Category Archives: Whittlesea

Only 47 Days to go!! Are you ready for some MEGA Fun?

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Happy October and welcome to day light savings – finally. Bring on the sunshine and warmer weather ahead – all of which are great for geocaching!

Don’t Forget to Register!

It is hard to believe that our Whittlesea Mega is only 47 days away, I can feel the excitement building. Now I don’t want to give any secrets away, but there will be some really special and unique activities planned at this Mega, so ensure that you register your attendance, if you haven’t already (GC8EW40).

Are you up for the MEGA challenge?

Okay – I will let you in on ONE secret…..that is, if you are up for a new challenge? Can you help Professor Cachington? He has been developing an antidote for a new disease known as Geopoxitis – a debilitating disease that causes the human body to create its own magnetic field, interfering with any navigational instrument that comes near them. The professor was only 5 ingredients short of finishing the antidote. However while stopping to get a cache on his way to the lab, Professor Cachington contracted the terrible disease. It is now up to you to finish his work, by identifying the 5 crucial ingredients and completing the antidote. The effects of Geopoxitis become permanent after 20 minutes, so time is of the essence. Hurry, the caching world is counting on you! All you have to do, is come to the Mega and more will be revealed….

The WEGT (Whittlesea Event Gadget Trail)

The WEGT (Whittlesea Event Gadget Trail) series, is a series of family friendly Gadget caches, placed for the Whittlesea Event 2022. The trail may expand over time, so keep your eye out for new additions. The series starts with (GC9ZWZV)

Victorian Cache of the Year Awards

Due to a few requests, we have agreed to extend the voting period by two weeks. But you will need to get your votes in soon. The Awards night will be held at the Mega on the Saturday night and it will surely be a night to remember. Be sure to make your vote count and submit your entry before Friday 14th October. All those who vote, will be eligible for the random unobtanium draw, which will also be drawn on the night. Here is the link to the finalists and the voting.

Car Rally – Lead up Event

This month we have our latest Mega Lead up Event planned and we hope to see as many of you there as possible. The car rally is a team adventure where you travel around in a vehicle, exploring the area. You are given a series of clues and information to help you navigate to key locations, whilst gathering answers, completing tasks, as well as challenges along the way. The aim is to make it to the rendezvous point with as many answers and tasks completed as possible. We do ask that you log an attendance if you plan on joining us to assist us with logistics.

  • GC9WKNH – Car Rally Staging Point and Morning Tea – 15th October 2022
  • GC9YAQB – Car Rally Rendezvous Point and Dinner – 15th October 2022

New Puzzle Series

As many of you know, the Whittlesea Compass geo-art has been active for a few years, as the original Mega in Whittlesea was delayed due to Covid. But fast forward a year or two, we felt that it was time to publish an additional series in preparation for the Mega. This new series has been designed to encourage and support those geocachers that are new to puzzle solving. By working through this series, we hope that new skills and techniques can be learned. The puzzles include additional information to help step through the solving process. The link to the new puzzle series can be saved to your geocaching profile for ease of locating. https://www.geocaching.com/plan/lists/BMBJ774

A few other reminders..

  • A last minute shout our for clothing orders – the cut off day to pre-order clothes (for pick up at the Mega) will be Sunday 9th October, so be sure to get your orders in.
  • Events, Events and Events – there are lots of Mega sub-events planned, so be sure to check out this list and log your planned attendance
  • A final BBQ Fundraising event is planned and we hope to see many of you there. Remember Mega Events are only possible because of the dedication of our volunteers and through the fundraising that we do. Please do drop by and buy a sausage and say hello – Mernda 29th October 2022 (GC9YXZT)
  • Ribbon colour for the event is Purple, so be sure to find a snip of purple ribbon so you can attach it to your car for the Mega weekend.
  • Any other Mega Questions? Check out our FAQ or contact the committee via whittleseamega@geocachingvictoria.com.au.

Beginners Series #4 – What are Gadget Caches?

