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Geocaching NSW: About geocaching

Geocache of the Month - May 2020


Photo Credit: Captain Terror

The Geocache of the Month for May 2020 is Hands on Rock (GC2F71) by Alex and Jock. It was nominated by Tatt2squared, on the Geocaching NSW Forum.

This traditional cache was placed in December 2001, near Ulan, in the Mid-Western Regional Council Area. 

The owner explains that the cache is designed so finders can “visit the spot where the original inhabitants 'signed the log' then find the cache.”

Taken from the log of finder Captain Terror, we get a sense of what a special place it is.
They write, “I am so very glad we stopped here. Not just for the stats and opportunity to get out of the car for a little bit, but because it's a place worth stopping at.
Thanks for showing me this place and keeping this geocache going, alex :).”

They continue to say that “something I didn't fully expect was how fascinating the cave and Hands on Rock is. I can truly understand why the Wiradjuri people want this place to be cared for - as should we all. I have no idea how old these handprints are, potentially thousands of years. The only real reminder of the people who made them. People who left their mark to say 'I was here'. And here we are, looking at that legacy so much later on. I wonder if they realised the longevity of this craft.
It's a legacy and a reminder that pre-dates and will outlast nearly anything modern us silly geocachers create.
If these walls could talk, right? How fortunate to see this historic and cultural place.” 

The cache is a regular sized cache with a difficulty rating of 2 and terrain rating of 2.
Amazingly, this cache has only been found 139 times in over 18.5 years! It has received 29 favourite points.

Why not make the effort to get to GZ, experience the cultural significance of the area and add your name in the logbook, just as Aboriginal people have done for thousands of years. It certainly is part of Australian and Geocaching NSW history!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for June 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum, list the GC code, name of cache, and your reasons for the nomination. 

The Geocache of the Month for May 2020 is Hands on Rock (GC2F71) by Alex and Jock. It was nominated by Tatt2squared, on the Geocaching NSW Forum.

This Traditional cache was placed in December 2001, near Ulan, in the Mid-Western Regional Council Area. 

The owner explains that the cache is designed, so finders can “Visit the spot where the original inhabitants 'signed the log' then find the cache.”

Captain Terror, wrote “I am so very glad we stopped here. Not just for the stats and opportunity to get out of the car for a little bit, but because it's a place worth stopping at. Thanks for showing me this place and keeping this geocache going, alex :)” “Something I didn't fully expect was how fascinating the cave and Hands on Rock is. I can truly understand why the Wiradjuri people want this place to be cared for - as should we all. I have no idea how old these handprints are, potentially thousands of years. The only real reminder of the people who made them. People who left their mark to say 'I was here'. And here we are, looking at that legacy so much later on. I wonder if they realised the longevity of this craft. It's a legacy and a reminder that pre-dates and will outlast nearly anything modern us silly geocachers create. If these walls could talk, right? How fortunate to see this historic and cultural place.” 

It is a regular size cache, an Ammo Can, Difficulty 2 and Terrain rating of 2. The cache has only been found 139 times in over 18.5 years! It has received 29 Favourite Points.

Do yourself a favour and make effort to get to GZ, experience the cultural significance of the area and put your name in the logbook. It is part of Australian and Geocaching NSW history!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for June 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 

The Geocache of the Month for May 2020 is Hands on Rock (GC2F71) by Alex and Jock. It was nominated by Tatt2squared, on the Geocaching NSW Forum.

This Traditional cache was placed in December 2001, near Ulan, in the Mid-Western Regional Council Area. 

The owner explains that the cache is designed, so finders can “Visit the spot where the original inhabitants 'signed the log' then find the cache.”

Captain Terror, wrote “I am so very glad we stopped here. Not just for the stats and opportunity to get out of the car for a little bit, but because it's a place worth stopping at. Thanks for showing me this place and keeping this geocache going, alex :)” “Something I didn't fully expect was how fascinating the cave and Hands on Rock is. I can truly understand why the Wiradjuri people want this place to be cared for - as should we all. I have no idea how old these handprints are, potentially thousands of years. The only real reminder of the people who made them. People who left their mark to say 'I was here'. And here we are, looking at that legacy so much later on. I wonder if they realised the longevity of this craft. It's a legacy and a reminder that pre-dates and will outlast nearly anything modern us silly geocachers create. If these walls could talk, right? How fortunate to see this historic and cultural place.” 

