Dam Beyond Tallai, Queensland, Australia
By Herbz on 19-Feb-12. Waypoint GC3CW0V

No response from the owner within the last 28 Days and as per my original note this cache has been archived. If you wish to replace it please submit a new cache via [this link](https://www.geocaching.com/play/hide).

Sounds like this one's gone missing and area has become overgrown with lantana and scrunge. Disabling it for now. Will check it out and may archive if area is no longer suitable.

We sure had some issues accessing GZ which included sliding, stumbling, slipping and skidding down the steep slope next to a recent landslide. Then a bit of a wade in the dam after losing a battle with thick lantana when looking for a different way. Once by GZ we were standing in almost a clear location, just a bit of grass to worry about. There were a couple of issues with this cache that the three of us reported to the CO and we very kindly have the CO's permission to log a smilie. You're a treasure Herbz! Hope the issues can be sorted. I was surprised to see a number of new trails in here that I'm sure were not there originally. Well, I know they weren't coz 'in the old days' there were picnic areas at a lower altitude alongside the lower dam around here. But some nice trails now that would be good to explore. Just not beside GZ. After leaving GZ we amused the guys repairing the landslide by heading back up the slippery slope squelching loudly with wet shoes and jeans, lol. We had quite the adventure!

Out for a drive in the countryside on a beautiful winters day and what better way to make it a totally enjoyable day by finding a few geocaches along the way.
This was by far the most difficult cache to get to because of track closures and repairs being carried out today near GZ. Geo friend Aussie Liahona's log pretty much summed the adventure up with joojoo57 and myself getting out of our comfort zone and even walking through water to get across to the other side of the landslide to avoid the heavy lantana in that area. Thank you Herbz for granting permission to log this cache until maintenance can be carried out

This certainly was an adventure and a half today - finding the track, workmen carrying out repairs and the amount of scrambling. I suppose this is what makes geocaching so interesting as well as sharing that experience with friends. Thanks Herbz for granting permission to log a find.

Well this was an adventure. I had almost completed my lap of the trails and I was only 40m away from GZ. 40m of dense nasty jungle. I read the description and continued around my loop of the trail. Back at the dam wall I found the right trail and headed off.

It was all good for a while, but then it was not. Back to jungle. I could see where recent intrepid souls had battled on. I abandoned the geocycle and forged on. Bike shorts and a sleeveless top are not recommended for this one. The lantana was nasty, but the other vine that lurks here was horrendous. At least I did not tear my clothes. Only me.

I was back to 40m away, but it was a slow journey. I emerged from the jungle to a nice clear path again right at GZ.

A quick find there before battling my way back to the bike. [xx(]

Oh dear - this cache caused us some grief!!!
Initially we followed instructions and looked for the firetrail along the dam, but there was a 'no entry' on a gate, beyond which was a completely overgrown area, so we headed along the walk called "Bill's Loop" thinking we should be able to approach the cache from along there. Well, at about 50m from gz, hubby and oldest son took the dive into the scrub and about 30min later managed to emerge up again from the depths below all scratched up after failing to reach the gz.
Ok, so back to the gate we went, and it was then we realised there was a small track next to the gate - that we assume only geocachers use these days!
Well, soon enough we reached another seemingly dead end - but hubby pushed through while I stayed back with the kids. This time he came back with a smile on his face and a photo for me of the cache after he had signed the log. Finally success!
I'm sure when the cache was published and the firetrail was nicely graded it probably was a lower difficulty. But now with all the bushbashing, it certainly isn't a terrain 2.5!
Later we also found we had picked up a couple of ticks today. So check yourselves if you're heading out to grab this cache!
It was good to make this one a smiley today - and it was good to explore some of the trails at the end of the wall! It's such a beautiful area!

Found with stairman1 and co. The last one for the day. Time to pack up and head home. All good here.

As I was one of the tail end heading into this cache I had no problems at all. I was soon standing along with the cache ready to sign it. There were some noises about getting scratched along the way,but I enjoyed it out here and wandered a little further to another little bay.
Loved this quiet spot.
TFTC

Certainly not the favourite cache of the day as our party emerged from collecting this cache with a collection of cuts, scratches and puncture wounds from the array of spiky, prickly and scratchy plants barring the way to GZ. The shorts-wearing Walandor proved he is a slow learner, as this is not the first time I have seen him emerge from the scrub looking like his legs have gone 12 rounds with a Bengal tiger. Long pants, Walandor, long pants!