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Stumbling across a gadget cache or field puzzle for the first time, can be a pretty exciting experience, particularly if you are not expecting it. Now let’s face it, we all love finding a geocache, but when that cache is not your typical container and instead is one of inspiration, colour, creativity or ingenuity, we are often in awe of the craftsmanship and creativity that is before us. These caches can often be easy to find, but can prove to be a puzzle to open and claim the smiley.

But for those that are newer to geocaching, you have not yet have come across a gadget cache or field puzzle before. You may not be prepared for the mysteries that await you.

With the Whittlesea Mega only a few months away and the whispers of some special caches likely to be on display, I thought that it was time to reach out at chat to one of Victoria’s Most Inspiration Gadget Cache Puzzle Maker “Mister Doctor” aka Peter to find out more about his pieces of art.

Thanks for chatting with me Mister Doctor, I am keen to hear how you started geocaching and what it is you love about the game?

Way back in 2010 I had heard about geocaching, I think there might have been something on the radio, and so I borrowed a GPS receiver over the Christmas holidays. I remember being stunned at all the caches on the map and super excited to go out hunting in our area. We found 27 caches locally. I was actually very lucky as they included Unexpected by GJMMelb and Buccaneers of Buckanbe by team_coxy. These were amazing finds for a newbie to make, and they inspired me to think creatively about my own caches.

It took 6 years for me to find my next cache, as it took that long to finally get a smart phone and get the app, which is how I go caching now. I always say it’s the local knowledge that is the reason I love geocaching so much. I love that each cache shows you a location or tells you a story. I love that you can meet a great range of friendly people, share caching experiences together and share stories of places and adventures.

You are often known for your creative gadget caches, but for new geocachers this is a new concept – can you explain to our newbies – what is a gadget cache or field puzzle?

There is a special attribute for field puzzles, it looks like a puzzle piece with a question mark. If a cache listing has this it means that when you find the container there is still a trick to getting it open. There are a huge variety of field puzzles – from discovering hidden latches, to pouring in water, to interacting with the cache’s electronics via buttons or your phone.

If you come across a gadget cache for the first time, how do you approach it?

As each one is often quite unique, I would definitely first pay close attention to the cache page – there are often specific instructions about what you need to do, or more subtle clues in the title or description. Don’t forget to look at the hint if there is one! I think it’s also important to give yourself enough time to solve the puzzle, you don’t want to arrive at a field puzzle expecting a quick park and grab. And even more importantly – be prepared to have some fun! Cache owners want you to find their caches, and a field puzzle hopefully adds to that memorable and fun experience.

Some caches may need a TOTT (tool of the trade) to help solve and open the puzzle. So things like batteries, magnets or even a bottle of water may come in handy. But you can often pick up hints or clues from reading the cache description.

Is there any etiquette or considerations that would be important for a new geocacher to know?

I would say the main thing is to please respect the cache. Don’t force things. It is always better to message the cache owner for help or to report a problem than to damage the cache in order to get that smiley. One of the beautiful features of geocaching is that behind every cache there is an owner who was once a newbie too and will often be more than happy to help you. Also remember to leave the cache as you found it so that the next finder has a good experience too.

Another thing that new geocachers may not be aware of is the correct choice of log type. “Found it” means you located the cache, solved the puzzle and signed the logbook. You earned a smiley in your find account. “Write note” means you located the cache, but couldn’t work out the puzzle to sign the logbook. You have not yet earned a smiley in your account. “Didn’t find it (DNF)” means you couldn’t locate the cache container at all (this flags that the cache may be missing and the cache owner may need to check. This log type can potentially lead to a cache being disabled or archived)

Have you got a photo of your own favourite cache that you can share?

The Hidden World This is part of a diorama that has a field puzzle to solve before the scene is revealed.

Thanks so much Mister Doctor for your insights and advice on gadget caches. They are often a favourite cache type of many and with field puzzle attribute now active, it does mean that geocachers can actively hunt out these special caches.

