Dooleys Heritage Trail #4 Tasmania, Australia
By sirius Tas on 21-Feb-08. Waypoint GA1010

Cache all good.

Cache has been replaced by Stainless Steel Rat and party on their recent trip. Huge thank you to all for replacing the cache...very much appreciated indeed.

Set out to do Dooleys Trail with Goose&Egg and Stainless steel rat, a beautiful area and worth a visit but not for the faint hearted if you do the entire trail at once I left a scout behind in all the caches that were big enough. This one very obviously missing so we replaced it with a container and swaps of the same size as the original. tftc

A nice walk to ground zero but we were only rewarded with a DNF after searching for 10 minutes we made the call that this was another cache that had been lost to the floods, we are sure we found the hint location and this time it was TazScout that had a container of the correct size to replace the cache.

Replaced at 15:11

Rated: for Overall Experience

It was not long after 3pm when we arrived at the cache location. We dug and dug through the rubble looking for any sign of a cache. We extended our search to be sure but we reckoned it was long gone. It was obvious to us there had been a lot of water and mud through here. Another SSR specialty was decided upon and hidden as per the hint.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Mighty effort 2y's and many thanks for all the additional info re access...very much appreciated. It really is amazing where geocaching can take you in both finding and placing caches in an awesome paradise we call Tassie.

Well done 2y's, geocaching got me started doing some of the most amazing bushwalks that I wouldn't have thought possible for me (not that I've been doing too many lately). Beforehand, I suppose I'd assumed much specialist gear and knowledge was required, but common sense/preparation seems to go a long way. Sounds like you're surprising yourselves with your achievements. Even that you're one of a handful of caching teams to get this cache in its 5 years since being placed, is fantastic. Well done. PS. I LOVED the Dooley's Heritage Trail walks/caches!

On 9 January we completed Dooley Heritage Trail #3 whilst completing the Williams Wilmot Wandering series. Having found Dooleys #1 and #2 some time ago, only Dooleys Heritage Trail #4 was left in this area. Whilst completing #3 we came across a map on a trackside sign which suggested that access may be possible from the western side. After looking at Google Earth and matching it with the map we had found on the track, we set off to complete some reconnaissance to see if any tracks were marked.

The map suggested that there was a car parking area at the start of an un-named track near S41 18.701 E146 10.948. It was relatively straight forward to get there and we found a clearly marked track called the Groove Creek Track which led down to the Dooley Track and Wilmot River. GZ was about 1.25km away as the crow flies but given the meandering of the river in the area, we estimated that the return walk would be about 6km. We walked down the track for about 100m before it started to descend quite steeply. Not being prepared to walk today, we returned to the car satisfied that we had found a shorter way in than other alternatives we knew about.

We then back tracked a little and went to the end of Chilcotts Road. To our surprise there was a 2-3m wide track with a good surface leading off to the N or NE. To our further surprise, we were only 650m from GZ as the crow flies. We thought we would explore this track a little to see where it went. The first 200m was relatively flat but after that it dropped steeply to the river. However, we got "sucked in" as we were now only 450m from GZ. So we walked down the very steep track - it dropped nearly 200m in 680m until it met Dooley's Track on the banks of the Wilmot River. At that point we were about 550m from GZ but the walk was along a narrower but well defined track along the western bank of the Wilmot River. Most was flat but there was one section where we had to walk up and over an outcrop. About halfway along the riverside track we came across a shack. After another 250m we got to GZ and made a quick find. It had taken us just 45 minutes to get from the car to GZ. The cache was very secure and in good condition. The logbook was dry in its plastic bag but other items in another plastic bag (biros, tape etc) were damp. Sorry we couldn't complete any maintenance - we didn't expect to find the cache today, just a way to get there - so we were not prepared.

The views along the walk, especially down by the river, were great. Another Sirius special.

We returned by the same route and got back to the car in just under 2 hours. We estimate that we had walked just under 3km return. It was a taxing walk back up the steep section of the track but with frequent stops, we made it.