So I had completed a 4.5 terrain walk earlier in the day with no scratches or blood loss. Yet here in just 60m I came out like I had lost a fight with a cat and barbed wire. A nasty vine managed to grab my leg behind my knee (yes the soft spot) and then proceeded to scrape down hard for about 15cm. It has now left a burning mess of hate in a spot that I have proceeded to bump and rub at every opportunity. Long pants here at work today are an unwelcome necessity. Swellerfungus wrote that he was out in front making a path for others?? He must have been delirious from this morning's heights as I only remember myself in the lead coping the worst.

I was then found dangling like a nut (as in the latest photo craze) to get the cache. I was so happy to pop back out into the open until the wind started blowing on my open wound. I tried to whinge and get sympathy but got nowhere. TFTC. I think the two people that gave fav points for this must have helicopted in.

Finally the group found a use for me...the human bulldozer through raspberry vines and lantana. That was really overgrown today, for what was once obviously a road. Amazing what the ravages of time. Expendable Part Time Pete was shoved out to get the cache. Fun times, and the last cache for the day!

This was tough, it was very overgrown but great fun.
I started following a mountain bike track for a while but although I got within 40m of the cache, it looked to be a steep scramble to the bottom. So I thought I'd try a different route and backtracked to the start of the path again. I went past the gate that said 'access forbidden, danger' or something to that effect and initially it was a great trail with a well defined fire trail. But then the grass was a bit thick and high, then there were a few thorny branches in the way...then it was full on thick spiky thorny overgrowth filling the entire path.
But I was pretty determined to find this cache so I bush bashed, crawled and fought through until I reached GZ; and a clear trail the other side! After a quick hunt and another scramble I found the cache, although it was a real stretch to reach it and I guess I'm on the tall side. But i logged it and noted that the cache was in good condition.
While at GZ I enjoyed seeing some birds flitter in the trees and watched the changing light over the dam.
Then I thought I'd go a different way back. I followed the unobstructed trail in the opposite direction but due to the high water level in the dam I couldn't proceed. And it was too hard to climb a 2m sheer muddy slope to try and climb up, so reluctantly I had to retrace my steps. It was marginally easier I guess although I have plenty of scratches to take home with me!
So thanks for the adventure and the cache Herbz! The terrain rating here has definitely risen!

This was the target cache for me and big sammy today as it looked like it would be a great adventure as well as a good excuse to walk hinze dam. And it was both of those in the end.
I never found the path mentioned in previous logs, and as we were both in thongs, boardies and singlets, there was no way we were going to take the direct route. In the end we went a little beyond where the gps was telling us to head downhill, around the corner we found a water runoff and slowly followed that down to the water . That foot us within 20 mrtres without a scratch. Then we walked up what looked like the end of the trail. I had a laugh as we saw from below where the previous finders had come crashing out of the lantana and down a 10foot drop. Not the easiest route vut definately the most direct.
There was an eastern water dragon resting (or guarding) on the cache when we spotted it so had to coax it away first. We wnjoyed reading the old logs too.
Great spot we really enjoyed it. For your effort favourite point added.
Cheers herbz for bringing us here, great fun and cool location loved the challenge.

-- This log is trackable ! --
-- Feel free to discover --
-- Please mention, in which cache you've seen this code: --
-- 3TABQX --

What a walk. Slid down the hill with a massive 2m drop. Once we got to the cache we found the track. We keep taking the adventure trails. Geo boyfriend and Dagger were with me!

What a walk. Slid down the hill with a massive 2m drop. Once we got to the cache we found the track. We keep taking the adventure trails. Geo boyfriend and Dagger were with me!

