QLD Geocachers 4WD New Year Beach Bash Rainbow Beach, Queensland, Australia
By The Four Bears on 13-Jan-07. Waypoint GCWW35

Off to the archives for this one

Does anyone know if the commemorative cache was ever placed?? If so what is it called?

Thanks Four Bears. Sorry we couldn't make it in time for the Saturday trip. Probably would have been a bit long for us anyway. We had great fun still with the biggest event we've been to yet. Well done.

Liz and Bruce have asked me to put up some of their photos for them as they don't have access to a connection at the moment. So I have their photos on my flash drive and here they are!

As rong and ourselves left on saturday night after the extended tour we didn't get a chance to thank the four bears for a wonderful one day that we attented.Also a big thanks to all the drivers at double island point saturday morning who willingly gave us all a show of their driving skills.(although when leaving someone had attached a kombi to the back of us!!!)Thanks for the tour of the area and the chance to log some caches maybe this year we'll crack 3 figures.Cannot wait until next time and meet all you guys again. Subzero Racing Team (although the rest of the team was home.4 Huskies on the beach would be madness).

Thanks Paul, Robyn and Michael. I had a great time, and really good to meet some new faces. Sorry I couldn't be there for a bit longer, next time though.

Thanks again

Jerry.

Well, what can I say - a fantastic weekend. Thank you all for making the effort to attend, it was a privilege sharing the weekend with you.

Photos to follow.

Thanks for a great weekend. This was the first ever Event Cache I've been to and I can't wait for another one. I really enjoyed the extended 4WD tour of the area, especially doing it in such a large group. It's something I would not have normally done on my own.

Let me know when someone plans the next one of these, although I am already dreading having to remember everyone's names. Thanks again.

Thanks everyone for making this such a great weekend. The sea must of been inviting we even got Bruce in for a swim, though not voluntarily on the first occasion, (thanks David for helping Bruce in). We loved the extensive look around which we would not have had the confidence to do without a group of other enthusiasts. Thanks to the Four Bears for finding the time to organize the event.

aaaargh!,many thanks to ye'bears Pauln'robyn for a great get together,we hav'nt camped since our kids were small and we thoughrly enjoyed it,thanks to Robyn for those fantastic bangers!,thanks to papa nanks for makin' me coffee before our fishin' trip! and for that yummy icecream on ye' last nite'!,it was great to spend some time with all ye'scallwags and cant wait to next time!

THENANKS attended and had a ball! Catching up with cachers that we already knew and meeting new faces was enjoyable as usual.

A special thanks to Bruce from powellbruce who helped us set up the "Taj" on Thursday night.

We have some great memories; chatting around the group circle, driving up the big bumpy hill!, swimming in Poona Lake, boogie boarding in the waves, the "dinosaurs", walks in good company, the race to FTF and exploring an area we've previously visited but had only scratched the surface!

Thanks to Paul, Robyn and Michael for organising the event.

Another great trip up to Double Island Point. I always enjoy going up there in the VeeDubs, and this weekend was no exception, great to catch up with some old friends, and to meet some new cachers too. Thanks Four Bears for a great weekend....and I'm sure some "interesting" pics will show up of the Kombi.....

I gave the Happy Camper TB to Paul from the Four Bears as requested for Dan's proof of attendance of the Geoevent.

Attended this event hoping to meet some new people and that is just what we did. We had a great time and it was good being able to put faces to 'cacher' names. We will take away some fond memories including the shark eaten dart, and 'dorothy' as well as the long walk to Poona Lake.

Hope to see you all again real soon at the next geocache event, and if you decide to find our hidden cache "the Hideaway" feel free to knock on the door for a cup of tea!!

Urdera.

What a wonderful day we had good to see so manny faces Thanks Bears Found it better than OK
rong

This was so much fun catching up with the regular crew, meeting some new cachers and just plain mucking about in the sand and bush:P Thanks Paul, Robyn and Michael for organising such an enjoyable weekend. When will the next one be:D:

What a great time we had. Was good to put faces to names. We really enjoyed this event. Had to drag Griffo from Lismore up here but then had to drag him away from Dorothy. Was it love at first sight or first bite. The smallest Suzuki loved mixing it with the big trucks.
Thanks Four Bears for all your work. Looking forward to the next one.
Cinco de Cacho got really carried away and will appear at another event soon.

Rogainer & family made the journey from Brissy and up the beach to meet up with some fellow cachers. It was great to catch up with everybody - particularly meeting baby bear for the first time - last time we were here, he hadn't come into the world yet - seems to be déjà vu here with Robyn expecting again
We didn't get there in time to join the expedition through the wilds of Cooloola, but had a very pleasant time relaxing in the campground and then socialising when everybody finally returned.

