Burkes Lookout Olinda, Victoria, Australia
By ahomburg on 17-Jun-20. Waypoint GC8V767

Thanks for the Cache Ahomburg,I solved this one some time ago but each time I came to claim the Prize, it was busy with muggles. I have the amazing ability to look more conspicuous the harder I try to do the opposite. Today there was no one to witness my ridiculous attempts at invisibility, and the prize was mine. Regards from Victourer

Solved this puzzle in November 2021 for a planned trip to Mt Dandenong, but the trip never happened, and it's been sitting in my solved pile for a long time.Had the morning to myself, and it seemed like it was going to turn into a lovely morning. As such, I thought I would go geocaching. I selected the Mt Dandenong area as it has a number of caches I need for challenges I am working on. Including a T5, some oldies, a DT of 2.5/2.5, and a number of Multicaches. Found this one at 10.30 am, after failing to spot it the first time and searching everywhere within 20 meters before coming back for a second look. Then, after returning the geocache, I went to Burke's Lookout and just enjoyed the view for a while before more tourists turned up.Thanks for the cache, A Homburg.Hunter

This has been on my solved list for quite sometime and I was in the area collecting a challenge cache and decided to head up to the top of the mountain to find this one. It really is billygoat country around here. Im glad I had my hiking shoes on that have awesome grip. This wasnt a quick find. I actually went past this cache without realizing it multiple times. It wasnt until I went a bit further down the hill and then climbed back up that I saw the prize. Thank you ahomburg for placing and maintaining Burkes Lookout for us to find today.

With the OXFAM event on today there are crowds of people accessing the trail and tourists out too but muggles not a bother here. I'm in marvellous Melbs again and keen for a bit of nature out on the fringes so perfect destination. TFTC and the FUn.

The puzzle was a little time consuming trying to work at the sequence required. Got there in the end.Was out exploring the ranges today and seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a look for this one. After carefully making my way down GZ the cache was found in the 2nd place I looked. Nice one!

My 2023 caching resolution / goal was to try and get close to qualifying for the [CO's](https://www.geocaching.com/p/?guid=1ded3729-fe62-40bb-9f5f-fd559e7163b1&wid=dc135a03-cc4f-4381-a4b2-0feb0a96e411&ds=2) [The Non-Traditional Calendar Challenge (GC7RCQ3)](https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC7RCQ3), and with less than thirty (30) calendar dates left, there were a few select days in which I needed to get out this holiday break to find a non-traditional cache, with today being one of them.However, with most of the multis found close to home I had to rely on finding mystery caches in order to fill in my missing calendar dates, as I knew I wouldn't have much time during the break to sneak out and grab a cache. But I am still a bit of a beginner puzzler and so I didn't have really any of the mystery caches solved in the area. So a couple of weeks ago I was looking around to see what possible mystery caches in the area I could solve and I spotted this one.With the cache page claiming *"The puzzle is a fairly simple one, Its not about the puzzle, it's about the location."* I was hoping it was going to be indeed simple. Although, I am sure it probably was simple to most, it did take me a bit of trying to figure out how to convert the puzzle to coordinates, but eventually I started to get the hang of it, and the coordinates were solved!So with a bit of time today I was finally able to get out to [Burkes Lookout](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/burkes-lookout-) to find this cache.With the weather being absolutely stunning today and the sun shinning, there were several muggles out taking in the beautiful scenery and once I arrived at the lookout I thought it was going to be a struggle to retrieve the cache with so many muggles around. However, that is when I noticed that my phone told me I was still about 50 metres away.Well I really should have read the terrain rating a bit better before I drove out here, as I was not prepared for the climb lol. I thought...*I have been out to Burkes loads of times, it's not that steep!*Of course, when I arrive at the lookout and saw that my phone was still pointing me 50 metres away I knew that the terrain rating was accurate lol.I am sure there were some very confused muggles at the lookout watching me as I made my way past and over to GZ. Luckily it was far enough away that I was out of their sight before too long and even more luckily I ended up finding the cache quite quickly. I only had to check a few beacons before the cache was found and the logbook signed.A big thanks goes to [ahomburg](https://www.geocaching.com/p/?guid=1ded3729-fe62-40bb-9f5f-fd559e7163b1&wid=dc135a03-cc4f-4381-a4b2-0feb0a96e411&ds=2) for the fun little puzzle and the great climb today. TFTC.**Cache Maintenance Status**The lid on the cache container has been scraped across the beacon enough times during retrieval and replacement that it has actually worn the lid down causing some holes to form. Luckily the hiding location has protected it as all of the inner contents were nice and dry and the logbook was clean with plenty of room for future cache finders to sign.