Decided to bring hubby for a walk along the Dam, he does not want to geocache but I promised him a lovely walk with his wife & daughter. It was, as promised a beautiful day, but I was unable to locate the cache. Hubby pushed bub along off road track in the pram until we were 30 meters away from it. From this point I trudged down the hill in the lantana and got within 12 meters of it. At this point there was a big drop off that I was not willing to jump down. So, I went up and tried to go around a bit to get down the drop. Again, I failed. Trudged all the way back up the trail where hubby & bubby were waiting. Didn't want to give up quite yet so went further up the trail to see if there was another way I could go. Found a wash out area that ran down to the dam and decided to take this and then hopefully be able to cut across the the area I wanted to be about 20 meters away..Nope stopped by a big wall of lantana that I could not seem to get around. Trudged back up the washout and walked back the way we came, attempted a few more times but was always blocked by lantana and didn't get any closer than my first attempt down the embankment. Spent about 30 minutes trudging around, where my husband was laughing hysterically at me cause he thought it was so silly to be doing that, but I had fun. I will be back. It won't be one I can bring the bubby on though so I might have to get him to come again or convince him to look after her at home. I had a big smile on my face and I still had fun even though I did not locate it. I will be back.

Glad to have this one ticked off - it was a sneaky way in and well worth the effort TFTC

Mr Herbz was out on a maintenance run, so I decided to join him. It was quite overgrown getting to this one, but was glad that the cache was still in place and all dry! Also glad to be the first finder in over 10 months.

Thanks Herbz

Out on a maintenance run today. The area is a little more overgrown but cache is all good.

Unsure how to get to the GZ. walked to the end of the track said 30mtra but thats down a unwalkable hill and map says on water edge.... CO PLEAE EMAIL ME HOW TO GET TO GZ. and maybe description help

Hard track! Watch out for thorn plants!

Thanks for the cache. The log book and bag where wet so left a fresh book in a new bag.
Nice place

Let the man go down by himself for this one... What a mistake as he retrieved a fake snake and decided it would b funny to pretend it was a real one on his shoulder.. Good to know if 4real I'd run and scream b4 saving his life lol!!! He Went the hard way down but a smiley in the end TFTC )

Took the wrong track firstly which had me going straight down at it through the lantana,then found the correct trail and the cache easily and a much easier return trip out of there.TFTC

Out and about after doing a Saturday shift at work.
I am here to find them all.
We shall see about that, some of these are rumoured to be quite tricky.
After a PAF and a 'walk away dummy spit' (found it on the return trip ) I walked straight up to the next one. Now to find the way to this one.
I first headed the wrong way then found the old track after going back to the start.
The track is a bit over grown in places and there are a couple of spiky plants that make lantana feel like cotton wool. I bleed for awhile after walking straight into the first one. ouchy, ouchy.
The log book has been wet and stuffed back into the ziplock bag
I separated all of the pages and placed it back in the container like that, hopefully it will dry out now.
Thanks for cache.

Went on a half day run, to revisit a few areas that I had either missed caches at or failed to find. Some top caches found, really enjoyed this little run. I was actually "kid free" on the day, which for me, was a bit of a miracle. Thanks to all cache owners for hiding and maintaining their caches.
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I had to return to the dam here, having not collected some last time I was out this way. Glad I did as the caches I did were of a very high calibre. Some fav points to be given out. I have to say, this was a pisser here. I eventually found the correct track, and managed to get to GZ, destroying my legs on the underbrush.... When trying to reach the cache, I slipped and the only thing that stopped me slipping all the way down to the water was the tree that ended up painfully between my legs... Very funny stuff in hindsight. TFTC. Fav for the fun.

We initially took the mountain bike track and got within 40m. Hmmm... I don't think we'll try that way, we must have missed a turn. Sure enough, tracing back our steps and we found where we went wrong. After another short walk along the right path this time, we found ourselves at GZ. The path was a bit overgrown but only one very short thick patch. Sent Pagan in to get the cache - those leaves are spiky! The log is damp but still usable, it would be great if the next finders could bring a replacement. Thanks Herbz

Followed the track down and around the back of beyond. Left the bike half way down and continued towards the cache. It looks like it's been awhile since someone came down here, lantana has taken over some of the track. Good thing I'm wearing long pants and a jumper. Soon found the cache just hangin around. Surprisingly the log book is wet but still signable. Added my name and placed it in a nice new zip lock. Took some photos then headed back up the track.
Thanks for the cool series Herbz, enjoyed it alot.

The GPS said this way so off road we went passing a large scurrying animal on the way. Then came the wet jungley growth that gave the appearance of few visitors. We soon spotted the cache, how lucky it was that we did. It had slipped and was threatening to leave at any minute. The log was quite wet but like others we came unprepared with any spares. TFTC Herbz.

