love the old wood paneled lift
Rated: for Overall Experience
GCA 333 - 4660. Flew down to Melbourne for a friends party and a long weekend. Today was a good day to walk around the Burke & Wills Trail in the CBD.
Fourth 'find' today in this interesting series - looks in good condition.
TFTC !!
Fourth 'find' today in this interesting series - looks in good condition.
TFTC !!
Rated: for Overall Experience
I stood outside the theatre, and lined up myself, the GPS and the institute. As I was about to hit the shutter button, a van pulled up and parked behind me... D'oh! All good on the second attempt though...
Out on a legendary cache run with caching buddy Trailrunning. For the first time, we actually completed the whole list and added a few more on the way home to meet the 50-find cache mark. Started early at 5.45pm all the way till 2am before we went home tired, but happy. 2 DNF's along the way but an awesome run all the same.
Grabbed this one on the way to the other nearby caches. It was dark and with poor lighting conditions, the photo isn't very clear. Hopefully its good and clear enough. TFTC
Grabbed this one on the way to the other nearby caches. It was dark and with poor lighting conditions, the photo isn't very clear. Hopefully its good and clear enough. TFTC
Another photo opp while walking around gathering B&W caches on a neat spring day in Melbourne.
Cheers,
Cheers,
Rated: for Overall Experience
I haven’t had a Monday night cache run for a couple of weeks so I was pretty eager at work to get going after knock off time. I initially headed west to the coast but after an early and unsuccessful start I moved into the city precinct where I knew I could bag a few finds to push me towards the 800 finds mark. I spent most of the night running between caches so I’m pretty tired, but I’m sure I have over the 800 now. This was one of the caches grabbed tonight, and although it was raining I’m sure I got about a strike rate of 90%. Thanks for the cache.
A pity I did not have time to also see the show that was on, although there are two musicals by that name (see pic) and one has lousy music, so maybe I missed nothing after all.
Thanks for this interesting historical series.
Thanks for this interesting historical series.
I initially thought I was looking for the theatre across the road. Then I looked up and... well the rest is in the picture.
found this one while wandering around Melbourne by bicyclethanks for bring me here
Rated: for Overall Experience
On a day in Melbourne I was wandering around completing caches and waymarks. I was very happy to see that a Burke and Wills cache was one of the ones that came up as a next closest, so I made sure that I got it! Arriving at GZ, I could easily take a picture (although the forward facing camera on the iPhone leaves a bit to be desired regarding quality of picture)
Anway, you get the idea, it is me in the photo with my GPSr and a silly look on my face
Thanks for making this series of listings, I did enjoy the ones I hae completed today.
Cheers
Anway, you get the idea, it is me in the photo with my GPSr and a silly look on my face
Thanks for making this series of listings, I did enjoy the ones I hae completed today.
Cheers
Rated: for Overall Experience
Ok say I returned today, although I have been past many times.
My first attempt to photograph was out the front of the wrong building.
Today, I pulled up out the front, jumped from the car and took a quick photo.
TFTC
My first attempt to photograph was out the front of the wrong building.
Today, I pulled up out the front, jumped from the car and took a quick photo.
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
242. In Melbourne to let FFP loose on the beading shops gave me a chance to do some more of the B&W series having done some in NSW. This one was the first as it was closest to where we had coffee before going to our separate passions.
TFTV and the work.
TFTV and the work.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found it on a visit to the dentist. Addictive passtime isn't it? Only collected country B&W to date, so interesting to be at the start of the journey.
Rated: for Overall Experience
First B&W cache for red tag
Im looking forward to doing more but today Im here from Tas for a conference so just the one was all I had time for.
Had to set my camera up on the bonnet of a parked car to get there required pic
Im looking forward to doing more but today Im here from Tas for a conference so just the one was all I had time for.
Had to set my camera up on the bonnet of a parked car to get there required pic
Number 5 B&W cache on a wet Saturday morning. Getting pretty wet by now - should I abandon the attempt to reach the gulf? Nuh - press on.
Took a photo of the mechanics institute now hosting a well known film star. A bit different 150 years ago I'll bet.
Thanks again B&W organisers. Very informative.
Took a photo of the mechanics institute now hosting a well known film star. A bit different 150 years ago I'll bet.
Thanks again B&W organisers. Very informative.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found during a Wagga to Melbourne Caching run. Thanks for bringing us this way.
Dropped by here at 18:20 while on the way home after a bit of din-dins. The info in the caches in this series is absolutely fascinating; a self-guided history tour .
T pickies, L. Thanks Geocaching Australia.
.T pickies, L. Thanks Geocaching Australia.
I was in Melbourne for a rare trip away with my partner and some friends. Caching was not on the "to do list" but I slipped some in early on Sunday morning.
Navigated my way to GZ, was confused about the two theatres and then read the plaque to confirm I was in the right place. Loved the B&W series.
