Wanganui Gorge Goonengerry, New South Wales, Australia
By
MattyRx on 01-Jan-20. Waypoint GC8HHM2
Cache Details
This cache is listed on an external listing site.
By visiting the external cache listing you are leaving the Geocaching Australia website.
Geocaching Australia is not affiliated with the original listing site for this cache.
Please click here to view the caches listing.
If you wish to log this cache, you will need to log it on the external site.
This will require a separate user account on that site. (More Details)
By visiting the external cache listing you are leaving the Geocaching Australia website.
Geocaching Australia is not affiliated with the original listing site for this cache.
Please click here to view the caches listing.
If you wish to log this cache, you will need to log it on the external site.
This will require a separate user account on that site. (More Details)
ZONE CAUTION:
This cache is in an area marked as a warning area.
Zone Name: Goonengerry National Park (Click here for zone Details)
This may mean the cache is placed in an area where geocaching is not allowed by the land manager.
Please review the details for this zone and act accordingly.
If it is in a geocaching banned area please consider whether you wish to seek this cache.
Please note that any cache you seek is your legal responsibility.
It may also mean that this cache resides near the zone boundary, but is showing as within the zone boundary due to the resolution of our data. If this is the case, then please disregard this warning
This cache is in an area marked as a warning area.
Zone Name: Goonengerry National Park (Click here for zone Details)
This may mean the cache is placed in an area where geocaching is not allowed by the land manager.
Please review the details for this zone and act accordingly.
If it is in a geocaching banned area please consider whether you wish to seek this cache.
Please note that any cache you seek is your legal responsibility.
It may also mean that this cache resides near the zone boundary, but is showing as within the zone boundary due to the resolution of our data. If this is the case, then please disregard this warning
Logs
Just over 2 months ago I was fit enough to join a group of hiking/geocaching buddies on a multi day walk around the 13 highest peaks of Kosciuszko National Park. Since then I have been pretty well sedentary, sitting on my backside steadily consuming way too much ice cream, chips and soft drinks. When Crookedpete, currently the beacon of healthy living amongst The Bromance, reached out to ask if I wanted to join him on a hike today to visit some waterfalls in northern NSW, I immediately accepted in an effort to halt the rot and put some kilometres in the legs.In my tween and teen years I spent most of my school holidays staying at a family owned caravan at Chinderah, just past the Qld/NSW border. We often went for drives around the country side, but how dirty am I at my parents that they never brought me down this way before. I was ignorantly unaware of the preponderance of scenic waterfalls, gorges and lookouts in this area. So disappointed it has taken me until now to make this discovery, but thanks to geocaching and MattyRx for opening my eyes. I'll definitely be back again.Today Crookedpete was in the driver's seat and I didn't envy him one bit. The walk was the easy part. The adventure was navigating the vast array of potholes lurking in the dappled shadows. It is clear that no local resident has ever been elected to the council. You often see unexpected stretches of tarmac in the middle of dirt and gravel roads out in the country and can be assured that one of the farmers had a stint on the local government. Here I would say one of the residents has run over the mayor's cat or slept with the works foreman's wife, because the condition of the road can only be because of deliberate neglect. If I was paying rates here I would be storming the council chambers!Having survived the drive with 4 wheels still on the car, we arrived early enough to be the first ones in the car park. An easy stroll to the first waypoint and it was the view that took my breath away rather than any exertion from the walk. Our sole enjoyment of the location was soon interrupted by a local muggle coming to enjoy her morning thermos of coffee from the top of the falls. This was our cue to head to WP2 where another stunning view and waterfall awaited. Spent longer here enjoying the scenery before heading back to the car. A good time to leave as it appeared a bushwalking club had arrived in convoy and swamped the carpark.Off to GZ (not where either of us had predicted) and I was designated to jump out and sign the logbook. A covering of mulch over the container meant I had grubby hands signing the log but managed to avoid making a mess of the pristine page waiting for us to sign in.Can't thank you enough MattyRx for bringing us to this location. Definitely deserves more visitors. TFTC
Today, Seffnjarah and I headed south to Nightcap National Park in northern NSW, primarily chasing some of the CO's unloved, challenging, adventurous, hiking caches. This was the first cache of four of the CO's caches that we chased today. After a teeth rattling ride on the last stretch of gravel road, Seff mused that no councillor must live out here. We arrived at the parking coordinates and were the first car here. We geared up and headed down the trail, easily following the directions to the first waypoint. Soon enough we arrived at the first waypoint and were gobsmacked at the views on offer and the beautiful fresh clean water in the creek, quickly disappearing over the edge into the gorge below. Just wow! Soon after, we were joined by a local who clearly visits this spot daily to enjoy the view with a coffee and reconnect with nature and the earth. After a few photo's - photos here don't do the location justice - we left the local in peace with their meditations and coffee, and continued on the trail. One more turn, and a short walk back to the rim edge and we were soon at the top of the next waterfall. Another gem.This one has a great shallow swimming pool just before the waterfall, which I would not hesitate to take a swim in on a hot day. But we still had a lot to do - so after collecting the clue here and plotting the final location - we decided against the loop walk and headed directly back to the car. We were certainly glad of the peace and serenity at both locations. Even more so, when we arrived back to find a full carpark and a large group of hikers assembling for a walk. At GZ, Seff had the honour of signing the logbook and was surprised to find a clean, pristine logbook and well maintained container in excellent condition. After my last visit to the region 4 or 5 months ago (Terania Cave was the target that day), I was perplexed as to why a lot of these local caches are unloved. This one deserves a lot more finds and is most worthy of a crooked favourite point. Glad to show it some love today after a lonely 18 months or so. Many thanks MattyRXPete#7,815
Called past and checked up on this one. The cache has been wet, due to the nearby tree squashing it's shape and popping the lid. I've replaced the container with something similar - fresh swaps. logbook and pencil are enclosed.