I headed up here early on Sunday morning to find my last remaining caches on this side of the Dandenongs. Back in the early nineties I (mis)spent many a late night up here after closing time at the Micawber Park Tavern down the mountain in Belgrave. Those were the days . . . we could navigate this path in the pitch dark without the aid of a mobile phone torch!It's always nostalgic coming back here. I remember unsuccessfully searching for this one a few years ago . . . today after gingerly climbing down to the correct level, I found the cache straight away. Thanks for bringing me back here in the daylight!

We've had this puzzled in the solved list for a little bit of time now but have never had the opportunity to come and retrieve it. Well we were in the area and decided to give it a go. We were convinced we had looked in every single crevice before one more popped itself out to inspect, and there was the cache! Tftc ahomburg, a favourite point from us for the absolutely beautiful view taken in from GZ!

Found it! This evening we had a mini adventure to Burke’s Lookout to find this cache and the Virtual cache nearby. I had solved this fun puzzle earlier in the year and decided to find it since I was completing the virtual cache. There weren’t too many people around this evening so I was able to maneuver to GZ without worrying about muggles. There were a few options for crevices in the various rocky outcrops and somehow managed to find the correct one on my third effort. Having signed the log and replaced the cache in it’s hiding place I went to go back up to the track. Oh wow, it is really very steep looking back up the slope! I carefully picked my way over the rocks and the few trees made good hand holds. Must remember to carry my walking pole at all times. Any way I made it back up safe and sound. Thanks for the puzzle and adventure. TFTC SL

A short trip up and down the mountain today to continue my finds for the Out and About monthly challenge.
I stopped here in a deserted car park and got out to a feels like temperature of 4 degrees.
After a short walk and a steep slippery climb I searched for a couple of minutes in some areas matching the hint and gladly came up with the cache after the previous finders DNF.
Thanks ahomburg for the cache, the adventure, the hunt and the fun.

We came to the Dandenong’s today with the intention of finding two caches. I had solved this puzzle when it first came out and was disappointed when I realised the location, a place I have visited often. .. We’re not a young as we used to be and weren’t really sure if we could reach the cache. But as we were waiting, trying to make up our minds to have a go, an older couple appeared from below .. ok that was promising! We took another look and decided to take an alternative route along a lower track which we felt would take us closer to GZ but the track was blocked and clearly very snakey so we returned to the start. After discussing potential routes we made our way towards GZ picking our way through obstacles. There were plenty of animal tracks and evidence of people before us. Hmmm were they geocachers? My caching partner stopped part way down .. just in case .. I continued down picking my way down through obstacles, .. unfortunately lots of broken glass, rocks, wet moss and leaves. I even found a crevice blocked by rocks, bark and sticks, but alas no cache!.. I was soon to discover how slippery the ground was and fortunately I slipped onto the only bit of soft fall and was able to grab onto a tree before continuing down. I was now only 3 metres from GZ but this is a DNF I’m happy to take .. you’ve gotta know your limits!!