It is a regular size cache, an Ammo Can, Difficulty 2 and Terrain rating of 2. The cache has only been found 139 times in over 18.5 years! It has received 29 Favourite Points.

Do yourself a favour and make effort to get to GZ, experience the cultural significance of the area and put your name in the logbook. It is part of Australian and Geocaching NSW history!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for June 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 

The Geocache of the Month for May 2020 is Hands on Rock (GC2F71) by Alex and Jock. It was nominated by Tatt2squared, on the Geocaching NSW Forum.

This Traditional cache was placed in December 2001, near Ulan, in the Mid-Western Regional Council Area.

The owner explains that the cache is designed, so finders can “Visit the spot where the original inhabitants 'signed the log' then find the cache.

Captain Terror, wrote “I am so very glad we stopped here. Not just for the stats and opportunity to get out of the car for a little bit, but because it's a place worth stopping at. Thanks for showing me this place and keeping this geocache going, alex :)” “Something I didn't fully expect was how fascinating the cave and Hands on Rock is. I can truly understand why the Wiradjuri people want this place to be cared for - as should we all. I have no idea how old these handprints are, potentially thousands of years. The only real reminder of the people who made them. People who left their mark to say 'I was here'. And here we are, looking at that legacy so much later on. I wonder if they realised the longevity of this craft. It's a legacy and a reminder that pre-dates and will outlast nearly anything modern us silly geocachers create. If these walls could talk, right? How fortunate to see this historic and cultural place.”

It is a regular size cache, an Ammo Can, Difficulty 2 and Terrain rating of 2. The cache has only been found 139 times in over 18.5 years! It has received 29 Favourite Points.

Do yourself a favour and make effort to get to GZ, experience the cultural significance of the area and put your name in the logbook. It is part of Australian and Geocaching NSW history!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for June 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 

Geocache of the Month - April 2020

GOTM April 2020
Photo credit dty73

The Geocache of the Month for April 2020 isDoctor Who #4? Adventures in Time and Space! (GC751BK) by MMH&M. It was nominated by Calypso62.

This Traditional cache was placed in May 2017, in Port Macquarie, in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Area.

The owner explains that “there's a little bit of mystery to this part of this cache. Or a small field puzzle at any rate. The above coordinates will take you to GZ but to find the key that allows you entry...just a bit of trivia that even the most casual of Doctor Who fans would have burnt into their brains. Don't they?”

Calypso62, wrote “A fun traditional at a very fitting place considering the cache name. Finding the cache is one thing, being able to access the logbook is another thing!” His log reads, “SWEET!!!! Loved this one!!! And what a very appropriate location for it!! I can see why it is well favourited. Adding mine to your tally. A great way to finish off our visit to Port Macquarie.”

It is a regular size cache, Difficulty 2.5 and Terrain rating of 1.5. The cache has been awarded a Favourite Point 53 times in just 3 years!

Head to Port Macquarie and get to GZ, solve the field puzzle and see if you can put your name in the logbook. It is sound like a lot of fun!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for May 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion.

Geocache of the Month - March 2020

Murrumbo Jumbo

Photo Credit: Milliegeo 120

The Geocache of the Month for March 2020 is Murrumbo Jumbo (GCJY1R) by Dingbats. It was nominated by Tangles 1970.

This Traditional cache was placed in July 2004, near the Bylong Valley, in the Mid-Western Regional Council Area.

The owner explains that the cache is “Not far from Murrumbo Trig, this can be done in a couple of hours if you are just passing by or it could be included into a day or overnight walk including Mt Kerrabee and beyond.”

Tangles 1970, wrote “once we made it to GZ what a spectacular view I would definitely say this is a solid 4 difficulty if you’re middle aged with a medium fitness level.”

squirrels0291 wrote “It took a lot of picking a way through the bush, scratches, scrapes.... all the things a good bush walk involves! And like the last to find, a feeling of 'I did this!' A big thank you for this cache, for even thinking of putting a cache here! Great views of the other side from GZ! Much appreciated and a favourite point from me!”

It is a regular size cache, an Ammo Can, Difficulty 1 and Terrain rating of 3.5. The cache has only been found 15 times in over 15 years!

Make the effort to get to GZ, admire the views and put your name in the logbook. 

It is an ammo can with a very rare Difficulty / Terrain rating!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for April 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion.

