Railway to River Trail Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia
By Zalgariath on 29-Aug-16. Waypoint GA8345

Take a walk from Chatswood to the Lane Cove River via suburban bushland paths

Railway to River Trail

Please note this walk does NOT follow the exact route of the online published walk of similar name. That version takes many streets in where a bush trail is actaully possible. This cache intends to take you along those trails. You will need to gather a few bits of information along the way so it is highly recommended to do it on foot in one go rather than trying to access the individual waypoints by car... which would probably take longer! 

You are looking at about 3.5km one way on this adventure. It is possible to car pool by parking in River Ave, Chatswood West (S33° 47.591, E151° 9.368) which is not terribly far from GZ or you can catch the bus routes  256 or 545 from the entrance to Lane Cove National Park back to Chatswood train station. Of course if you are feeling particualrly active you could walk back to the station, but it is all up hill from the end of the cache! 

This cache lives just outside the Lane Cove National Park boundary so don't worry if you pass NPWS signs on your way there. Now, on to the cache!

Waypoint #1 : S33° 47.825' E151° 10.823'

The listed coords for this cache. Nothing to do here but note the sign. For the first part of the hike you will be following these "Rail to River Walk" signs. They should be pretty easy to spot.

Waypoint #2 : S33° 47.835' E151° 10.676'

Find the map in Kenneth Slessor Park. Please note, you will NOT be following the exact route outlined here. Below this map is some information about the local area. Have a read and answer the following question to get your first clue for the coordinates of GZ then head down hill to continue your journey.

D = The percentage of original Blue Gum High Forest that remains today. 

Waypoint #3 : S33° 47.835' E151° 10.494'

Continue to follow the marked signs to the next stop being Bartels Park. Before you enter the gate you should see a big sign explaining the history of the park. Grab the second clue and proceed through the park to begin the bush track section of the walk.

B = The single digit of the decade the land was aquired by Council to form this park (ie: 19B8). 

Waypoint #4 : S33° 47.987' E151° 10.152'

Enjoy this lovely section of the walk down to Swaines Creek. Soon you will hit a creek crossing with 10 large stepping stones. Don't cross it, but do take note of the track post nearby. One label lets you know you are still on the official "Rail to River" walk. The other label marks a different track.

A = The number of letters in the first word of this other track name. 

Waypoint #5 : S33° 48.001' E151° 10.074'

Continue along Swaines Creek until you hit another junction near these coords. Nothing to note down here in terms of clues but it is time to make a split from tradition! From this point the official track heads up those stairs to the streets, which it remains on for the rest of the walk. While perhaps faster it is rather a boring option when there is a bush track available! Ignore the stairs and continue to follow the picturesque creek. 

Waypoint #6 : S33° 47.922' E151° 09.706'

By now you will be passing parts of Chatswood Golf Course. Pause once you hit the Aquaduct. (What have the Romans ever done for us anyway!?) At your feet you should see a 28kg Webforge Sewer Cap. Using the normal conversion A=1 B=2 C=3 etc, get your next clue for solving GZ here. 

C = The class of the seal converted into its alphabet position number. 

Waypoint #7 : S33° 47.845' E151° 09.600'

Passing through O. H. Reid Memorial Park respectfully approach the next waypoint. A memorial to community man Garry Crossley lies sleeping here and will provide your penultimate clue. 

E = The number that appears twice in the year Garry passed away.

Waypoint #8 : S33° 47.873' E151° 09.560'

Heading down the stairs at the back of the play equipment will bring you on to the Chatswood Golf Course. Don't worry you are allowed to be here as the public track crosses it and follows the river towards Lane Cove National Park. Right in front of you is one of the Tees that holds you final clue! 

F = The tee number of this Par 3 hole.

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You should now have all 6 numbers you require to find the final location. It is not too far away and there is a GCA geochecker available if you feel you need it. The cache can be found by the river at: 

GZ : S33° 47.ABC', E151° 09.DEF'

Once you have signed the log triumphantly continue in the direction you were headed towards Lane Cove National Park. Follow this track to the road, pass under the bridge, and emerge to cross the river and find yourself at the bus stop that will take you back to Chatswood train station. Alternatively its a steep walk back up the hill! Good luck, and I hope you enjoyed this extended adventure. This is my final cache for Geosportz 2016 and hopefully the one that secures the Gold Medal!

Did you know that NSW has a geocaching association? Geocaching NSW aims to enhance and improve the activity of geocaching and holds regular events where geocachers meet to enjoy their common interests. Visit the association website here.

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