Stumbled across this multi on our cheeky escape from miserable weather in Melbourne- today the falls were exquisite and secluded. Great to experience nature and awesome views. Enjoyed a dip or two while we were there.
This weekend, jesswrigley and I travelled south to Byron Bay for a long weekend getaway.
On Saturday, we visited the Bangalow markets, Newrybar, and then walked at Killen Falls. It was then a drive along the coast via Lennox Head, Whites Beach and then checking in at Suffolk Park.
On Sunday, we started the day with a hike in Goonengerry National Park before having a late breakfast in Byron Bay. We perused the town's shops, enjoyed Suffolk Park's beach, and then returned back to Byron Bay for dinner.
Finally on Monday, we visited The Farm in Byron Bay, and then later saw the lighthouse at Cape Byron.
Today, it was an early morning start to drive to Goonengerry National Park and subsequently walk the Goonengerry waterfalls trail. An enjoyable start to the day and great to see the top of the falls along the ridge. We then drove back to Byron Bay for breakfast via Mullumbimby, and then walked around the shops of Byron Bay. We decided it was beach time, so after making a quick stop at Tallow Beach to have a moment's silence for the ex-Project A.P.E. geocache, we returned to Suffolk Park and had a play on a nearby beach. In the late afternoon, we checked out Bolli Point walking the boardwalks in that area, and then had dinner in Byron Bay where we had a play on the beachside reserve.
I was looking at possible small hike options in the area whilst we were in the vicinity in this weekend, in particular a number of MattyRx multi-cache options within this area. Minyon Falls and Quandong Falls was considered, but that track looks to be closed due to flooding activity, set to reopen in early 2023, so this hike was our next plan. The route that we walked passed by the two waterfall tops / waypoints, but we backtracked along the Waterfall Trail, and then looped back via Garrong Road, walking a total distance of 3.73 km taking about 1:10 hr (moving time 55 min), as per our [Strava record](https://www.strava.com/activities/8040093560). It was a really enjoyable and easy-going walk, and the rivers/falls were cool to see, but just a shame that we couldn't see the full awe of the fall itself (perhaps that is when a drone would come in handy).
After making the necessary calculations and confirming with the Certitude checker, we took a drive to GZ. After parking, we had a look in one spot as per the hint, and as I put my hand in to have a small dig, I suddenly felt a sharp pain, only to see a large ant or wasp unhappy on my hand, so that involved a small scream and a couple of slaps away. I then searched a couple of other tree spots, before returning and having a more in-depth look, finally locating the cache container hidden away. The container must have been placed quite wedged in place, and over time, the tree looks to have grown around the tree, meaning that I didn't think I'd be able to get the container out, but I just managed to free it, allowing access. The cache container and logbook were in good shape, although there was some water inside that I emptied out (but the logbook was well-protected and dry). I also took the TB for onwards travels. Thanks MattyRx for the cache placement and ongoing maintenance, with a Favourite Point from me! It was also nice to have found this cache with 801 days [26.3 months / 2.19 years] of unfound love since its last find on 20/08/2020.
Note that this geocache was logged with the *Team Warren* Davidwazza/jesswrigley stamp.
On Saturday, we visited the Bangalow markets, Newrybar, and then walked at Killen Falls. It was then a drive along the coast via Lennox Head, Whites Beach and then checking in at Suffolk Park.