Geocache of the Month - February 2020

GOTM Feb  image

The Geocache of the Month for February 2020 is GeoWords (GC7MMG) by Aussieben. It was nominated by PurpleCacheEater.

This Multi cache was placed in February 2018, near Kurri Kurri, in the Cessnock City Council Area.

The owner explains that the cache will “test your knowledge of geocaching related words and for a nice walk down the no longer used road that once connected to the other side of the Hunter Express Way, The final is a 400ml Sistemea container and gives a great view of passing traffic on the hunter express way and the once connected Stanford Road.”

2pods wrote “Yes! Yes! Yes! What great fun. A bit trepid about the 3/3 rating but decided to have a go anyway.
Got to WP1 - very impressed with the container and even more so with what was in it. The puzzle had me stumped for a while but then after about 5 goes, I think it got easier.
Anyway I got it and then off to GZ. Searched, Searched, Searched, Searched. And Searched. About to give up and... there it was!!!  Yippeee. Would give it 2 Favs if I could. TFTC Aussieben”

the_garbageman wrote “Great cache from start to finish. Glad I got a good puzzle (first word) ha ha - there’s not much scope for error! This is going to grow into having a reputation as one of the MUST DO caches of the region. Well done. Definite FP! TNLN TFTC”

This small size cache has a difficulty of 3 and terrain rating of 3 and has received 27 favourite points - a rating of 82%.

Head on over to GZ and have a guess at the GeoWords so you can put your name in the logbook.

Congratulations go to Aussieben !

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for March 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 

Geocache of the Month - January 2020

gotmjan2020
Photo credit: wdg060

The Geocache of the Month for January 2020 is Pinegrove TSR- #4 The Nativity (GC84M95) by RYNO2412. It was nominated by MattyRx.

This Multi Cache was placed in December 2018, near Mount Mitchell, in the Armidale Regional CouncilArea.

This cache is the last in a series of four caches the owner has hidden along the Pinegrove Travelling Stock Route. The nominator MattyRx wrote “a fantastic multi – three Christmas/Nativity themes hides. This cache will have you winding winches, looking up to the trees, manipulating sculptures and transcoding coordinates before finding the final large sized, well-built cache – stocked with swaps.“ Geono. wrote “What a cleverly themed multi, each part well thought out and lots of swaps at the final.” DiMorgan wrote “Really enjoyed the different scenes interpretations along here. FP given”.

It is a large size cache, difficulty 1.5 and terrain rating of 3. The cache has received 8 favourite points, at a rating of 50%. Great to have some well themed caches out there

Congratulations go to RYNO2412!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for February 2020. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 

Geocache of the Month - December 2019

Geocache of the Month - Dec 2019

The Geocache of the Month for December 2019 is The Hunt for Red October (GC7XHAB) by MrMalkovich. It was nominated by Sensible Shoes.

This Multi Cache was placed in November 2018, in the Blacktown City Council Area. It features an amazing piece of construction and camouflage.

The owner explains “At WP1, you'll find a tool in a camouflaged container at head height. The co-ordinates for GZ are printed on the tool, as well as instructions for it's use.” From there it is a short walk to GZ. “At GZ, use the tool at the base of the small tree to access the cache.”

Purplepeopleater wrote “Unbelievable!! What a fabulous contraption, probably, no, definitely the most innovative cache I have encountered.” Little Shoes wrote “800! Whoo Hoo!!! This is such an absolutely amazing must find geocache! It was a surprise of how you retrieved the cache. I loved this one as it was very creative and super unique.”

It is a large size cache, but this is mostly camo, Difficulty 2 and Terrain rating of 2. The cache 27 Favourite Points, at a rating of 79%. Do yourself a favour and get to GZ, join The Hunt for Red October and put your name in the logbook

Congratulations go to MrMalkovich.

Geocache of the Year 18/19

Geocache of the Year 18/19

It is time to farewell 2019 and welcome in the new caching year! Did you achieve your geocaching goals for 2019? If you are thinking what to aim for over the next 12 months we have a suggestion... find as many GOTM winners as possible! With this in mind where to start?

Well, why not with our 2018/19 Geocache of the Year We're delighted to officially announce the winner of the GCNSW "Geocache of the Year" for 2018/19! This is the eighth year of this prestigious award and the winner was chosen by members of the NSW geocaching community as the pick of the bunch from "Geocache of the Month" winners of the 2018/19 Geo-year that runs from AGM to AGM (Sep to Aug). This cache pulls on the heart strings of why we all love Geocaching, it was a very close race for the GOTY, but this one came out on top.