Thanks Paul for organising it - look forward to the next gathering

Just got back given the ute a quick bath will do it properly tomorrow.
had a great weekend catching up with every one new and old alike. the 4wd trip was interesting and it was good to be o=able to show people around my backyard for once. Now what stories have i got for future use.

Thanks bears for organising it and congratulations on getting your first fish whilst surf fishing.

Well a great weekend, great weather, great company and my little beast was great too, keeping up with the much bigger 4x4s without even batting an eyelid [^].
Thanks to the 4 bears for organising the event.

Belinda & mark.

At the rise rate in attendance, next time we have this event, we better book out the Sheraton @ Noosa!!!

Had a blast.... Great people & location. The tag along tour meant you got to see other 4wds react to different conditions. Too bad on the fire ban though, nothing would have made the weekend better that a great big fire.

Cheers to Paul, Robyn & Michael.... Don't leave it another 2 years to hide that cache.

.... Geoff Mel Leah Tara ....

well I got there [^] - and I am just so glad that not everybody was out and about playing.
Thought I wasn't going to get there for awhile, as there was a bit of a lineup to get up the sandhill about 3km from camp (came in via the freshwater track). Waitted for the congestion to clear - and went for it ... I was to close to not get there.

It was a shame that a few more familar faces weren't around, (the pirate flag was a dead give away that I was in the right spot [^]) and while I couldn't stay, I left 'Happy Camper' TB TBJBG7 in the safe hands of VWnuts. Grank's GCA moveable GA0416 - also stayed to enjoy the company.

Thanks for the chance to grab one of these ever elusive event caches. Hope you all had fun ... just wish I could have stayed a bit longer and met some more cachers.

Ha...Ha...

Attend our first geocaching weekend and had a great time. Had a great expeience 4wding through the wilderness. Got to find some really remote caches. A great friendly group of people. Had a great time.

Talked to Mandy at QPWS in Tewantin.

All is well. Just be sure to mention the group if you are planning to stay in the group area.

See you soon.

Well according to their own website the numbered site system will cease on 31st January 2007 which means it is still in place.

I was busy all day today but when I got out of work I had a message on my phone from a woman at the EPA (not the one I originally talked to) asking me to ring her. I imagine she's wondering what's going on so I'll talk to her tomorrow and let you know what she says.

The one I keep finding says "Changes to Freshwater Campground" as of this date 31 Jan 2006. Then in bold letters below it " Specific sites will not be able to be booked ( presuming they aren't meaning the group area). Anyway, I hope I haven't caused any problems or confusion. Cheers The Nanks- Mr

Oops, I think it is 2006 not 2007 - sorry about that.

Anyway, it doesn't apply to the group area - at least that's what I've been told. Watch this space.

We are planning to arrive on Friday morning and will book our site at the EPA office at Tewantin on our way through. Look forward to seeing everyone.

... well I am going to be driving past on the Saturday, thinking I might try to sneak out and pay you all a quick visit and say hello, sometime in the afternoon. Unfortunately have commitments at the Sunshine Coast early next morning - so probabley wont be able to stay o'nite. I just hope that someone is around when I get there - sorry - IF I get there! - and you are all not running around playing with GPSr's and looking for caches.
cheers Dan
PS - and if I can't drop in for a quick visit - OR I can't find you - I hope you all have fun.
PPS - I work for the EPA - and I never have any idea as to what I am doing [?] little own my hands

Well I booked and paid on line this morning will see what happens when I turn up down there on Thursday Morning.

I will not be going via tewantin as it will add about another 75km to the trip from Gympie for me.

It sounds typical of the department that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. It is even more dificult these days with all the difrent points that you can book through.

Bruce

You're right there Bruce. The EPA are one of the worst for this kind of thing.

There seem to be all sorts of 'rules', some of which are enforced and some which are not and some of which don't even exist depending on who you talk to.

Robyn from 'Just a Trifle' was told that the group area is normally only available to school groups! Don't know where the EPA guy got that one from.

You used to be able to self-register everywhere but it seems they are phasing that out now. That's great if you can book ahead on the internet - not so great if you are just passing through though.

I thought I'd give you guys an update on the crossing of Double Island point. We came through there on Sunday on our way back from Fraser. The Rainbow Beach side is only accessable at low tide and only just. There is a big drop from the track to the beach. It makes in verrry interesting when trying to get through with a camper trailer in tow. Power is a good thing. Mudlo Rocks is a non event. All buried by sand.

