Watonga Rocks Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
By Wombat-1 on 13-Oct-13. Waypoint GC4Q473

As there's been no cache to find for a long time, and it appears to have been abandoned, I'm archiving it to keep it from showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

Wombat-1

This geocache was brought to my attention as being in need of an owner maintenance visit. The cache owner needs to check on this cache ASAP and either replace it or archive it, after picking up any geo-litter. See the [maintenance section of the Geocache Listing Requirements/Guidelines](http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#listingmaintenance).

I've added this cache to my watchlist, and I will check back in four weeks to be sure that the maintenance has been done. In the meantime, I have temporarily disabled this listing. When the maintenance is completed, the owner can enable the listing by clicking on the link below the cache name to return it to active status.


Whatever your intentions, please **post a note** here on the cache page (not email) to let us know that you are still active and maintaining the cache.

If you plan on repairing this cache, please log a note to the cache (not email) within the next 30 days so I don't archive the listing for non-communication.


tiddalik
Community Volunteer Reviewer

This geocacher reported that this geocache should be archived. A community volunteer reviewer has been notified.

There has been a buildup of caches around the Mid North Coast that have not been found for quite some time with multiple DNF's, Write Note, or Needs Maintenance and where the CO has not been able to follow up or are no longer caching. Consequently these caches appear to have been abandoned.

These caches need to be archived to stop visitors to our region from being disappointed after in some cases having to make a significant effort to get to GZ only to find nothing.

DNF

Looked all about.

Container and zip lock bag damaged, logbook wet, maintenance required

Visiting the area for a few days of geocaching, such a beautiful place. Container broken, when I found, logbook was not in the zip lock bag, and is a soggy mess. Desperately needs maintenance
TFTC

This geocacher reported that the container is damaged.

Having solved the coordinates I bush bashes my way through to gz, only to find water I had to cross. Much easier to go the beach way even though your toes will get sandy! This cache needs maintenance. Logbook is worse than wet, it’s slimy! Unable to sign.

Lid is cracked and cache is wet. I noticed you replaced the logbook and bag last time, but someone has left the ziplock bag undone and it is slimy and gross!!

Lid cracked. Full of water. Needs maintenance.tftc

#3707
What a sad, sad story this is! It just shows how vigilant you have to be at our Australian beaches. No wonder so many people visiting from overseas get into trouble.
The information was easily discovered and the cache coordinates sorted. A short walk and I was at GZ. Initially nothing was found. I expanded my search area and soon had CIH. A very attractive part of the beach. Thanks for highlighting this story with this cache Wombat-1.

pretty easy find after solving the multi, the hint is a good one! tftc

Can’t find, grass is very long

Log replaced in press-seal bag and two pencils

Took the beach route, a search in windy conditions was a bit hairy at that point.nice hide but log is soaked, so much so that I couldn't write, just punched 3 holes in it, needs replacing,tftc

This geocacher reported that the Log needs replacing as it is soaked

A hot morning and after a couple of other caches we started this one. The information was soon gathered and then to pick a way to GZ to make the find. TFTC.

Thanks for the cache! Unfortunately the logbook is totally wet...

I wandered in to find the sign I needed
And soon gathered the required numbers
So off I wandered back the way I came,
only to find that this was not the way to GZ

OK !! Off to the beach it was,
where I found a much sandier way to reach GZ
A scramble around ,
and the cache was soon found

TFTC

Found the container after a bit of a scrabble under the grass which has grown up since it was last found. Cache is intact but the contents so wet we could not sign. Have put in a dry card as a temporary log but needs maintenance. TFTC.

So wet could not sign log. Contents need replacement although the container is intact.

Great walk and find but box was water damaged Wombat-1

Gathered the info needed and we set off for GZ. We soon had the GPS pointing to the likely spot although to approached was a little overgrown so we treaded carefully. Soon had the C.I.H. but the log was too wet to write on, so we left a dry piece of paper. TNLNSL.TFTC.

We have travelled up from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to Port Macquarie for our annual summer holiday, camping in our Jayco Swan Outback camper trailer at the Breakwall (Sundowner) Holiday Park. Today we went for a drive down to Lake Cathie and returned via Lighthouse Beach, collecting caches in the areas we passed through along the way. This was our 12th find of the day, and 83rd find of the holiday.