Originally the Geocache of the Month for February 2019, the traditional cache Clybucca Memorial (GC4QX9K). Placed by Coongoola, it was nominated back in July 2018, by Seemyshell. Clybucca Memorial Garden

Hidden in October 2013, this great little cache is not only a pleasure to find, but the history behind the placement is a credit to Coongoola. The memorial is a site of tragedy. Back in 1989, a terrible bus accident occurred which claimed the lives of 35 people and injured 41 others. This memorial was developed to honour those lives that were lost. Now, here comes the geocaching goodness - Coongoola visited the site in 2013 and noticed that the memorial had not been maintained. The lawns were seriously overgrown and weeds littered the gardens. Coongoola did not want this memorial to be lost so returned with not only a cool cache but lots of gardening equipment and tools. They went on to clean up the whole memorial - the lawns, the weeds, the environment - and by placing the cache ensured the memorial would receive plenty of visitors.

Since 2013 there have been 193 finders with 49 awarding a favourite point. Geocaching is not just about containers or smileys but sometimes it brings us to places that make us think and reflect or discover important stories that shouldn't be forgotten. A very deserving winner of Geocache of the Year, and a big Congratulations to Coongoola. Who will receive the award for Geocache of the Year in 2019/2020? ...that is up to you!

First things first, get nominating. The first winners for the 19/20 year have already been chosen but more will be selected until August 2020. Each month we call for your input as to great caches around our state and the committee will choose one to be recognised that month. They don't have to be epic hikes or mind-bending puzzles, they just have to be great caching experiences. Then at the AGM we will list off the 12 winners, and towards the end of the year call for your votes as to the best of the bunch! The 2019/20 Winner will be announced at the GCNSW Christmas Party. Head to the Geocaching NSW forum and start nominating for next month or keep an eye on our social media streams. Thanks to all those who nominated caches and voted last year... here's to the winners, and a great 2020 discovering top spots around NSW geocaching!

Geocache of the Month - October 2019

The Geocache of the Month for October 2019 is The Four Sided Bridge by dkmacca (GC5HM3B). It was nominated by coastblue. 

four-sdied-bridge
Photo Credit: teammerlin

Placed in December 2015 in the Blacktown Council area within the Western Sydney Parklands, these Parklands contain world class sporting facilities, popular picnic areas, a cycle/walking track and native bushland. From the cache's name you know that there is a bridge involved, but the description tells us that the cache is named after all the great engineering and design used to create this foot bridge. There are triangles, rectangles, hexagons, squares and circles.

The nominator, coastblue, wrote that the spider webs and creepy crawlies added a significant challenge for her. She recommends that the attempt shouldn't be made in your Sunday best and that you take care of the cycling muggles who come by as the bridge makes up part of the extensive bike path.

It is a small sized cache, has 49 Favourite Points from 102 finds, and is well worth the tricky D4.5 rating. Why not set yourself this challenge and put the Four Sided Bridge on your geocaching to do list.

Congratulations dkmacca!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for November 2019. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion.

Geocache of the Month - November 2019

The Geocache of the Month for November 2019 is Lake Views (GC3606) by The Rats. It was nominated by Team Canary.

This cache was placed in January 2002, in the Wollongong City Council Area. It is The Rats first hide, back when they were known as SES Rats, and true to the description, it wasn’t their last!

Lake Views
Photo by Podringet

The owner explains: “On route to this cache there are some spectacular views to the south... Enjoy.” The cache features a well-marked track all the way to some 50 meters from GZ, but the owner advises “Warning!!! There are cliffs about and the odd loose rock or two, so scramble with care.” The track has been improved over the years and now has a section of stairs and chain fences.

Bonfire7, wrote “A really enjoyable walk up to find this cache today, I passed and spooked some Lyre Birds on the way up through the lower rain forest level, from the carpark I didn’t realize this mountain was so high but once at GZ I soon found the cache and was rewarded yet again with some really great views.” The Hancock Clan wrote “What a super walk to a great lookout, where we had lunch & took several photos. Couldn't believe the amount of lyre birds in this bit of bushland; we spent a good 10 minutes just recording one that was constantly imitating kookaburras, whip birds, parrots, owls, possums, and even hammering, which we guess was from the recent ladder/steps installation nearby? It was like something from a David Attenborough show, just fantastic! TFTC Rats!”

