Great Walk-Woonoongoora Numinbah Valley, Queensland, Australia
By Tigey Wigey on 09-Nov-08. Waypoint GC1J4AD

Tried the "easy but long" way earlier in the year, but you can not drive as close anymore and I found I was under-prepared due to the humidity for the longer walk. Took the steep route today. About half way down I was questioning my sanity, but all went well just walking slowly back up. TFTC!

Took a while but found under a lot of leaves. Tftc

I walked down from Apple Tree Park to check out the campsite as I’m planning to complete the Great Walk sometime soon. Once the GPS eventually settled down I found the coordinates to be perfect. Thanks for the cache.
Cheers

Found while kokoda training!!!

Pens not working and notebook a bit wet. Could not write.

Had no idea what way to go. So many little tracks with no signage. Didnt want to go to far in the wrong direction so we gave up after 20 mins in the opposite direction.

Up on a long walking day. One of the logs was saturated but we signed another one. Gee it was a great walk. Out with Tenkae picking up a few interesting D/T.

I AM GUR

After coming out here for some nearby caches, we decided... what's another 5km... should have read that it wasn't a nice flat road, but once we'd started, we just kept going. Nice easy find once we arrived... 17km so far and anotber 5 to the car... thanks for the workout

Having worked our upper bodies in the kayaks yesterday, Seff (seffnjarah), Swellerfungus and I agreed that friends don't let friends skip leg day, and so this walk was lined up. Stairman1 was a last minute addition, but given the method by which we reached GZ, we really would have been remiss in not taking him!

A fairly early start saw us leaving the car at just after 7, and before we knew it we were at the campsite, and Fungus was deployed as our distraction technique (really he just wanted a captive audience of some scouts at whom to direct his wisdom!). Stairman, Seff and I commenced the hunt, but luckily my phone took me to the right locale straight away, and after a short search of some likely spots I came up trumps.

Shortly after the cache was found the rain started, and while waiting for Stairman who was using the bush toilet facilities, we were treated to the unedifying site of some fairly sulky scouts getting their camp packed down and sorted. I was getting grumpier by the second as the only two females scouts were setting the feminist movement back by decades with their faffing around, and eventually two of the boys took matters into their own hands by collapsing the tent onto their heads!

Stairman having rejoined us we headed out and back up the hill in the rain - the rainforest really is beautiful like this, so even my epic failure to bring wet weather gear (I could hear my waterproof mocking me from the back of the front door!), the unrelenting up, or the 10 hour shift only a few hours away couldn't dampen my spirits. We made it back up in just over half an hour, although Fungus and I were slower than the Mountain Goat and Stairman. I think including finding the cache, and passing judgement on scouts, we were up and down in around 90 minutes. TFTC, FP for the the walk to this one

Found today with Seffnjarah Swellerfungus and Jezndez. A reasonably early start had us at the top of this great walk around 7.00 or so. A quick set up and off we head. This one has been on the radar for a few years now and I was grateful for the invite to join in on this walk. Weather not looking as good up here as back in Brizzie. Anyway off we head along a slightly damp trail. In no time we were heading down quite a few steps. Stopped a couple of times for a photo or two. Love this rain forest and the mossy trees. Our trip down uneventful and only met a few muggles who had already been down to the camp site.
Down near GZ we spread out preparing for a tough hunt. Only here for a couple of minutes when the found it announcement came through. Jezndez made short work of this one. That's what happens when you go exactly to GZ. Amazing both the gps's and a phone were all reading between 0 and 5 meters. The cache is in perfect condition. Our names in the book now time to head back up. Yep there are around 817 steps according to my count. The rain decided to pay us a visit as well and we all managed to get drenched. No wet weather gear at all between us.
All back at the top in around 1.5 hours. Think the rain gave us some motivation here.
Thanks Tigey Wigey for a great little walk.
TFTC