Hope you guys have a good trip. I'll be at Mt Mee on Sunday to deal with the hill that did my diff in last time.

Geoff...

Just wanted to check if it was okay to increase my numbers from 2 adults to 3 adults and 1 child?

I would also like to ask a big favour of someone if possible. Due to the fact we can't come up until Saturday, we want to make the most of the day and get away really early. Unfortunately this makes it hard to stop and pay our fees at the QPWS office as they won't be open in time. Was wondering if anyone would be able to pay our fees as you go up and I'll fix you up as soon as we get there?

Please let me know if this is a possibility. Thanks heaps, Michael

Hey everyone Well the MadMyers were coming to this event - and then work interferes. Sorry everyone - work has reared its ugly self and Mr Mad is committed to a job site to the point that we would not be able to get there at a decent time. Bahhhhh Humbug - the joys of being self employed! Thanks so much to the FourBears for planning this event. You are all going to have such a great time!! Wish we could be there!

I to had several conversations with people in bookings and EPA yesterday. We decided that there is no way we can fit our stuff in just the hilux so the camper is coming. We went on line to register and got all the way down to seeing what sites are available up near the group area. We too realised then the map isn't numbered ,so I rang EPA bookings. She seemed very helpful but said the tents and van area is split but the map has not been updated ( 1 year late). So I asked her to transfer me to Tewantin Rangers office of sorts. She claimed to know all and said the numbering system has finished and first in best dressed and they are still mixed up. I questioned her again to make sure it was what we were after. Anyway a long story made long , we booked online and are heading up Thursday late arvo via Tewantin. Good luck everyone else.

Hey Mikey Moo, we just followed the link that 4 bears have a few logs down and paid online today by credit card. It was easy as. Now we don't have to be at the office at any particular time.

This (hopefully) will link you directly to the booking page. https://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks/iaparks/gds/IAGDS020.do?parkId=131

I've tried to copy FourBears' link here. I wonder if it will work?? http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications/p01713aa.pdf/Cooloola_conditions_report.pdf

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Mrs THENANKS

[This entry was edited by THENANKS on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 at 2:05:52 AM.]

We have booked our tent site online for this weekend using the group name QLD Geocachers 4WD New Year Beach Bash.

Hi all

Apparently Robyn from 'Just a Trifle' rang the EPA at Tewantin and they have said that you cannot pay your fees at Rainbow Beach if coming that way (but hopefully everyone will be coming via Tewantin anyway).

Look, I don't honestly think the EPA cares as long as you pay your fees *somewhere* but just be warned in case they are funny about it. I have talked to 3 different people at the EPA so far and got 3 different answers about this and other issues of course. The woman I originally spoke to is away sick unfortunately.

As of today there are still 17 individual campsites available which can be booked online. I know a few people are bringing trailers which need a separate site and it seems one or two have booked sites too so we'll have some leeway if the group area gets a bit crowded.

Here is a map of the campsite http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/images/parks_and_forests/vmap/freshwater_camp.gif. Doesn't seem to have numbers on it unfortunately.

Cooloola conditions report. Note the new speed limit.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications/p01713aa.pdf/Cooloola_conditions_report.pdf

It is now impossible to access Rainbow Beach via the Leisha track at all tides due to ongoing natural erosion.

ICE: There is an ice/bread man, same as the icecream/chip man. However I wouldn't be rely on this because you wouldn't know where or when he would arrive.

Leisha Track: we went that way 2 weekends ago & it was a 90 degree turn (not hairy) left when you got to the Rainbow side. As per earlier post, Mudlo rocks fine.

... Geoff ...

Yeah, heard about that. Shame, as that was always the quick way if the Mudlo Rocks were passable.

We will be on UHF channel 27.

Hey Four Bears. A question for you as we have never camped there before. Does someone come around with ice like Inskip or do we run to Rainbow. Cheers.

I've never seen anyone come around with ice there.

Best bet is to grab some at Tewantin on the way through.

Good point Jerry.

We will be heading off on Saturday morning bright and early to make the most of the day, around 9am if that suits everyone.

We will be heading up to Double Island Point once again for a swim if the weather is good and then heading inland for 4WDing and caching. This gives anyone who might not be able to make that early a chance to meet us up at Double Island Point.

A little later in the day we will be stopping down at the Bymien Picnic Area which gives latecomers a chance to meet up (as well as anyone else who would like to come along as this area is accessible by 2WD - email me if you'd like to be there so we can fix a time).

I've just come back from a weekend up there, and the Freshwater Track is a piece of cake. Apparently the Liesha Track across to Rainbow drops straight into the water on Rainbow side and the Toilet block has been washed away, so we didnt try that.