It is an ammo can, difficulty 2.5 and well worth the terrain rating of 3. The cache has only had 115 finds over almost 18 years but those finders have all been rewarded with more than just a find and a smiley. Do yourself a favour and get to GZ, admire the Lake Views and put your name in the logbook.

Congratulations go to The Rats!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for December 2019. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion.

Geocache of the Month - September 2019

IMG 9518-2

Many of us have driven past Lake George on our way to or from Canberra along the Federal Highway and wondered when it last contained a substantial volume of water. Beyond that wonder, Lake George actually has something great going for it - it has some excellent geocaches to find.

Geocache of the Month for September is Red Back ! (GC60FHR) hidden by Kittykatch and GrimRaider. It is one of the best in a selection of humorously themed caches located along a small dirt access road along Lake George. Placed in 2015, the 52 favourite points give some indication of the fun you have when you find this one – no spoilers!

35-356299 happy-spider-clipart-red-back-spider-drawing

This series of caches are well worth the short diversion off the main road with your reward being many LOLs. And if your curiosity about the lake includes walking on water (or at least where water once was), there are a few opportunities to explore, but do read the warning signs.

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for October 2019. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion.

Geocache of the Month - August 2019

The Geocache of the month for August 2019 is The Nest Terminates Here (GC68NPE) by Jacko2484, BenFolds7, Ashwandering. It was nominated by mattyrx. 

e7156c01-9f7d-4a0c-8eb7-0ac265f8a45e l

This cache was placed in December 2015 in the Tweed Council Area of Northern NSW. The owners explain:

“It is located next to Bilambil Creek on Urliup Rd. This road is a scenic route from Bilambil to Murwillumbah following the Bilambil creek for half of its length. The creek originates in a spring fed dam halfway along the road. The road itself was cut by hand by the first pioneers in the 1860's. The route was needed to get local produce (bananas, milk and pineapples) to the markets in Murwillumbah. The name comes from the fact that the dairy farmers had to get up early (Early up) to milk the cows in time to get to the market. The name was shortened to Urliup over time (true story)!”

The nominator, mattyrx, wrote:

“This cache is a well built regular sized cache that the CO has put a lot of effort into, and it shows in the logs. It’s located in a beautiful location too, so finders have a great experience all round with it. The CO is a young cacher and should be commended for this (and many of his other hides) for the container construction and thought behind the location into which they are placed.”

It is a large size, has 79% Favourite Points (23 of the 37 found logs), no DNFs and is well worth the effort to get to GZ and admire the views. 

Congratulations Jacko2484, BenFolds7, Ashwandering!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for September 2019. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 
 

The Geocache of the month for August 2019 is The Nest Terminates Here (GC68NPE) by Jacko2484, BenFolds7, Ashwandering. It was nominated by mattyrx

This cache was placed in December 2015, in the Tweed Council Area. The owners explain “It is located next to Bilambil Creek on Urliup Rd. This road is a scenic route from Bilambil to Murwillumbah following the Bilambil creek for half of its length. The creek originates in a spring fed dam halfway along the road. The road itself was cut by hand by the first pioneers in the 1860's. The route was needed to get local produce (bananas milk and pineapples) to the markets in Murwillumbah. The name comes from the fact that the dairy farmers had to get up early (Early up) to milk the cows in time to get to the market. The name was shortened to Urliup over time (true story)!”

The nominator, mattyrx, wrote “This cache is a well built regular sized cache that the CO has put a lot of effort into, and it shows in the logs. It’s located in a beautiful location too, so finders have a great experience all round with it. The CO is a young cacher and should be commended for this (and many of his other hides) for the container construction and thought behind the location into which they are placed.”

It is a large size, has 79% Favourite Points (23 of the 37 Found logs), no DNFs and is well worth the effort to get to GZ and admire the views.

Congratulations Jacko2484, BenFolds7, Ashwandering!

Found a great cache that you want the world to know about? We are currently seeking nominations for Geocache of the Month for September 2019. To nominate your favourite cache simply head to the forum and leave your suggestion. 

 

Subcategories

  • What is geocaching?

    Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. Discover what it is all about and its history in New South Wales.

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  • Geocache of the Month

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