A call went out the regular crew for a hike today. After an upper body workout yesterday in the kayaks, it was time to work the legs. And what a workout it was!
We set off nice and early, and had not even thought about the fact that it might rain later in the morning...so we all left rain protection at home. oops.
Once we arrived at the upper car park, we set off at a steady clip, and began the descent. I didn't count the steps, but I would think the count mentioned in the cache description couldn't be too far wrong. We passes a few groups of people as they headed back up (surprising for so early in the morning) and even had a group camped down near GZ. As Chief of Diversionary Tactics, I took it on myself to talk to the campers while the rest searched out the cache. It wasn't long before the cache was in hand and signing duties done.
Then the rain began to fall, and fall, and fall.
We watched the campers pack up their tents with a tedious slowness, that meant their tents were saturated and heavier in their packs. Fun times.
The trip up was the expected slog, and I was actually surprised how quickly we made it back up to the top.
I really enjoy a walk in the rainforest, and the rain made it even better. After a few weeks traipsing around outback Australia in the drought, this was a really nice change.
Thanks for bringing us here.

This cache was on the agenda for Swellerfungus and I many moons ago but an unexpected knee injury for Fungus put paid to that idea. Somehow or other it has never managed to be put back on the agenda until this weekend. Stairman1, Swellerfungus and Dez(JezNDez) left Brisbane at 6am and after passing through a brief shower of rain on the drive down, set off for just after 7am for the walk. A couple of other cars in the car park indicated we were not the only ones in the area and in fact passed 2 small groups as they headed back up. At the bottom Dez, Stairman1 and I set about the find while Swellerfungus chatted to some scouts who had camped overnight. My GPS was swinging about all over the place and I was relieved when Dez called out the find. With the logbook signed the skies decided to unleash the rain that had been threatening overhead, and it was a long wet walk back to the car. TFTC

The path to get to the cache is not so clear. TFTC Tigey Wigey

Found it! Took about 10 minutes of looking at GZ. I think even time has forgotten about this cache. Certainly the battery in the watch left in the cache is flat long ago.

Here’s how you find this cache: use your phone to get to Gz. Throw phone away: it’s useless now. Walk around at least 20m radius looking for rocks. Look inside rocks, find cache.

There is no longer any sort of path so you’re going to be bush bashing the last 50m

Looked and looked but couldn't find it!

Not so easy to find with lots of debris around the rocks. Glad to find the cache in failing light!!

Lots of rubbish from storms but after some digging found the rocks and then the cache. Notebook soggy. Tftc

Took a little searching through the leaves, but found it! Thanks!

TFTC log to follow

I was out and about by myself today as Geo Wife was otherwise occupied.

I couldn't make up my mind which way to go but Springbrook came into my sights and there were definitely a few great caches up here still unfound.

I had read the cache description so I knew what I was taking on!!

The first part of the walk was easy so I was happy that part of the quoted distance didn't include steps.

Then I got to the SIGN!!!! O.....K...... so 100 Storey building..... What goes down must come up....if you really want to get back to your car that is!!!

Oh hang it I wasn't going to read any more I had a cache to find so what were a few steps between me and it... well a few more than a few but still!!!!

I was very pleased to see that the stairs were very well constructed and some kind person had partially cleared them before my descent so the going was relatively easy apart from the growing ache in the back of my legs!!!

There were lots of dirt paths between the stairs which gave me a bit of a break from step, down, step, down, step, down..... but I could definitely tell that I was on the downhill slope as my toes pressed into the front of my shoes and I couldn't get out of my mind ....I have to come back UP!!!!

It was a very pleasant walk through the sub tropical rainforest and the weather was just perfect, not too hot not too cold!!

I was a bit surprised as I neared GZ that I spotted a clearing and even a toilet block!!! Great provision for the weary traveller, camping AND amenities!!

My search was a lit hard as it seemed as if a large amount of water had washed bark down the hill and it was piled up everywhere!!!

I searched in vain for about 20 minutes then in desparation did a PAF, assuring myself that he had had the same difficulty in locating, as I was NOT going to leave without finding the prize!!

He gave me a description to help but it still took me a few minutes to actually track down the spot and to my surprise my main target of search had been only about 4 metres away from GZ WOW!!! Things disappear in the bush!!!

My ascent was slow to say the least but still not unpleasant I even counted the steps in stages and came up with a different figure so I have no idea except that it is over 820 and there were some good logs to sit on right at the track which made it even easier to rest.