Another cache stop as we drove along Matthew Flinders Drive, stopping for some pictogram fun before doing the computations and heading off to final GZ. Looked in a few spots before being at just the right angle to spot the hide and have CIH. Cache container was wet inside and the log was unsignable, so took a photo as proof of find. TNLN, and then replaced as found.

The sad stories of lost lives could be clearly understood today with huge seas pounding the beach & rocks near GZ, and we were glad to be on dry land enjoying caching rather than swimming. TFTC Wombat-1.

Find #2174

Container wet and couldn't sign otherwise in good condition

We went the hard way, I suggest taking the sandier route

Got the geokids to crunch the numbers, then off to GZ. Took a while to find the best access path, but wasn't long before we had it in hand. TFTC

New logbook ready to go as soon as I get a chance to get down there. I will also have a look at the container at the same time.

Geo dad and geo son went out as the other half of Tatt2squared where at an appointment.... figured out the co-ords and off we go...hoping not to find any snakes. After a little bit of searching... cache found. TFTC

This geocacher reported that there is a problem with this cache. Log is very wet, and the cache container has seen better days.

As per my log the log book is soaked and needs replacing.

This cache was found at around 1048 and brings our overall cache find tally to 9444.

We were staying very close to this one so i had to give it a try. The cache page tells a very sad story. When I eventually located the cache I found a very wet log that I carved my name into.

Thanks Wombat-1 for the cache.

This coordinates were solved easily enough, but finding the cache proved to be a lot tricker, we searched every nook and cranny until it finally showed. Log is soaking wet and needs to be replaced. TFTC .

Another glorious sunny day for some Caching. A quick multi cache to solve and find. A lovely walk to GZ too. Log wet, but still usable. It could do with replacing. TNLN SL TFTC

Caching with SKI Pair...see below post very helpful to have someone with a GPS. TFTC

The wind has blown up today, but the sun's still out and with almost no cloud to be seen we're happy Victorians escaping the miserable winter back home! We have a young friend with us today who is relatively new to caching so we're showing her a few tricks and strategies to help find those pesky hides.
Once we had the numbers we weren't quite sure what to do with them, but made a guess and ended up in a logical place. It took us a while to find the cache, but once the GPS settled it was nearby.
Log quite wet, signed with care
TFTC TNLN

After collecting the info and having a run on the beach and rocks here, we headed off on another track to find this one. Got to GZ quite easily and started looking for feet. headed to one obvious foot and found container opened and exposed to the elements on the ground next to foot. No log book at all. It is quite slimy but have put back together and placed a piece of paper for log (had no plastic bag). It will need maintenance. I returned to position I believe it was hidden in. TFTC

Finally found it after two tries and a bit of bush bashing

thanks and nice puzzle

Found it after slog thru the bush.

After our usual approach of "the wrong, longest, most bush bashing" we came across it. Found at 16:24. TFTC

TFTC

While at Lighthouse Beach for the annual Port Macquarie Amateur Radio Club field days, I joined Muggless on a bit of caching before the start of the Sunday events. With the coordinates decoded, it was off down the beach for a fairly quick find. Dropped off the Heroes Geocoin.

We were a little puzzled by the logbook having a different name and GC code on it, but after reading the description on the archived cache all became clear.

Many thanks for the hide.

Nice easy stroll with lots nice puppies about. Tftc

TFTC good hide. Easy multi

After doing the required calculations, it was an easy stroll along the beach to GZ. Took TB TFTC

Appears to be where it should be. It also appears that it has been damp at some stage, thanks to rhicho76 for putting it back under cover and drying it out. I will have to change the log shortly anyway but for the time being all appears to be OK.

TFTC. GPS would'nt lock on at GZ but found the cache quite exposed and out in the open. Repositioned and camoed it up. Log was damp, dried it out the best i could.

TFTC. A bit difficult to find.

TFTC

While Fisheryak, Cricketyak, & Tapperyak fished, I walked around & around in circles but had no luck. Thank you for the warnings about the sandbars. RIP those that were drowned.

Tftc nice views after going the most difficult route to gz

Round in circles- found it eventually

Trying to find the best way in took a bit but all good Love the view

Took more time trying to work out easiest way to cache than what it did to work out the final co ordinates
Cache all good
Tftc

What a terribly sad story but a lovely walk along the beach.