I presume most people will have a UHF? Is there a channel we can pick to use?
Graham

Just to re-confirm, we will be 2up for Saturday night, although undecided as to trailer or tent at this stage, so I will sort out our payment directly. There is also a chance that we may be up for a Friday night jaunt, but not sure at this stage.

Is there a time that we should be there if coming on Saturday?

Jerry.

OK guys, there are two ways to get here.

The simplest and most scenic is up the beach via Tewantin. You'll want to get there close to low tide for easiest driving conditions.

The EPA building is here as a waypoint. The ferry across the Noosa river is just north of here. Please stop at the EPA building and pay your camping fees. Just let them know you are part of the group booking under the name of 'Brian'. This contradicts what I said about me paying as a group so don't worry about that.

Anyone who is getting there before Friday or wants to stay past Saturday, let them know. They were fine with that last time as the place is pretty much empty that time of year. You might want to ring ahead and check for peace of mind.

Once across the ferry (which costs 5 dollars), head along the bitumen road to the next waypoint and then up the beach to Freshwater (stopping off to pick up any caches along the way of course).

You can also come from the north if you prefer but it's not as scenic and is much, much further by road from Brisbane. Get to Gympie and head off towards Rainbow Beach. Turn off at the waypoint given and travel down the Freshwater track all the way to the campsite. This track can get very sandy and chopped up at times - the beach is your best bet. Be sure to head in to Rainbow Beach first to the EPA building there to pay your fees (sorry, don't have the co-ords).

Any worries, just ring me on 0400 602288 and I will do my best to help.

Tide times:
Friday - Low at 0802
Saturday - Low at 0928.

Again, you'll want to travel close to low tide and preferably on the outgoing tide. Although you can usually get away with driving at high tide it can be a bit hairy and rough going and take it from someone who has had to race against the tide more than once - it can add years to your life!

Cheers

Papa Bear

Hey Four Bears - apparently the MadMyers are coming to this event!!! We had been umming and ahhing as we are caravanners not campers - but according to the Nanks we are now campers as well!!! I have received a text from Mrs Nanks telling me I need to book a site for earlier days or something. Now I have read the whole sets of logs I am about to investigate on the net how to book and who to ring etc etc. If you happen to read this can you fire me off an email to give me the details in case I have gotten completely stuck. That would be great. Oh there are 2 adults and 2 kids

I will definitely be coming. Sorry I didn't let you know sooner. Put me down for two adults on Saturday night. Thanks, Mikey Moo

Hi, Sorry just got home to clear my emails.
2 for the green team and 2 for griffo. Friday and Saturday night and we will book Sunday. Do you know if we will be able to stay set up in the group area?
Cheers, Chris.

aaaargh!,ye' pirates 'ave worked out we can come now!,there be the pirate n' ye galley wench for fri n' sat nite'.

Hi all.

I see many people want to book extra nights. I am booking the group area for Friday & Saturday for all of us.

If you want to camp extra nights I'm afraid you'll have to arrange that separately. It's a bit tricky for me to sort that out as I'm sure you can appreciate.

Cheers.

Hi Four Bears , Could you please give us the booking number and contact details so we make sure we get the same site for Thursday night. We head off to Moreton for 8 days in the morning on the 8.30 barge , so if you could let us know tonight that would help. Cheers The Nanks

Hi sorry i didnt reply sooner, we have been up to fraser, just got back today
2 adults coming for saturday night.

Paul, add 2.5 to the total for Saturday night.
(Linda, myself & Emma)

Look forward to catching up

cheers (another) Paul

I have always wanted to do the beach camping thing up this way, so we decided to make our booking on the beach.

We will try to get up to say g'day sometime Saturday before the arvo high tide, though I suspect you will all be gallivanting around the countryside chasing caches or having fun on beach!

On that note, are there any special caches being placed for this event?

Cheers,
Mick (Crido)

You can book us in for two adults Friday and Sat nights and we can meet some of our fellow crazy cachers.

Update of beach conditions. Camp grounds are in fine form. Plenty of sand from Northshore upto Double Island. Sand very choppy, soft & loose from Teewah though to D.Island. From D.Island to Rainbow, enough sand & the rocks very passable 1 hr either side of high tide. Freshwater Track fine though a few hills are a little chopped up.

Looking forward to camping out.

Geoff, Leah & Tara for 2 nights, or maybe 3 nights. Mel may come, still beating her over head at this stage.

We are confirming 2 adults for the Friday and Saturday and would also like to book the Sunday night also if possible.