I couldn't have been happier when I reached the sign and knew I was closing in on the car!!!

Thanks Tigey Wigey & Piglet TFTC SL

Found.

Today I am on my way up to Springbrook for a few walks.
This was the second walk for the day.
30 minutes, 902 steps later and a long track walk I walk close to GZ.
I dumped the pack and poles and headed into the bush. It took me about 10 mins to find the cache as the vegetation is quite think and I ended up on the other side of GZ and eventually circled around to find the cache.
It took me 40 minutes to get back to the car.
Thanks for the cache.

This was my goal for today. I think I over prepared for this one. It was not nearly as difficult as I expected.

I arrived at the top of the stairs nice and early to beat the heat. I took the descent nice and easy because the steps were wet from the rain.

It only took thirty minutes to reach the camp area at the bottom. I don't think this area has seen much attention recently. The grass was about knee high.

I checked the GPSr and backtracked towards GZ. I knew roughly what I was looking for and with my GZ showing at 9m I saw a couple of potential spots. One looked more promising, so I checked it first and found the container. Even after 9 months the rocks covering the cache were clearly visible.

I did have terrible trouble getting the lid of the cache though. It is not quite as nicely painted as it was. Sorry Captain Terror. Brute force, ignorance and a rock eventually persuaded the lid to budge so I could add my name to the log.

I thought the trip back up would take longer, but it was only ten minutes longer than the way down. I did start counting the steps, but I forgot what I was up to when I stopped around 600 to take a photo. My count was 916.

Thanks for a great cache folks [^]

Well,here we sit on the way back up at the start of the steps having an apple,got the clan with me,thought I 'd make it a family occasion for the big 2000th cache.worried around GZ as it was all over the place and took us a while to find the treasure,a great relief when it was found.Enjoy these sort of walks,a bit of a challenge,but doable with a bit of effort.Thanks Captain Terror for replacing the container and TFTC.

A leave pass today allowed me to head south early in the morning and clean up all the remaining unfound caches at Springbrook, including my two primary targets for the day - Waringa and Great Walks -Woonoongoora.

The first cache was targeted so I can complete Herbz great challenge cache and this one was selected because it fills a D/T combo I don't have, takes me one cache closer to Fangsoki's 2 feet and a heartbeat challenge cache and frankly, because I am a glutten for punishment on steep hills.

Having completed the 8k Waringa hike in the morning cool, and then picked up the last few unfound caches at Springbrook, I arrived at Apple Tree at 1230. It was hot and muggy, but the cache is only 900 odd metres away. I knew it would not be a quick walk and grab though.

Travelling light with only a water bottle and GPS, I managed excellent time down the stairs and then the old Forestry trail and quickly found myself at the walkers camp. After a quick look around I ventured into the scrub to GZ.

Mr Garmin didn't like the overcast conditions, adjacent hill and the forest cover and was bouncing me around like a 5 year old on a trampoline. Eventually it settled enough to give me a 30 metre area to search. One by one I started methodically checking the base of each tree.

Thankfully, Captain Container Replacer had posted a photo of the new container, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. I found the container on the second pass over this particular tree. On the first pass, I didn't think this particular container would fit amongst that pile of rocks and discounted the location completely. Having checked every tree in my search area, I revisited the more likely options. By chance on the second pass, I pried one rock loose and found something that shouldn't be there. This raised my suspicions and a bit more prodding soon had the container was in hand. I was very happy about that, since I didn't like the idea of having to do those stairs with a DNF under my belt.

Glad to report that all is as it should be. Cache is nice and dry in its new container. Given all the bouncing around I had here today, I reckon the coordinates were about as good as you could expect.

The trek back up the hill was a struggle. I finished the drinking water somewhere between stairs 500 and 600. I gave up counting stairs at 800, but it was not too much further that I hit the flat track on the plateau. With Waringa under my belt earlier in the day, then according to the signs at the top of the hill, that makes two 70 storey skyscrapers I've climbed today.

Thanks for the cache Tigey Wigey and Piglet. Enjoyed this punishing climb and challenging hide. Another empty hole on my D/T chart is filled. A favourite point coming your way.

