Fingal Radio Towers ST678N/RT and ST678S/RT Fingal, Tasmania, Australia
By
Geocaching Australia on 06-Apr-14. Waypoint TP6892
Cache Details
| Difficulty: | |
| Terrain: | |
| Type: | TrigPoint |
| Container: | Other |
| Coordinates: | S41° 41.340' E147° 52.541' (WGS 84) |
| 55G 572874E 5384382N (UTM) | |
| Elevation: | 252 m |
| Local Government Area: | Break O'Day |
/147.875683,-41.689,14/400x200?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiY2F1Z2h0YXR3b3JrIiwiYSI6ImNqa2l4ZzNzMDE5bjgzdm1sZGpuODF1Mm0ifQ.q8YMzVyzDJJlJHHV8EMjwQ)
Description
A trig point (also known as a Trigonometric Station) typically consists of a black disc on top of four metal legs or concrete pillar, resembling a navigation beacon. It is also accompanied by a metal disc, which is located directly below the center point of the tripod or on top of the pillar itself.
Trig points are generally located at the top of hills or points of prominence in the landscape. Many provide unique views and challenges, with some being difficult to get to.
These points were regarded as valuable to surveyors, providing reference points for measuring distance and direction, and assisting in the creation of maps.
To log a find on the Geocaching Australia website, you will need to include a picture of the trig point, along with your GPS receiver and (preferably) yourself. Long distance / telephoto type pictures are against the spirit of this cache. You are encouraged to leave a description of your journey in your log to help others in finding the trig point.
Please respect local laws and regulations when searching for trig points. If you believe that a trig point is located on private property or in a dangerous location, you may archive the cache, by clicking on Log this Cache and place an "Archived" log on the Geocaching Australia website.
If you feel that you can add to the description of this trig point or adjust the difficulty / terrain ratings, please feel free to edit this cache and amend the information suitably. Vandalism of the cache description or other information will result in your account being terminated.
Additonal Information
The two radio transmission towers adjacent to the Esk Highway and about 10km west of Fingal are well known landmarks. Less well known is the fact that they are both listed in the SurCom database as State Trig points. They share the prefix ST678 but have different suffixes. They do not have official survey control point names and so have been given the locality name of "Fingal" for this cache.
The radio tower further from the highway, with published coordinates of S41 41.299 E147 52.520, is designated ST678S/RT and further information can be obtained via the link Fingal RT - South Tower .
The radio tower closer to the highway, with published coordinates of S41 14.381 E147 52.563, is designated ST678N/RT and further information can be obtained via the link Fingal RT - North Tower .
The designations and coordinates are inconsistent in the SurCom database. The tower designated "N" is to the south of the tower designated "S".
As the two towers are a short distance apart and have the same ST number, it seems more appropriate to list them together as a single Geocaching Australia Trig Point cache and to make the published coordinates the average of the coordinates of the individual towers.
Logs
St Patricks Head is 683m high and is Australias first Irish named location. Named by Captain Tobias Furneaux on 17th March 1773.
My last visit here was to find the cache...Paddy's Ropes and Ladders by craigrat.
Back then I had my trusty canine companion with me...aka sirius....but sadly his age now precludes him from doing any more bushwalks and mountain climbs, but as soon as I had put my hat and boots on, Murder(the younger of the two canine family....4 yo) started to get pretty excited as he just loves both bush walking and travelling around in the geo fourby. My eldest canine...Sirius...is now too old(16.9 y.o.) to leave the comfort of his bed in front of the wood heater...which has an electric blanket of course(which he just loves and is great for his arthritis). Having walked 100's of km's with me geocaching over the years up numerous mountains, bush walking along many trails plus along vast stretches of beaches etc while geocaching, he has certainly earned his rest..an amazing companion who never gave up no matter how hard it got for him...a truly remarkeable and treasured companion.
So now Murder has the opportunity to retrace the footsteps of his elder canine mate...sirius.
After deviating at Avoca to find geocaches around the Stanhope mine workings then up through Story's Creek for more caching, we eventually arrived at the car park at the foot of St Patricks Head...a very inspiring pinnacle with the survey beacon on top.
The first part up around the paddocks and through the lower slopes was quite easy but approaching the middle section things soon got quite steep. Murder hopped up the steep sections with ease giving me a helping hand as he was still on the lead. The last section was easier walking until reaching the rocky pinnacle where upon reaching the last leg up to the trig the going got quite a bit harder and the ladder was soon reached. I haven't taught Murder to climb a ladder yet....and just as well...so he had to remain on guard at the bottom of the ladder.After climbing the ladder the boulders were quite daunting...especially when on your own...darn pleased I put the EPIRB in my pocket.... as you could easily break a leg up here...or much worse. Finally made it to stand under the Trig where spectacular views were to be had.Views north past St Helens...north west to South Sister....south to Elephant Mt and beyond and back east looking along the expanse of farmland back towards Fingal. A very impressive walk indeed....all up time of 95 min from car park and return...not too bad for an old codger who just had a kidney transplant only 10 mths ago.
Tftc GCA and an awesome day...now its off to grab 3 driveby trigs on the way home.
Having been to St Josephs Spire it was now onto Fingal Radio Towers where a photo was taken.Next trig is at Avoca...cheers ST.
Have driven past these a few times over the years.
.We could hear the radio from the building!
Found at 6:45am en route from Hobart to Mathinna.
Used to drive past these every 3 weeks BC. Never listened to them though.
Another trig off my unfound list. #3989
Thanks for the hunt, it is always tricky logging lots of holiday finds so apologies for the cut'n'paste log, Zal included more details 