With an extra public holiday for this Grand Final weekend we headed out for a couple night in Ferntree Gully. Got up the top before the crowds and enjoyed a beautiful walk in the spring weather. This was our lunch stop which was quite popular today. Fortunately GZ was away from prying eyes and we made the find relatively quickly thanks to the good coords. TFTC

Out on my own today after doing a 10 km bush walk with the club, I thought I would clear out a couple in the area. I choose a Lab cache which I walked/struggled from the bottom to the top. Boy do I make it hard for myself. Managed the Lab and checked out this one while I was here. What a GREAT view. While making the easy find stop and soaked up the view. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy these simple things. We take to much for granted. Thanks ahomburg, another one of yours to tick off. Thanks for bringing me here. puff puff

*Found on the 30 Dec 2021 @ 3:05 pm.*
*Cache find # 12212.*

The day was starting to get a bit warm so it was
time to head for home but I was still wanting to get to this one before doing so.
I headed out from the car park with a couple of muggles in front of me heading the same way and they decided to stop at the lookout as well.
I waited a few minutes and decided to zig zag my way down out of sight from the muggles, I made it to GZ and was able to find the cache without any trouble.
The log was stamped and I made my way off the the side staying out of sight before heading back up to the track.

**Thanks to ahomburg for placing this cache.**

Found @12:36 #7993
One of the gem spots in Melbourne with some great views and I think I can see my house from here. A good hide with plenty of cover from the muggles above for a sneaky grab.
Favorite for the location. [^]

Day 520 of ...
TFTC ahomburg

I found this cache today on My Mount Dandenong Walks and Wanders. Not too hard a puzzle here. I found the first waypoint of another nearby cache before heading over here - one of my favourite places in Melbourne. Only 24m from the track but it was 121 steps to get from the cache to the track again. Our previous cache finds here were "Sweet 16" back in 2005 and "Reach out and touch" in 2006, so it has been a while. Thanks from D B-A

A cracking Melbourne Spring day for milestone.
Three members of the iTEEM made the trip up the mountain to find this previously solved mystery cache.
This find takes our tally to 400 finds, and takes us to the virtual peak of Mt Vinson also.
It seemed fitting to find a mountain top cache to complete this month's peak challenge.
A little mountain-goating required to find this one amongst a number of potential hiding places.
TFTC and the relatively simple puzzle ahomburg

Still got a couple more in my five k’s to do and this one has been on my list for a long time. happy to find on a really grey overcast day, cold, did I say cold day

It was pretty apparent this whole area had copped a battering from the recent storms. Although all roads were now open, the amount of debris will take some time to remove.

Arrived close to GZ and admired the views along with a few muggles, then Steve made the scramble down the slippery slope with my phone in hand. I kept a close eye on him, then lost sight of him. I waited, then cursed him for not leaving his phone with me as I paced backwards & forwards for what seemed like ages, not knowing if he’d tumbled to his death, when suddenly I saw him make his way back to the track. We have now made a deal that one phone should be left with the other person. All signed, and he didn’t die, so all in all, a great success.

Enjoyed the puzzle ahomburg, and I think Steve didn’t mind doing the hard work in the find. Thank you.

Cache check after controlled burn here, all in A1 condition. Ready to find.

I think a CITO is needed here, purely to pickup all the glass left behind by idiots!

this is a mighty fine lookout

i love that moment on hiking trips when you can look about over the traversed country and note far behind you in the distance landmarks that once sat far ahead of you
walking the overland track was perhaps the best example of this: monuments like cradle mountain and barn bluff and mount ossa and mount pelion west function like road markings, displaying your slow plodding progress

here there wasn’t quite the same satisfaction:
much of the distance was travelled by car
and the lush minigolf turf subtracts a little from the natural majesty of the bush

but
nonetheless
it’s still a mighty view

This evening, Lynjoh and I went up the hill and practiced our mountaineering skills, to achieve a find on this cache. Even though it had been quite a rainy day, the view was still wonderful, and many people were out enjoying it. Thanks for another adventure ahomburg.