To get to the parking spot and start of the walking track, drive south from Ulverstone. Just after going through Sprent turn left into Swamp Road at S41 16.289 E146 09.230. About 300m along Swamp Road turn right at S41 16.353 E146 09.503 into what Google Earth identifies as Chilcotts Road (it is not signposted). Continue along Chilcotts Road (gets narrow and windy within the first 1.5k but then opens up again) to get to the parking spot at S41 18.733 E146 11.379. There are numerous side roads, many signposted as Chilcott 1, Chilcott 2 etc but do not turn down any of these. It is very tempting to go onto Chilcott 6 - don't, go left at that junction. Our GPS (Garmin nuvi 1350) happily showed Chilcotts Road right through to the parking area. The road is OK for 2WD although reduced speeds are required over some badly corrugated sections. There are no problems with clearance.

Thank you Sirius Tas for a wonderful series in a magic area of Tassie. We found the four caches in the series over four walks. Initially we were very hesitant about our walking skills and stamina but over time we have become more confident and (hopefully) more competent. Finding Dooleys Heritage Trail #4 was a fitting climax. As well as an enjoyable but taxing walk, we had to really plan our strategy to get to the cache. The fact that a reconnaissance run was turned into a successful caching experience was a bonus and made feel a little sense of achievement. Overall, one of our best caching experiences.

Wow...what an effort TT....I'd been going to check on this one for some time now...thinking the floods may have claimed it....but you've found it safe and well. Congrats on your find...not many caches go this long between finds...well done guys.

What an adventure this cache turned out to be, we set off from Knights Rd on a lovely spring day, a very up and down trail that required two river crossings in freezing water, lucky we took a change of shoes. As the cache hadn't been found for 96 weeks we thought it may have become a victim of the '11 floods but to our amazement it was safely tucked away and dry, even went prepared to replace it if necessary. The journey took 4 hours return and we enjoyed every moment of it the scenery is well worth the walk and the sounds of birds chirpping serenaded us along the way. Thanks for a great day's caching and for the cache sirius.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Walked the 25km track from Spellmans Bridge to Alma Bridge with the guy that has done most of the work to make this track available. With the river still high, we had to ford the river once which was shin deep. This crossing is necessary as he was unable to get permission from the land owner to walk on the other side of the river. By doing the walk this way, it was easier to find the last section of the track that traverses open paddocks and a road walk. Found this cache which is lucky to be still in its hiding place as a large tree has fallen very close by in the last week. It will be a good excuse for people to do a lovely walk and keep this track open. TNLN

Completed No2 of this series yesterday so came back today to try for 3 and 4. Started off with 4 and spent a lot of time looking unsuccessfully. Gave up and was heading back when the cache was spotted laying on some washed up debris from the recent floods about 30 metres down stream. Took it back and put it in what we are pretty sure was its rightful place. Thanks.

Rated: for Overall Experience

Continued on the lovely river walk from #3. All went well till we started up the notorious and monstrous Hill Bypass. (How much easier this track would have been without that hill...) Forthferalz sadly had to turn back, but me and my partner ploughed on for an hour or so up the steep, zig-zagging, slippery, not-really-well-formed and exhausting path to the top. Completely underestimated how long it would take, as well. Continued following the pink tape, then things got strange and confusing (due to the GPS rather than the trail). GPS said GZ was 300m back up the hill. We tried that way, but no cigar; it was necessary to follow the trail all the way down to the river and circle round.

So, that's what we did. Last part of track was really nice. At GZ cache was not where it was supposed to be; lying exposed and upside down a few feet away in some ferns, but unharmed and dry. Signed log and replaced in it's hidey hole, miraculously avoiding hitting head on the protruding tree branch.

On the way back, partner took a dip in the river while I headed back to the car, at a rapid pace which I later regretted. Apparently there is an alternative, easier and shorter route across the river, but I missed the sign and returned the hard way over the big hill. Legs and feet paid for that...

Interesting series and a nice walk. Thanks for the caches!