Found after traipsing through the bust, lol... TFTC

Nice location. Nice view from cache. Easy find . TFTC

[Blue]# 12863[/Blue] Found on the way back from our 2015 Winter escape to Qld.
Another perfect winter day in Port Macquarie.
Another nice beach area and a quick find at GZ.
Cheers from down south in Wagga Wagga.
Thanks for the cache Wombat-1,
[Red]Roostaman[/Red].

I went looking today but I couldn't find it plz help me

TFTC. We could nearly add another tragedy to this location as the friends we are visiting here in Port had their two youngest children slip into deep water from the sandbar only a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately the mum was able to save both children. The kids tried to help each other swim to rocks and both kids (8 and 9) prayed that God would save them. The next wave pushed them onto the rocks where their mum pulled them out. Perhaps the council could upgrade signs to say people have been killed here due to the rips and sand bar.

It was a pretty miserable day in Port, windy and the sea was very rough, can imagine how easy it would be to get into difficulties, such a sad story. However, we worked out the sums, punched in the new co-ords and off to find the cache. Was a bit of trek but got there in the end, signed the log. Cache was very wet, could probably use a bit of attention on a dry day. Thanks for the story and the adventure, shame it was a miserable day.

This is the second day of our holiday in Port Macquarie and with a cool day forecast, we decided to tackle a few of the nearby multis with the odd traditional thrown into the mix. We spent the day mostly walking along part of the coastal track, before finishing off the afternoon at the Koala Hospital and Roto House. Thank you for having placed the cache Wombat-1

I finally found it wombat 1. Thank you for giving me the rest of the story that Groundspeak didnt! Couldn't sign log, too wet. Thanks again!

A sad story to haunt Watonga Rocks but a lovely location. We found the previous cache here some time ago and were only too happy to come back again for this one. TFTC Wombat-1.

Log still a bit damp. Went the longest way possible.

Wet log ands a new one went the really really really long way

Bit of a trek to gz...very hot today!...a fun cache, thanks wombat1. ..found with robbieracer66 and brad1987

Found with earthly65 and brad1987 on our caching long weekend in Port Macquarie....TFTC

Day 2 of our caching weekend in Port. Found with earthly and robbieracer. Quickly had info in hand and of to gz. Easy find. Another cool multi here in port. Thanks for the cache.

Retrieved tb will take it for a stroll along some beaches.

TFTC

[ ] Had a little trouble with gps not knowing where it was,but found with the nearly (5yrs old grandgeokid) placed TB ,hope she travels well!!!! thanks Wombat-1 (ps cache and log abit damp,tried to dry it..)

Found it this afternoon at 6pm
I always enjoy a walk on this beach. Unfortunately the cache needs some attention. The log book is saturated possibly because of the recent rain. There was a badge in there and some pencils getting the worse for wear because of the water damage.

Because I'm only new to this and don't know the protocol. I will try and inform the cache owner rather than do something about it myself atm

Tftc

[font=Comic Sans MS]Hi there Wombat-1. We found your cache "Watonga Rocks" at 10:59:00 AM today,. This cache makes our find count 9880.
[Blue]
We are trying to log at least one cache every day, so we can add to our streak of "Most Consecutive Days Cached", which we started on New Years Day 2014. Our route today took us past some really wonderful & scenic locations.

We enjoyed our stroll along the beach today. [/Blue]
Coordinate Accuracy: We found the cache around 9m from where the GPS said we should be looking.
Cache Condition: Container and log book are in good shape.
Took: Nothing.
Left: Novelty Badge.
Thanks for the hunt today,
Regards
Ian & Penny.[font=Verdana]

Took us a little while but found it!! TFTK

Gotcha !!! TFTC

Our 4th day in Port Macquarie, of sightseeing and caching around the area.
After completing a few long multi's yesterday, it was a joy to do a nice quick one.
We collected the required information, and headed off to GZ. Cache was soon in hand.
Many thanks for placing this cache, Wombat-1, for us and others to find.