Pete

#1,405

Captain Terror mentioned this cache to me and how it was taunting him with it's very green appearance still. And would I like to accompany him for a walk to see if we could find the long lost cache. After being on so many other fun adventures with the Captain, how could I say no? We made plans and today was the day, chugging up the mountain range in the Mighty Rolla was brilliant with the lovely views and surrounding rainforests.

We arrived at the car park and then he decided to mention to me about the gazillion stairs we would have to walk down to get to the cache. Hmmmm, I wonder why he didn't mention that earlier Here I was thinking it was going to be a lovely stroll through the rainforest on flat ground. Ah well, the down part wasn't going to be the hard part. Off we set along the leafy green path, covered in enough bushmans to work for an entire army. Arriving at the top of the stairs we were greeted by a couple that had just come from the bottom, they did look a little knackered!!!

The journey down went well, the area was gorgeous, floating through the clouds one step at a time. We made it to the bottom and the rest of the trek to the cache went quickly. Arriving at GZ we spread out and hunted about for a bit. While I was inspecting one spot the Captain sung out that he thought he had found the cache. I ventured over just as he was pulling it from it's well hidden location. YAY! The Captain then went about opening up the sorry looking, unloved for so long cache. The log was certainly unsignable Good thing the Captain had brought along a handy dandy, sparkling new cache to replace this one with. He then set about sealing up the old logbook, placing it in the new cache and preparing it for hiding again. All was well again with this cache.

Seeing as our mission was over it was time for a spot of lunch before the hectic climb back up the never ending staircase. I did try to count the steps but became distracted at about 400 and something Ah well it certainly felt like there were 900 steps if not more.

Thanks for the cache Tigey Wigey & Piglet

This entry was edited by Nyssaflutterby on Sunday, 12 January 2014 at 14:51:16 UTC.

For a couple of years I have enjoyed coming to Springbrook and over that time had found every cache on the plateau, regardless of length of walk or D/T rating.. except for this one. It's icon on the map has been laughing at me and I anted to find it. Now that it had not been found all last year, it was begging for some love. The few DNF's before me didn't fill me confidence but instead I emailed the CO about it who kindly gave me permission to replace the container if need be. So with my 3800th cache find imminent I decided this would be my next target.

This morning Nyssaflutterby and I set off, ready to tackle this one from the top side, from Apple Tree Park. A liberal marinade of Bushmans, strapping of hiking boots and checking that water and lunch were packed we set off. I had a bit of an idea that this would be a big hike, the hundreds of stairs mentioned both in logs and the information sign, but as always, one step at a time would get me there.

Sure enough the walk down wasn't all that bad, but gravity is still on our side here. We took the walk pretty easy, stopping a couple of times for photos and to take in our lovely surrounds. I do love the Springbrook area for the 'virgin' rainforest feel.

Sooner than I was expecting we were super close to the cache. I'd had a small hint from the CO and a previous finder so with knowledge shared, the two of us split up, in hunt of the original container, hopes not high of it being there. We managed to find several places it was not and an angry ant nest, but the GPSr had settled and eventually pointed to 'that spot' We headed over, bashing through some undergrowth and with a little dig around.. the CACHE! Was it hard to find? Yes. But it was as there as it could be.

I cracked it open and well, a sad sight presented itself. The container was very dirty on the outside.. and inside. It was well wet in there and the logbook has gone rotten. So we tipped it all out, extracted the manky swaps, put them in the old container to remove. The new container I took with my received the old logbook (which was dry in it's baggie, but unsignable), the new logbook and some of the better condition swaps. We signed the new logbook and although I could have moved the container, I figured this spot has been fine so far and there was no reason to move it. The co-ords were even quite decent for me.

So new cache in place, old cache in my bag we set off to the camp for lunch. Out near the campsites there was a great view to be had and I knew further down the walk that way was the other way in here. Naturally, it started raining, so we sought shelter, the only shelter (which was surprisingly comfy) and had lunch there.

