Join in the fun of geocaching
ONE of the best ways to explore the Far North is through the game of geocaching.
Geocaching, which is a worldwide treasure hunt using GPS co-ordinates, can introduce you to ‘secret’ hikes, landmarks, and amazing places well off the beaten path.
Geocaches can come in all shapes and sizes — some the size of buttons — but they all contain logbooks you sign, after you find them using either a GPS finder, or a smartphone.
Here is a list of five great geocaches to check out across the region.
To join the hunt, sign up to Geocaching.com, and type in the location or “GC” code to get going:
CLIFFHANGER AT TURTLE WATCH (GC6ZRMK)
Where: Kewarra Beach Why it’s awesome: A secret cave at the end of the beach, with a spectacular view of the northern beaches
FORESHORE WALK (GC2QHR9)
Where: Cairns Esplanade Why it’s awesome: Classified as a “puzzle” cache, you need to walk half the distance of the Esplanade and solve clues along the way to find a VERY clever final hiding spot.
MAGNIFICENT VIEW (GC7ZWT8)
Where: Whitfield Why it’s awesome: The name says it all.
A very short detour on one of Mt Whitfield’s Arrow tracks, this will bring you to the ultimate spot for a panoramic view of the city.
OH! ASIS! HOW LOVELY! (GC1DKF4)
Where: Tolga Why it’s awesome: Located near the site of a World War II memorial, a 1km hike will take you to a hidden rainforest oasis seemingly in the middle of grassy scrubland.
URBAN GENERATION (GC4HQ09)
Where: Cairns CBD Why it’s awesome: Not every geocache needs to be hidden in a spectacular area. This one’s in a carpark. But how it is hidden will definitely bring a smile to your face.