Rated: for Overall Experience

I've been watching but reluctant to do these walks on my own due to the track maze problem reported on the series.
Sounds like it's more than possible to get seriously lost even with GPS on this trail without a good map. Since there's not a lot of info and no parking coords this might help prepare. http://www.webspawner.com/users/billshep/
http://bushwalk-tasmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1042

Geocaching Adventure
I set off to find this cache with a 16kg pack as part of my training for a bushwalk in Kakadu in September. Following the notes for the Groove Creek Circuit led me on quite an adventure. The first problem I had was starting at the wrong place, fortunately I took a GPS reading after a couple of 100m down the ridiculously steep track straight down to the river. Using GPS and map, I figured out where I was and headed for the geocache which was easily found. I found a plastic container full of rusty nuts and bolts first though, and thought maybe a muggle had played a joke.
Then I thought I'd go through to Dooley's #3, over the slippery as ice bridge and on to a sign saying go up and round private property, or along and across the river to get to Ellis Crossing. Blow the going up and around, I'll look at the river. On arrival at the crossing I decided that my pack was too heavy and the river too deep and cold so I'll have to do that one another day.
Back past Osbert Creek and on to Groove Creek to start the return trip.
I took the detour through the manferns into Secluded Falls (very nice), then returned and headed up, and up, and up the hill. Near the top (I thought), I checked the GPS and was about 500m west of my car but, no track to it, so I kept going up, and up, and finally arrived at where I should have started the walk. Great, only these were forestry roads so which one back to the car? Of course I picked the wrong one and ended up down another hill, ONLY 300m away from the car. No track through. That's OK, it seemed light bush and I had my trusty GPS.
Off I set, GPS in hand and ended up in over head high bracken ferns and broken branches. The GPS works well under trees, thank goodness, until the batteries run out. I got out the spares, praying that it would work (it did), and continued to battle through the next ONLY 150m. Finally I got to an old marijuana growing plot and it was easier going from there.
To say I was relieved to on arrive at the car would be an understatement! So, I started the car, backed over the track to turn around, and lost traction. Half an hour later, after lowering the tyre pressure and lots of manoeuvring, and dread that I would have to call for help, I was on my way. Finally I could head home as dusk was coming on, so after a brief, unintentional detour on the forestry roads (that all look the same), my adventure was over!
I would have to say that it was the most exciting geocaching day that I have ever had, so THANKS, Sirius!

Rated: for Overall Experience

Following on from Dooleys 3 we followed the track along the river.
Shame about the detour to avoid private land, but it sure gave us a bit of exercise getting up and over the hill.
Cache found in a lovely little area by the river.
On the way back we got across the river by rock hopping and managed to keep dry.
The time for the overall trip to find the two caches was 3hr 45mins.
Thanks Sirius - reckon I'll ache a little tomorrow!

Huge congrats again for FTF Dippy....well done.

Continued on from #3 (on the eastern side of the river), so had to take the big detour uphill from the river and back down to avoid the private land. Maddie was leading the way in this section but the track (or the concept of zigzag) even had her tricked, as she kept walking off the end of the zigs ahead of me, rather than turning the corner. Blindly following, a few steps on I'd think there's no track here, and sure enough it'd just zagged back. After the detour it wasn't far to the cache! Logged and started the trip back. A sign there said that there was an alternative track to the up and down detour (by following the orange triangles and fording the river to end up at East Ellis Crossing), so I headed off looking for the orange triangles. Walked a km or two along the river and flats but didn't see one at all, until I came to the crossing to the locked gate. Considered pioneering my own way downstream but took the safe and sensible and long option and went back to where I knew the track was. From East Ellis Crossing we walked on the west side of the river some of the way back. After 7 and 3/4 hours and a bit over 20km I was feeling the four stars terrain rating! We had fun, got the FTF, enjoyed many interesting bits along the way, and especially the stepping stone crossings (couple of pics included!) Very enjoyable, it's an amazing route that's being redeveloped, thanks for placing the caches sirius tas!

For the 2/3 of the trail that I've walked definitely not M/Bike friendly as quite narrow in places, lots of large logs with just foot holds etc. One way to tackle would be to start at Spellmans Bridge end....walk through and get picked up at Alma Bridge?? ....possibly take around 6-8 hours. Cheers.

Sirius,

Do you know if these Dooleys Trail caches are Mountain Bike friendly? Are we allowed to do the track on a bike?

L8r.