1 Adult, 1 child (3yo) for Sat night

1 adult for Friday and Saturday nights thanks.

Looking forward to the trip

Hi guys

Ranger has finally got back to me and the old group area is booked for Friday and Saturday.

Can you please reply here with exact numbers of adults and children so I can work out how much I will have to pay (they want the payment for the group area as a lump sum) and indicate whether you will be staying Friday, Saturday or both.

Anyone needing separate campsites (camper trailers will need a trailer site - they can't go in the group area) will have to book themselves via the EPA website.

Any questions, send me an email or leave a note here.

Hi Guys ,
We will have 2 kids and 2 slightly mature adults but we would like to stay Thursday night as well as Friday and Saturday. Is that ok to book. Cheers The Nanks

G'day all.

The reason I haven't been able to tell you about campsites as yet is that there is a lot of work still going on at Freshwater. It was supposed to be finished by Christmas but it has overrun.

The old group area was supposed to be removed by now and replaced with a newer, bigger area but this hasn't happened so they can't yet tell me if either one will be available.

Whatever happens, there are plenty of campsites available at that time so the event will still go ahead even if we can't get the group area.

The ranger is supposed to be ringing me tomorrow so I will keep you informed.

Sorry to hear that Simon. We'll have a drink for you.

All 4 "bolt es" plan to attend. Sorry about the late notice. Thought we'd already done so. We may also stay an extra day.

Sorry folks - last minute changes to the holiday plans means we'll most likely be interstate at that time. I'm sure you'll all have a fantastic time; Papa Bear runs a great trip.

How did you go with the campsites?

Bindy and Homer will hopefully be there (we bought our first 4wd and are looking forward to taking the little suzuki up the beach)

I think vwnuts is planning on comin too if he ever gets his buggy on the road

Yes, I'll be there....hopefully in the Beach Buggy, or if thats not going in time, it will be the Kombi.

Hi all.

I will be in touch with the ranger this week to check availability and try to book the group area like last time.

If we need to book individual sites (let me know if you have a camper trailer the group area won't take them so you will need a separate site) I will let you know.

Cheers

Papa Bear

I've wanted to attend a caching event for the past couple of years, but haven't made one yet. I've also always wanted to camp in this area! I'll therefore definitely try to make it and bring the missus and a geocaching-mad mate too!

One question though ... how busy is the weekend of the 13th going to be in this area? Do we need to book a site or what?

Cheers,
Crido

And out of the darkness comes a vaguely familiar shape...could that possibly be Manta??

Just when you thought he'd disappeared off the face of the planet, he smells the wood smoke and the Bundy and can't resist the call. He'll certainly be trying to make this one.

(Slips quietly back into the gloom...)

Team Griffo will be there

Unfortunately another miss . We're heading to Fraser over new years and will only be back a week.

Geoff...

At this stage, we intend to head up Friday morning and return sometime on Monday. While we don't have passenger space, we have a tray-back Hilux and could help with transporting gear from Rainbow Beach township.

We've been camping at Freshwater Camp ground every year at New Years for about 7 years now. I'll see if we can make it for the Beach Bash.

Green Team 2 will be there. Have checked this place out before but never been back to camp. Looking forward to meeting some fellow cachers.

The tides will work out fairly well for this weekend as well.

TIDE PREDICTIONS FOR NOOSA HEAD
JANUARY - 2007
Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14 Mon 15
Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht Time Ht
0228 1.36 0340 1.45 437 1.57 0526 1.69
0802 0.95 0928 0.98 1053 0.94 1200 0.86
1338 1.38 1445 1.31 1600 1.28 1703 1.29
2018 0.65 2113 0.65 2212 0.62 2307 0.58

At this stage i will say that i will be there but that is subject to change without notice. be more certain about attending closer to the day.

I will be there this time. Did not know about it untill i was up there this weekend and saw the waypoit scoot past my screen...

I thouroughly enjoyed the last time I attended this -including the rush for FTF at double island point lighthouse
Little bear hadn't even seen the light of day at that time!
Will mark in my calendar and do my best to be there.

THENANKS will be there! We love camping up Double Island Point way and what better excuse to go that way again than a Geo Event.

We are looking forward to meeting cachers old and new!

I'll do my best to make sure I have the days off

We'll be there but without the axles this time....

... The Michels Clan ...

If only i can work out what the actual date is , i will make a huge effort to attend.

mm

Hi Map Monkey.

It is 13th Jan, 2007 (as indicated by the 'hidden' date).

As always, will be there unless my forthcoming lotto win and world tour prevents me!

Published