I was out with Crustyvarmint tonight in search of this cache. We had solved this puzzle last year and a last minute change of plans brought us to Mt Dandenong. Grey skies and the possibility of rain...perhaps not the best time to tackle steep slippery slopes! Anyway after a short scramble Crustyvarmint found the container and we were able to sign the log. Thanks to ahomburg for the challenges and Crustyvarmint for the company.

I had an afternoon to myself and decided to go for a walk in the Ranges. Having seen this new puzzle on the map I decided to see if I could solve it before heading out. Thankfully it was relatively straightforward to find, but that we just the start of the fun!

I spent quite a while at GZ looking around and was having no joy in finding the cache. So many potential hiding spots. It was getting to the point where I should actually go for my walk, and I spotted something that looked a bit more promising. I was sure I had looked there previously. Anyway got there in he end! TFTC ahomburg

This is the best view in the world! Since this cache has been published i have wanted to get back here to get it. Nearly gave up but on the way up I thought its got to be there. And sure enough it was! I dont recommend this cache at night due to the never ended broken glass. I do how ever 1000% times coming to this spot at night. Its been know to be the best view in the world!

Omegaman1971
The Omega Empire
@ 6722 finds
Had solved this one not long after it was published but today was the first opportunity to go for the hunt.
Have always loved it up here and have spent many hours just sitting and watching the world go by.
After a short search in the rain and found I soon had the log signed.
Cheers ahomburg for the cache, favourite point for sure.

{F.T.F.}
Joint FTF with the regular crew. Didn't even realise there was a new cache so close. Was a little surprised when we arrived to find what the terrain was like. Not the best for those wonderful safety boots that I wear, lol. OHC made the find after a little searching and re-posistioning. Got some rather interesting glances when we re-joined the track. Thanks for the cache and the view.

8:37 am #9625
{FTF}
Sitting at home doing nothing much when this was published. Oooh goody. A new puzzle.
Stared at it for a few minutes, but nothing jumped out. Started playing with ideas with paper and pencil, and the coords soon jumped out at me.
It was way too late to go trekking off into the night for the ftf, so left it for someone else.
The next day Mrs Papi4506 (Geoturtle37) and I had organised to go for a road trip to grab a couple of particular caches needed to fill some spots. But first.....
“Would you like to go for a ftf first? It’s only a few metres from the track. Only a 10 minute detour.”
“Okay”
So we set off. Once we parked Gertie, I realised where we were. I remember there being another cache near here once before. We walked along the track instead of taking the shorter steeper route. Nice to get the heart pumping on this chilly Sunday morning.
Then we got to somewhere that was “close”. What? Down there? Well, I guess that explains the T rating!
Slowly and carefully, we made our way down, and after a while, I spotted the hidey hole, and opened the logbook to reveal a nice fresh blank page.
Signed off, replaced and made our way back up to the car - only an hour had passed since we parked. That was our quick 10 minute detour.
Thanks for placing and maintaining this cache, ahomburg

{F.T.F.}
Joint FTF with OzHockeyChick.
We were heading off today into the country to grab a couple of caches that OHC needed but she asked if a short detour was ok on the way. No worries, it wasn't far out of way.
An hour later we were on our way with a FTF under our belt.
Great place for a cache but glad we weren't here later in the day as it was slippery enough with the morning dew on the grass and rocks.
OHC made the find in one of the many hidey holes. We did get some very curious looks as we re-joined the track with rather wet feet, didn't help that I was in my normal footwear.
Thanks for the cache and the stunning views.

Correct! The coordinates for this cache have been updated.
Maybe one day I will return to that side of the globe...
Thanks for the Puzzle

###Published under revised Covid-19 restrictions.###
##Please remember that Covid-19 is a highly contagious and infectious disease and from a Geocaching perspective, local laws/requirements should be complied with and the use of hand sanitizer is recommended.##