TFTC
#248
Navigated my way to GZ, was confused about the two theatres and then read the plaque to confirm I was in the right place. Loved the B&W series.
TFTC
#248
Rated: for Overall Experience
Tried to take a shot from across the road with no luck so opted for the historical plaques as proof instead
Went for a cycle around the CBD while in town for work. Thanks for the cache, photo to come when I get to some wifi or get home to my USB cable.
Had a doorman watch me as I rode past, and pulled up just out of his sight to take the photo.
Had a doorman watch me as I rode past, and pulled up just out of his sight to take the photo.
Visted this afternoon in my dad's (draw four)
lunch break
lunch break
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found by The Empire
iPad caching in the city, very easy to check up on all of the information and no need to worry about the buildings throwing the GPS signal out.
- M
iPad caching in the city, very easy to check up on all of the information and no need to worry about the buildings throwing the GPS signal out.
- M
The site shared in the excitement and despair of the Burke and Wills expedition. It has been good to learn more about this area of Melbourne.
Last B&W find this morning.Now off for a tour of the old melbourne goal before heading home
Cleaning up the CBD of these Old Building B&W Virtuals. Nice to visit the locations, nicer to read the story on the cache pages. Not sure on the yellow paint job but happy snapped non-the-less. Cheers from Sydney.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I found this cache with caughtatwork today while we were hunting down the B&W caches around the city.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found by caughtatwork at 14:15 on 12/09/2010
A quick drop around the corner from the monument had us at the mechanic's institute. I expect that there is a lot more traffic around here than there would have been 150 years ago, so we took the opportunity to grab the happy snap from across the street.
Took nothing, left nothing.
Thanks to everyone involved in the B&W Project.
*Overall Experience: 3*
GAFF 1
A quick drop around the corner from the monument had us at the mechanic's institute. I expect that there is a lot more traffic around here than there would have been 150 years ago, so we took the opportunity to grab the happy snap from across the street.
Took nothing, left nothing.
Thanks to everyone involved in the B&W Project.
*Overall Experience: 3*
GAFF 1
Rated: for Overall Experience
GPS bounced a lot around here. Nice theatre though
Rated: for Overall Experience
The GPS really doesn't like ot in here. We found the location and got a happy snap in.
Thanks for a great series to all involved.
Thanks for a great series to all involved.
Rated: for Overall Experience
An interesting location, and took me a few minutes to work out where I was. Had thought about the premises across the road. Of course on the other side of the road, things ecame much clearer. A grand old building.
TFTC
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
31/08/2010 12:40 Found: #6 Decided to walk inside this one for a closer look and even went into the library upstairs. It looks as if the library has been there forever and I found they even have books on Burke & Wills. I learnt a fair bit about the expedition from the books inside. I decided to take a photo inside of myself with the foundation stone. I also took another with the stone and the GPSr. TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
We walked past here earlier in the day, and I tried to follow the GPS to GZ, but I didn't really know what I was looking for, and as we were on the same side of the road, it was easy to miss the building.
Went home and researched the building, and looked at some of the other photos, then came back this evening and grabbed the photo. Thanks for the history and the cache.
Went home and researched the building, and looked at some of the other photos, then came back this evening and grabbed the photo. Thanks for the history and the cache.
Today was my "clean up the city of all remaining B&W caches" day. I took my photo from the Athaneum side of the road today, hence the different view of the building - or at least what you can see of it behind the GPSr that is my iPad!
10:45
On the day of the Federal Election, along with Robyn of The Morris and Princess Diala, we voted to follow the B & W Party.
At the location of this virtual cache we were able to blend in with the regular tourists and capture a photo of Alice – The Ship of the Desert (SW0228) along with the GPS’r.
It was interesting to contemplate the contrast in scenery and activity 150 years on.
TFTH
On the day of the Federal Election, along with Robyn of The Morris and Princess Diala, we voted to follow the B & W Party.
At the location of this virtual cache we were able to blend in with the regular tourists and capture a photo of Alice – The Ship of the Desert (SW0228) along with the GPS’r.
It was interesting to contemplate the contrast in scenery and activity 150 years on.
TFTH
Rated: for Overall Experience
We had a great day wandering around the city completing the B&W caches, both traditional and virtual. Found in the company of Princess Diala, Phetlern and Alice.
I decided a long whilst ago that since I helped place this series, I would not be crazy and hunt for this series on the first day, instead work through the city caches during on the Saturday.
I have watched a comedy act here before, nothing as exciting as getting money to ship in camels though.
Many thanks for the Pheltern and The Morris for the company shared throughout the day.
I have watched a comedy act here before, nothing as exciting as getting money to ship in camels though.
Many thanks for the Pheltern and The Morris for the company shared throughout the day.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Last one today. Need to get back to office and do a bit of work. (after I log these visits of course). Thanks to everyone involved with this series
Rated: for Overall Experience
Managed to get the morning off so we could do some of these B&W virtuals round the city. A very nice way to spend the morning even if it was quite cold.