Didn't find

A quick find on an easy multi
Tragic story but easy to see how easy tragedy can occur. Especially in days like today. Big rough Seas indeed
Thanks Wombat 1 sorry I didn't have bag to replace broken one Log quite damp

Found after a bit of circling around

After solving the clues on my trips back and forward to the car I took the chance to make my way to GZ in between heats of the surfing contest we were attending and after a short stroll was able to sign the log and return to the beach. TFTC

Took a little while but we got it

Very wet

Nice simple puzzle

The kids and I enjoyed looking at the sign and working out the clues, they are starting to get much better at this. I'm sure we took the long way around but eventually we found our way to GZ. Thanks for the cache Wombat-1, very nice location

Out for a walk this morning & thought we'd give it a go, gathered all the info at wp1 & wandered over to GZ after admiring the view from the nearby observation platform. At gz we only needed a quick search to reveal the cache, as others have said the cache & logbook are damp (sorry we didn't have any replacements log or bag with us) but was still able to sign the log book.
Thanks for bringing us to this lovely spot.
TNLN, SL
TFTC Cheers from CATONY

Found It !! - great day day for a beach visit suns out warm etc - sat on the bench & watched the whales jumping then for a walk beach - TFTC -

P.s cache needs maintenance ziplock bag damaged (didn't have any with me to replace it) and contents wet

Found it, Badly in need of maintenance.

Found 1.05pm such a beautiful and sadly tragic place. We have enjoyed our cache run around the Lighthouse beach area today. Tftc. Brought through personal mileage GC.

Good to get out and do some caching in Port Macquarie. A beautiful day added to our pleasure of finding this cache. A big thanks to Wombat-1

Quick find will be one of our last for the day.

Found it while staying at the Lighthouse Beach. GPS was 8m off, but in the end I found it. TFTC, Mark

I was a bit hectic quoting after the hail storm a couple of days ago, and today found myself just near here. Well, close enough anyway
After finding the clues I soon found myself walking around in circles with no real good GZ.
After about 5 minutes I had the cache in hand and my GPS settled to within a couple of meters. Not bad under this cover I reckon. Thanks Wombat-1

18:30 Thanks for reinstating this old cache Wombat-1. I found its original incarnation in May 2011 and took from it TB "Mad Mullet" which toured extensively with us, and has continued to do so since we dropped it. TFTC

Thanks Wombat-1 for replacing this cache under another name. The incident mentioned in the description is still as real today as it was when it happened, seems only like yesterday.
The sea can be a powerful enemy.
Went out to find this between showers, we are trying to fill our 365 day calendar, its a bit harder now that we are at home.
Thanks Wombat-1

Found it (again)??? TFTC!

For those who have commented and asked, yes this was a cache that was archived after a request from someone involved in the noted incident. The objection was in the name of the cache and how a certain item was being used.

So after giving a suffficient cooling off period, it is back under a different name with references not related to the original. I have left the old log-book in place as there are many interesting comments in there.

There are lessons to be learned about this location and I was not going to let it go...

2002 GAFF1 With too many things to get organised before heading O/S I knew that I would have to leave it for later to try and find this one. But in the end it was 'calling my name', so with MVMB we headed on up. Good coordinates for WP1, and I found that GZ was only 3 - 5 metres away from where I was initially directed. Cache was well covered, dry and intact. Familiar tho, and saw my entry just a page before from over a year ago, so obviously it hasn't had too many visitors.
TNLN
Another for the Night Caching elective book mark.
Brought through for mileage: 3 Bros, Aust Light Houses, BEAGLE BIXBY, B 2 B ingot, BROWN BEAR 15, Coin of Danmark, Fishing Bell TB, GoLeo Travel Bug Dog Tag, Iconic Bridges, land rover TB, Lil' Miss TB, cache critters Baa, Neigh Neddy, and Oink, PAP, Rienan TB, Spooky, Trakabulldog geocoins, Travel Hard TB, and trackable shirt.
TFTC Wombat 1

A much better hour of day (night) to find a cache, especially one you need to work where you are headed. Initial coordinates to us to the right spot, and with any ambiguity we headed off to a likely spot for a cache where muggles wouldn't normally see you. Tried a couple of likely spots first up, and as we moved slightly further away from GC we found the well covered cache that looked like it had possibly been there a while. Seemed to be so when we opened it up, and Cookie had signed it (already last year), so hopefully okay for his sake to sign that again, for another 'smilie'. Dry log book, tho I think I added another ziploc bag to be sure.
TFTC Wombat 1