Well a little old chain wire fence was not going to deter us. Obviously the area is used by mountain bike riders and we decided the sign was mean't for them. We ventured along a path that soon turned into a jungle. With a careful watch for reptiles we pushed forward wishing we had packed the whipper sniper. Located the cache that Mr Dannza had to extend himself to retrieve. Log was very wet and I kicked myself that I had not bought my caching bag. I normally carry it everywhere. Glad to achieve a smiley on this one. You could certainly complete it by boat if the track gets too overgrown. TFTC Herbz

Ok I let geo hubby go after this one, I told him that is why we are a team.....LOL lucky for us he can reach further and balance at the same time.

We were on a mission today, to grab enough caches to reach our next milestone 800!!!!!

Hinze Dam area seemed like just the ticket.

Our target was Herbz Teams Dam caches for the lead up to the magic number and hopefully the 800th.

Now we were here on our final assault with one extra up our sleeve in case we had a DNF.

I was still worried as I had checked the logs for the Dam series and a few had shown up as DNF but we just had to create our own luck.

We were still on track for our milestone but had did a bit of a search for Dam End with no success and our spirits were dropping.

We decided to head off here so we could come back with a new prospective.

We headed off on what we thought was the track but as we got closer to GZ it started to swing in the direction that did not enthuse us, lantana and steep slopes are not a good combination.

Well to cut a long story short we finally decided that there must be another way we had overlooked and headed back down the hill.

Take 2 was much easier even though we had a warning not to continue due to recent rains.

The track was long grass in sections and there was evidence of land slipage but not sufficient to stop us.

On reaching GZ the GPS was telling us something we didn't really want to know, NOT THAT WAY!

Oh well we checked out the situation from relative safety and then spotted the prize and there was no stopping me.

Being sure I had a good hand hold I worked my way closer to the treasure and then the rest was easy.

I checked out the contents and drained it of water, then contents were all quite wet but the log was still able to be written on.

We decided this was the best place to leave a TB so we took it to move it on to another location.

Thanks Herbz TFTC SL TNLN But took TB.

Now all we had to do was find the illusive Dam End and would reach our dual goal.

There is a no access fence in place now so we did not proceed beyond it.

May want to keep an eye on the logs, but it looked like the workers were putting up a cyclone fence across the access point. (Or come across and check it out for access)

Well of course, if you've come this far, you simply couldn't resist going just a little further, could you? We enjoyed the track to this cache, reminiscing about pre-dam times and imagining what lay beneath the waters now, and I also enjoyed the fact that I had a Captain Terror to send in to retrieve this cache, as it would have been more awkward had I done it myself . TFTC, Herbz. =^.^=

Our little crew of La Kedi, Fangsoki, Herbz, Radnoski and I made our way off the beaten track towards this one. It seems folk enjoy fishing near here judging by the path although Fangsoki was none too impressed with the log we had to step over.

The GPS pointed in the right direction and I did not enjoy crawling through the spiky leaves to get to the cache, which thankfully I'd seen upon arrival. Ahh, the things we do for a find Added names to the logbook and it was just the 2km walk back to the car. A very serene area here and I quite enjoyed the series to end the weekend. TFTC Herbz

2nd found whilst out with geocachers goggles70! Yay tftc

3rd find at the Hinze Dam today,this one in an awkward place,be very easy to have a fall here, especially us older geo cachers,actually dropped the lid,had to get son in law to retrieve it.TFTC

Fun cache. Left a travel bug. TFTC

Well I had no joy on the others in the series - between muggles and DNFs. The last one was the first I found!

I scooted toward GZ.. enjoying the scenery as I padded my way along the path. I eventually got near GZ and looked where my GPSr was pointing. Ahh there's the beast. It is in excellent condition - and very well secured. TFTC Team Herbz

Found this one the other day when we found "Dam End" also.

What a great little spot this is, I think I'll have to bring a rod down here as it's screaming out Bass!

The cache was spotted after a few minutes of hunting. Then the challenge of getting to it without copping all those spikes from the surrounding tree!

Was a great one to find! Thanks for the cache Herbz.

Coordinates changed from:
S 28° 03.269 E 153° 17.834

Coordinates changed to:
S 28° 03.255 E 153° 17.810

Distance from original: 154.3 feet or 47 meters.

Changed location to avoid rising dam levels.

Went to check the cache today and it was actually still there, although only cm's above the water line. We moved it to an easier location which will not go underwater if the dam rises any further.