On Sunday, we started the day with a hike in Goonengerry National Park before having a late breakfast in Byron Bay. We perused the town's shops, enjoyed Suffolk Park's beach, and then returned back to Byron Bay for dinner.
Finally on Monday, we visited The Farm in Byron Bay, and then later saw the lighthouse at Cape Byron.
Today, it was an early morning start to drive to Goonengerry National Park and subsequently walk the Goonengerry waterfalls trail. An enjoyable start to the day and great to see the top of the falls along the ridge. We then drove back to Byron Bay for breakfast via Mullumbimby, and then walked around the shops of Byron Bay. We decided it was beach time, so after making a quick stop at Tallow Beach to have a moment's silence for the ex-Project A.P.E. geocache, we returned to Suffolk Park and had a play on a nearby beach. In the late afternoon, we checked out Bolli Point walking the boardwalks in that area, and then had dinner in Byron Bay where we had a play on the beachside reserve.
I was looking at possible small hike options in the area whilst we were in the vicinity in this weekend, in particular a number of MattyRx multi-cache options within this area. Minyon Falls and Quandong Falls was considered, but that track looks to be closed due to flooding activity, set to reopen in early 2023, so this hike was our next plan. The route that we walked passed by the two waterfall tops / waypoints, but we backtracked along the Waterfall Trail, and then looped back via Garrong Road, walking a total distance of 3.73 km taking about 1:10 hr (moving time 55 min), as per our [Strava record](https://www.strava.com/activities/8040093560). It was a really enjoyable and easy-going walk, and the rivers/falls were cool to see, but just a shame that we couldn't see the full awe of the fall itself (perhaps that is when a drone would come in handy).
After making the necessary calculations and confirming with the Certitude checker, we took a drive to GZ. After parking, we had a look in one spot as per the hint, and as I put my hand in to have a small dig, I suddenly felt a sharp pain, only to see a large ant or wasp unhappy on my hand, so that involved a small scream and a couple of slaps away. I then searched a couple of other tree spots, before returning and having a more in-depth look, finally locating the cache container hidden away. The container must have been placed quite wedged in place, and over time, the tree looks to have grown around the tree, meaning that I didn't think I'd be able to get the container out, but I just managed to free it, allowing access. The cache container and logbook were in good shape, although there was some water inside that I emptied out (but the logbook was well-protected and dry). I also took the TB for onwards travels. Thanks MattyRx for the cache placement and ongoing maintenance, with a Favourite Point from me! It was also nice to have found this cache with 801 days [26.3 months / 2.19 years] of unfound love since its last find on 20/08/2020.
Note that this geocache was logged with the *Team Warren* Davidwazza/jesswrigley stamp.
Helen Keller once said "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Having said that, I much prefer the take of Dr. Seuss on the subject; "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."
I'm not sure why these quotes have sprung to mind as K_T_B and I try to recollect the walk so I can finally attempt to catch up on my logs. The choice was a day in or something close by, and despite various pockets surrounding this cache being familiar, somehow this walk was one that I was somehow unaware of. It's strange, I do a fair bit of hiking, yet it was on this one where I crossed paths with more walkers than in recent memory. I do not mind sharing a place such as this.
It was quite an easy walk, and all too brief as well, yet the views and locations visited were very much worthwhile, so easily reached. We are so glad that we decided to do this walk today. I'm sure by now you are sick of my superlatives Matty, So I have convinced K_T_B to log in my stead today, as follows:
"it was wicked...and Ive done a few of your caches, this would have to be my personal favourite, indeed it is the place that has inspired a totally new wicked adventure.watch this space ..a thousand Thankyous Matty"
That about covers it.
Obligatory fave point surrendered, A traveller listed in the Boomerang falls multi was picked up from the stash. Here's to the CO.. Cheer! Cheer!!
-- This log is trackable ! --
-- Feel free to discover --
-- Please mention, in which cache you've seen this code: --
-- 3TABQX --
I'm not sure why these quotes have sprung to mind as K_T_B and I try to recollect the walk so I can finally attempt to catch up on my logs. The choice was a day in or something close by, and despite various pockets surrounding this cache being familiar, somehow this walk was one that I was somehow unaware of. It's strange, I do a fair bit of hiking, yet it was on this one where I crossed paths with more walkers than in recent memory. I do not mind sharing a place such as this.
It was quite an easy walk, and all too brief as well, yet the views and locations visited were very much worthwhile, so easily reached. We are so glad that we decided to do this walk today. I'm sure by now you are sick of my superlatives Matty, So I have convinced K_T_B to log in my stead today, as follows:
"it was wicked...and Ive done a few of your caches, this would have to be my personal favourite, indeed it is the place that has inspired a totally new wicked adventure.watch this space ..a thousand Thankyous Matty"
That about covers it.