The walk back was naturally a bit harder, but still not all that I had expected. Nyssa was counting the stairs but lost count at about the 600 mark. A very satisfying cache to find and clear up my map. Many thanks to the CO for bringing me here and of course the permission to replace it. Nyssa has a good photo of the original cache being filed in the nearest bin, it was well past it's useability date. A very enjoyable way to spend a day and to celebrate 3800 geocache finds. TFTC Tigey Wigey & Piglet Oh, and of course, a favourite of mine

Replaced and found this one with owner permission. Full log coming. My #3800th find.

While on our collective 'road trip' with MVMB and G Cookie it would have been a real coup to get this cache. As it turned out in the meantime we have found a few caches of this unusual D/T rating, but at that time it would have really helped.
Had a good look around, and poked and prodded lots of things, but no joy. A nice walk, but a shame we didn't find the cache.
Might need a check, or a hint added. (As the GPS was changing 6 - 10m, even when walking just a pace or two)

After doing the Dam series it was off to the 'local library' to charge the laptop and check out what else is in the area.
I had left it a bit late, so unfortunately didn't read all of the cache page. The GPSr had me going a bit more than a short walk off the track, but I'm sure that I checked 'most' of the required spots, but didn't find anything. So, I would like to come back to the area in another years time, so an excuse to take another work will do.

After tackling the Apple Tree - Settlement campground part of the great wak earlier in the day, we decided we were still keen to go for this cache, so arrived at Apple Tree carpark in high spirits. After a long descent with the legs already starting to shake [:o] we finally arrived at the walker's camp. We didn't spot a clear path to the cache so headed bush and found a spot the GPS seemed to like. Searched here and there, in widening circles but GPS reception was just too bouncy for us. After facing off against various thorns and stinging plants, we eventually decided to call it quits as we wanted to get back to the car in plenty of time. So back up we went, a bit disappointed but worth it for the views of course . Loki turned the ascent into a game, counting the stairs as we went, with a rest break every 100 steps. 822 we counted in the end! She also lost the bet about how long it would take to get back up (almost 45 min). Once the scars fade, I might be able to make it back . Thanks for a fun walk anyway Tigey Wigey & Piglet

It was Fangsoki's birthday so what better way to celebrate than go do a challenging bush walk in the rain.

The original plan was "Up the Creek" so we parked in the suggested parking spot and headed down the track. We were waiting for the track to veer to the right but it never did and we were heading for this cache instead.

On approaching the cache we were amazed by the "bush camping" facilities that appeared in what we thought was the middle of nowhere. It had been raining for most of our trek but appeared to get heavier once we started to search for the cache.

I will upload a photo of Fangsoki (as did I) retreating to the little shelter (well actually a "toot") for a brief escape from the rain.

Thanks for the cache Tigey Wiget & Piglet. It was a good choice of tree to hide the cache under as some of the other nearby trees had huge amounts of leaf little and bark piling up at their bases. (Which I swore at a few times during my search in the wrong spot) Fangsoki was in the right area with his search and thankfully yelled out "got it" after a bit of time searching the various spots.

It was a nice walk and one that we never would have found/done if not for geocaching.

Cheers!!

Unashamedly, Radnoski and I had set out to do a different cache when we tackled this one. As it ended up, we were informed by the kindly Herbz (via phone) we had totally gone the wrong direction for the intended cache. So we decided we had gone to a lot of effort - we will grab this one.

I loved the walk in on this one. The crossings were fun.. and the rocks and the changes in terrain where interesting as well. I love the way they "help" you to get over the fences The path was a bit vague and overgrown in places. Radnoski and I ended up being "leech ranches" for the rest of the day. I still was getting rid of one off my shoes at 10pm when I got home! We were interested in the bush camping. It is all fairly well equipped for bush camping must say. We took shelter in the toilets as it was teeming rain (there was nothing else!). It amazing they did not reek.