I have it on good authority that you are planning something special and super magical for the Whittlesea Mega, but I have been told Mum’s the word and I am not yet allowed to spill any beans. Are there any insights that you can share?

A team of very talented gadget fairies have been working their magic to create 20 brand new gadget caches for you for the Whittlesea Event. They will challenge, perplex and delight you. How many will you solve? Here is a first glimpse of some of the special caches that await you.

Thanks so much Mister Doctor – now I am super excited. I can’t wait! The count down begins only 81 days to go!

Move it, Move it!

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I like to move it, move it
I like to move it, move it
I like to move it, move it
We like to move it!

I like to move it, move it
She like to move it, move it
He like to move it, move it
We like to move it!

Just like the words to “I like to move it” by Reel 2 Reel as featured in Madagascar, this month we would love to see you move it, move it… to some of the August events scheduled

August Events

August is finally upon us, as is some warmer weather and days with more sunshine. We have a record number of events being hosted in August – we have over 20 to chose from, including:

  • Whittlesea Lead Up Event on Saturday 14th August GC9WKN8 
  • The Great Victorian Cache Crawl on Saturday 20th August (Multiple Locations)
  • Welcome to the Newbies – Whittlesea Lead Up Event on Sunday 28th August GC9WKN8 

Be sure though to check out the events page for a full listing for all scheduled events.

August Move it Competition

So what does move it, move it have to do with events you ask? I am so glad you did. The August competition is to submit or post a video of yourself or your caching team moving… or should I say dancing…. (either on a Facebook post or blog comment below)

The clip needs to go for at least ten seconds to be eligible and filmed whilst caching or attending an event during the month of August 2022. For a little bit of inspiration, I asked The Welder aka Ross to share his cache dance rendition filmed recently on a road trip with heymissjo.

We look forward to your own cache dances! For further inspiration, check out the Cache Pants Dance clip by the Geocaching Vlogger

July BernieH Competition

A massive thank you (especially from BernieH) on everyone who participated in his July Challenge of finding a cache on his remaining unfound cache date. He was super excited to complete the grid. A special should out must go to horror.fan.jm who won best log – congratulations! Here is a link to the winning entry. We will be in touch with you shortly to organise your prize.

Whittlesea Mega – Camping and Other Accommodation

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We are excited to announce that camping at the Whittlesea Showgrounds during the Mega is now open for bookings. Powered and unpowered sites are available to book for the weekend, as well as some extended stay campsites for those that wish to explore the area further after the Mega.

In addition, there are discount offers available to Mega attendees from accommodation providers in the general area.

  • Visit the Camping page for further details regarding the campsites available at the Mega.
  • Visit the Other Accommodation page for more information on the hotel/motel offers available.

Mega Merchandise

This year we are also lucky to have a wide range of Whittlesea Mega merchandise available to help support the event, so be sure to check out the shop.

For those that have not yet visited the GPS Maze, we also have exclusive maze products available.

For any questions, please contact us at whittleseamega@geocachingvictoria.com.au

Welcome to our new Geocaching Beginner Series!

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With another exciting Mega on the horizon and an influx of new geocachers within our community, Geocaching Victoria thought that it would be great to launch a new blog series – specifically for Beginners. I am sure that many of us have been in a conversation on a Monday morning, where you are asked what you did over the weekend….

“I went geocaching and ….” geo-what?

“Yeah I climbed some sand dune looking for…..” Tupperware?

“Drove a few hundred kms for a find….” insert look of disbelief here…..

But how often do you find that you spark the interest of someone that can see passed your geo-nerdiness and can appreciate the adventure, the opportunity for great family time but perhaps also the challenge.

As we count down to our next Mega, (yes in only 126 days) – we would love to introduce this crazy game to those whose interest is sparked, to let them in on our little geo-secrets and perhaps convert them from being a “muggle” to one of our own. Do we dare?

Recently I spoke to Tim from veevers12 who started playing the game in 2019, precovid and asked him how he got into the game and what advice he had for those curious about geocaching.