Obligatory fave point surrendered, A traveller listed in the Boomerang falls multi was picked up from the stash. Here's to the CO.. Cheer! Cheer!!
-- This log is trackable ! --
-- Feel free to discover --
-- Please mention, in which cache you've seen this code: --
-- 3TABQX --
After having a bad start to the day I really didn't want to be going out on my own so I brought a group along for this walk. I brought 9x 5 year olds and 2x 22 1/2 year olds with me today. Mind you one of the 22 1/2 year olds kept telling me they were actually "22 years and 6 months thank you very much". She had a bit of attitude that one. Don't worry the 10 person rule didn't apply to us because we were all from the one household.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The 5 year olds kept wanting to splash around in the rock pools and the 22 1/2 year olds kept wanting to climb all over the rocks over the cliff edge. When we got to the 2nd falls the rain started pouring down on us putting and put an end to the 22 1/2 year olds' shenanigans - too slippery. And then the leeches came out.
I didn't notice the leeches at first, not till I stopped for a break and saw a heap creeping up my shoes and pants. A quick dust off, fold up the pants, and spray of insect repellent (thank goodness I shoved that in my backpack) and all was well.
The 9x 5 year olds kept wanting to stop and play with the mushy clay, to squeeze it through their fingers and toes and mould into animals. But the 22 1/2 year olds reminded them - leeches! And I really needed to go to the toilet on the return trip, but again, leeches. No thanks.
I was intending to do the 8km loop, but when I reached the intersection, I realised if I ran out of insect repellant the leeches may suck my blood dry and I might not make it back alive. And there was the tickle in my ear and thought of a leech being in there, and the dark grey clouds rolling in. So we decided to head back the shorter way. Okay I exaggerate. I just didn't think I had the energy. Haha.
We all piled back into the car (surprisingly were all fit in the driver seat!) and made our way to ground zero with Whitesnake's Here I Go Again blaring on the stereo. I didn't let the others find the cache because I knew they'd all want to take some swag and you've always got good stuff in your caches. Log book was quickly signed in case any leeches had sniffed me out, then it was on up the other side of this gorge to replace a missing cache.
Thanks MattyRx for this awesome multi. I had a great time with some real 'Gorgeous' views. Hahahahaha.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The 5 year olds kept wanting to splash around in the rock pools and the 22 1/2 year olds kept wanting to climb all over the rocks over the cliff edge. When we got to the 2nd falls the rain started pouring down on us putting and put an end to the 22 1/2 year olds' shenanigans - too slippery. And then the leeches came out.
I didn't notice the leeches at first, not till I stopped for a break and saw a heap creeping up my shoes and pants. A quick dust off, fold up the pants, and spray of insect repellent (thank goodness I shoved that in my backpack) and all was well.
The 9x 5 year olds kept wanting to stop and play with the mushy clay, to squeeze it through their fingers and toes and mould into animals. But the 22 1/2 year olds reminded them - leeches! And I really needed to go to the toilet on the return trip, but again, leeches. No thanks.
I was intending to do the 8km loop, but when I reached the intersection, I realised if I ran out of insect repellant the leeches may suck my blood dry and I might not make it back alive. And there was the tickle in my ear and thought of a leech being in there, and the dark grey clouds rolling in. So we decided to head back the shorter way. Okay I exaggerate. I just didn't think I had the energy. Haha.
We all piled back into the car (surprisingly were all fit in the driver seat!) and made our way to ground zero with Whitesnake's Here I Go Again blaring on the stereo. I didn't let the others find the cache because I knew they'd all want to take some swag and you've always got good stuff in your caches. Log book was quickly signed in case any leeches had sniffed me out, then it was on up the other side of this gorge to replace a missing cache.
Thanks MattyRx for this awesome multi. I had a great time with some real 'Gorgeous' views. Hahahahaha.
With nothing on today I went for a maintenance run and placement run and FTF run at this cache,it was a bit hot for walking but as it turned out quite an easy walk so it was great,it never ceases to amaze me,there always seems to be something else to discover,I would think this would be just spectacular if there was some rain and water in these creeks and waterfalls,so I must try and get back here some time although I must say even without water the views across the gorge was mighty.
At GZ it was quite appropriate that I found this first (where was Seemyshell) oh yes,he only gets the easy ones,in with the log book was a coin and I collect coins and I certainly don’t have one like this,so thanks MattyRX and TFTC.
At GZ it was quite appropriate that I found this first (where was Seemyshell) oh yes,he only gets the easy ones,in with the log book was a coin and I collect coins and I certainly don’t have one like this,so thanks MattyRX and TFTC.