This one in now underwater. You'll need scuba gear to find it!!! We'll replace it in the next couple of weeks.

After finding the others we ventured onwards for this one but had no luck this time - but what a great area to visit. Will have to come back out for another search again soon TFTH

Both myself & Cowpatty 3 headed down to the GZ and when we get there the resting place is floaded out.
So what do 2 mums & 3 Geokids do.... The Geomum send the Geokids in and yell directions from the dry side.

Once found and heading back Geokid found a small snake skin and a tiny (Half the size of a Micro) green frog.

TFTC and afternoon LOOOOOOONG walk. = Geo mums = Geo kids

As KateRX and I made our way through the long wet grass dodging massive spiders we came to the end of the road. Ok. So going off our gps it tells us we have to get in the water! I don't mind snakes on land but snakes that could be in water is something different.
After a bit of deliberations we decided we had come this far lets just do it.
The water was almost at my shorts and that was after I had already hitched them up to the nine. But we made it to the cache and did our swaps and go out of there.
On the way back up the fire trail a massive goanna jumped out at us and ran up a near by tree which made us get going that little faster.
TFTC Herbz

Noo82 and I followed the track and as we rounded the bend, came to a halt. Our GPS said we were 9m away and it was pointing us into the dam water! Noo82 and I thought "that can't be right", so we scaled the side of the bank amongst the spiders and vines. After an unsuccessful search, we read the recent logs and knew immediately where the cache was located. We just didn't want to have to go there to get it! We removed our shoes and socks and waded through the water (which had risen even more since the last find - it was now up to our thighs). We were terrified of seeing the snake everyone keeps talking about! We found the cache, signed the log and were rewarded with a couple of TBs. We left swaps and hurried out of there. TFTC Herbz. If the water keeps rising, I'm not sure how much longer this cache will be accessible.

Out today with Four Triki Seekers. I had a geocoin to drop with a fish attached. Good thing as the last 5m was an almost knee deep wade. Took a TB. TFTC

Arrived near GZ and saw that all the recent rain had raised the water level a bit! Stealth Seeker went in through the calf-deep water to retrieve the cache. Cache high and dry. Took TB, left Kristin & Haakon TB. TFTC

Found but took a second look to catch on.... TFTC

Do watch out for snakes with one member of our group having a good view of quite a large snake (possibly the same as seen by previous finder). But moving on and some climbing revealed the spot - the water level is currently preventing access from below, so it was up and over.
Thanks Herbz.

Quick find. Saw a red belly black snake near GZ so please beware. Took trackables and left other trackables. TFTC

As I approached the GZ I saw some orange ribbon on a tree leading up a rocky lantana covered creek bed.

After spending the previous day with Team Herbz hiking and following ribbons on trees I decided it was probably worth checking out. It wasn't the right way and the lantana soon stopped me.

The cache was found shortly after ignoring this distraction and continuing on.

A nice big cache with a few trackables in it. I took the seal TB and left a labrador TB. There is also a fancy geocoin in there.

Thanks for the cache Herbz and the walk.

While signing the log one of those pesky cache dwelling frogs hopped on in.

Gotcha!

Gotcha!
What an adventure. Back from Brissie had to go to Nerang. Called Aussie Liahona to make sure they hadn't found it yet. Made it to the Dam with less than an hour and that looooong walk across the wall and back. Girded up my loins and GPSr and strode out. My goal was to get Barbie, even it someone else had got FTF, I hoped they'd leave Barbie for me. Well my efforts and hopes were rewarded. Spanking clean log book, and Barbie (contorted to fit in cache) was all mine. MINE! [:X][:X] Took one coin leaving one for next finder. Also left trackable Jony the Seal even tho it's not by the sea. Left a little bag of green toys too. Shimmering with sweat I half walked and half jogged back across the dam wall to make it back in time for gates closing at 6pm. [xx(][xx(] All that for a silly doll and clean log book. What's the matter with me?

This is too sad.My morning for the personal trainer. Then appointments in Brisbane. I REALLY REALLY would have loved to go for this, and especially to meet Trashy Barbie. Hell, I'm a somewhat smashy Barbie myself. Hey hang on, I've got a damaged Barbie I could turn into a trackable.... watch for the Gold Coast version..... coming soon to a cache near you.[^][^]

Published

Dropped in trackables