Hi veevers12, can you please share with us when you started Geocaching and what got you into this crazy hobby we love?

My daughter had a school geocaching excursion to Westerfolds Park in Templestowe in mid 2019. We had not heard of geocaching before then, so we gave it a try by looking at GC60BE0 Eltham Fire Brigade (now archived) after the kids had their swimming lessons at Eltham Leisure Centre. We soon wanted to find another, then another, then another, then we were hooked and we have been hooked ever since. We started with a basic membership, but on one of our early geocaching outings my daughter and I bumped into shack1961 who told us we would probably sign up for premium soon and never look back. She was right!

Some of the things we love most about geocaching are:

  • It gives us something really fun to do as a family.
  • It takes us to lots of different places and when we are at a loose end, instead of being bored, we go and find a cache.
  • We have met lots of really nice people. We love how people of all different ages and different interests are able to get along and talk about their adventures.
  • It connects us with other people, some of whom we may never meet, but who have interests in geocaching in common.
  • Every time someone posts a find log on one of our caches. We love reading every log, especially the ones with a story.

Okay so I am a little bit excited with your response, sorry total #geonerd here – I have to ask what is your favourite type of geocache and why?

We find this hard to choose as we like them all, however there are three particular types that we like. One is a good puzzle, another is a good gadget cache, and the other is any cache that takes us to a really nice secluded location. A geocache that does all three of these is the ultimate.


When you first started geocaching, what helped you learn more about geocaching (cache types, styles of hides, puzzles etc)

Quite often, it was other geocachers that we bumped into at caches or at events that have helped us with this, however most of what we have learnt has been from solving and finding geocaches of all different types and styles. We also looked at lots of geocaching videos on YouTube when we were stuck at home during lockdown. We particularly enjoyed the videos from West Virginia Tim.


Research is a great suggestion, what advice would you give a newbie geocacher just starting out?


If you can’t find a cache, don’t give up. Don’t ask for hints too soon as it is much more satisfying to go back to a cache multiple times and eventually find it than it is to ask someone where it is. If you can’t find it, check the hint, check when it was last found and read some of the past logs. If you still can’t find it, leave it and try again with a fresh mindset. If you can’t find it after multiple visits then message the cache owner (CO) for an additional hint.

Look for good areas to go geocaching. We looked for caches that had lots of favourite points when we were starting and they gave us lots of joy and helped us to get hooked (thanks Mister Doctor!)

We also recommend that you write a good log. Something more than ‘got it’ or ‘found’. This is much more rewarding for the cache owner who has gone to the trouble of hiding the cache for you. Try to log your finds promptly and try not to copy/paste logs too much.

Over the past few years, what has been your most memorable cache/cache adventure?

We remember most of them. There are a few that stand out. Winding Waters (GC367RT) was one of our first as it was in a beautiful location and we went back to it so many times with more and more ideas and tools before we finally managed to locate and retrieve the cache. My daughter really enjoyed our time at Hillcrest Hike (GC1CD5F) because it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. We also really enjoyed our adventure after the Community Celebration Event at Wangaratta when we decided to do the Wherigo 3MC Workout (GC8HWM6) because it just kept going and going. We bumped into The Easter Bunnies, who I went to uni with, who joined us for the adventure. We didn’t know when the adventure would end and by the time we got back to the car it was very late and very dark!

Thank you so much veevers12 for sharing your insights! Now for those of you that are new, or for those geocachers that have friends and family that are curious about geocaching – we have a brand new event scheduled which is perfect for newbies.

Geocaching Victoria is excited to announce a newbie event in the lead up to the Whittlesea Mega (GC9WXFY). This will be held at the Whittlesea Showgrounds on Sunday 28th August 2022 @ 10.30am. We encourage all those new to geocaching or curious about what geocaching is, to attend.

For those in the community who have been caching for a while, we would love you to tag a muggle and introduce them to this great game of ours.