We set about the hunt. Radnoski found a likely area.. and so did I - so we set about hunting our respective locations. I was actually very close to GZ and I felt something on my ankle. Ow! Looked down and there was a small spider about the size of a 10c coin there. Blast! A spider bite in the middle of whoop whoop. I got rid of the spider and waited for a bit. Except for some stinging - I was a-okay. Toughened up and resumed the hunt I started to avoid the initial GZ because of my brush with the spider. We looked for about 20 minutes. Radnoski had a go at my GZ,. Nothing either. I went back to it again.. ever warey of Mr Spider and started look in earnest. My GPSr was pointiing there and previous log entries indicated the co-ords were very good. Oh. and what do we have here? It is Mr Cache. Radnoski was more relieved than me I think. We signed the log and got everything back in place. The cache was in good condition - a tadly wet inside but that was soon sorted.

We got back to the car quite worn out - but was thankful our "faux pas" had not ended up in us not getting a cache. TFTC Tigey Wigey & Piglet - a very enjoyable cache Have a "favourite" for your trouble

Up in the region walking the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk and thought I'd take the opportunity to grab a few caches along the way. The area is well overgrown at the moment after the recent rains. Took a little while to find this one but finally found it in good shape. SL TNLN TFTC

Stairs Stairs Stairs, Didnt mind the going down bit, I didn't bother counting them I was to busy trying to breath. We had 2 I phones a 3G and a new 3GS with the magnetic compass, What a gem. The older 3G couldn't keep a satelite signal thru the trees and with out the mag compass was useless for the task but the 3GS always had perfect signal and pointed straight at it down to the last meter. The cache was in good shape.

Took a bit of searching but found this one whilst walking the GCH Great Walk from Binna Burra to SpringBrook.

We were meeting other cachers at Springbrook who were running late and going to be a while so thought we'd pop down and find this one. The others ended up going on without us as it took quite a bit longer than anticipated, and we still didn't find the cache. All that lovely bush and you put it near a toilet block?! She managed the stairs and the walk and the leeches and the wait-a-while vines, but I think I've put my 5 year old off future caching expeditions.

FTF up for grabs, an email from Herbz asking if I'd like to accompany them on a caching day... the plans (and targeted cache changed for the FTF, but all is good)
I can smell fish, don't tell me the pirate has beaten me to another FTF... Oh, PHEW! it's just the Herbz' tuna sangas [:o)]

Arriving at the carpark (on time for a change [early even {yes Brad.. early}] ) a few people around but no sign of the Herbmobile, time for a bit of a relax and a read of the Great Walks board before they arrive.
A few minutes later they arrive and we departed. Heading down the trail we followed a smaller trail to the cliff edge and had a bit of a look around, deciding to head back to the main track. 837 steps I think Mrs.Herbz counted on the way back up, so 837 steps down we went and followed the trail to GZ area.

A nice easy find but a plastic gabrage bag as cammo?¿ So I unravelled the slimey, sweaty, dirty, festy plastic bag and and a cracked lid on a FTF cache?¿ ummm [xx(]
Opening the cache things were still dry but didn't notice a silica pack, I guess with a cracked lid it wouldn't do much good.

YAY *FTF*
Well it was a joint FTF, I was there with Herbz so I don't see why they can't claim a joint first find.

Decided to go and complete another cache today rather than continue the 4km to the campground but I'm keen to get back and complete the full trek.

Thanks for the cache Tigey Wigey I've been meaning to do the Great Walk bit by bit but been doing other walks so I have to thank you for getting me started.

Met up with Cannibal Smurf for a great caching day out. The lure of an FTF plus the recent rains forced a change from our original Beechmont plans. Running a bit late as we crawled up the mountain behind a tour bus that just would not pull over to let a heap of cars past .

Canibal Smurf crew were there ready and waiting so we wasted no time in setting off. Following the straight line path led us to a rather iffy precipice, which I'm sure would have taken us straight to the cache (in about 10 seconds...straight down!) had we followed it . But we opted for the more leisurly stairway route.

Our GPS decided to have the morning off and only came to life 10 minutes after we found the cache! So we had to rely on Mrs Herbz iPhone, which told us the cache was somewhere between 100m and 3km away...great [:(!]. Fortunately Cannibal Smurf's unit was on song and led him straight to the booty . We claimed the FTF, signed logs and took pix.

We decided to leave the full 8km walk for another day and so headed back up the "stairway to heaven" to chase another cache.

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