Geocaching is a treasure hunt for adults and children using a GPS-enabled device or a smartphone to find geocaches. These are containers at specific locations around the world.
What’s a Geocache?
A geocache is usually a waterproof container, like a plastic lunchbox, containing a pen and a log book. Sometimes the box contains stickers, small toys, and trinkets for children to trade.
Each spot has a description, with optional hints and photos to help if needed. Geocaches are rated by the size of the cache box, level of difficulty, and terrain.
How to Use the Geocache App
I downloaded the Geocaching app and upgraded to a premium account (which unlocks more options). I must admit we failed to find our first couple of geocaches. We weren’t sure what we were looking for!
Then we were excited to find our first one near the steps of the Bribie Island museum. The box was cleverly hidden and attached to the building by a strong magnet.
We were able to narrow down our target by reading the clues several times and looking at one of the photos. After you have found your geocache you can log it in the app or website.
The second time we went geocaching it was hot out but we found them both quickly. One was located along the boardwalk along the Brisbane River behind the seating at a ferry terminal and the second one was hidden in a hole near a wheel outside of the iconic XXXX building.
My favourite geocache was hidden at the base of old tree in an ordinary park on an odd shaped block of land which we regularly drive by.
This spot allowed us to stop and admire the fantastic view of the city skyline and read about the author’s childhood living in the neighbourhood.
If you get stuck when looking for a geocache it helps to read some of the past comments. Some geocaches have complex puzzles to solve, so start with the easy ones and work your way up to them as you gain confidence. Some geocaches have trackable travel bugs or geocoins that have a unique number on them so their owner can follow their travel around the geocaches.
I enjoy geocaching as it encourages us to explore our hometown and see things we wouldn’t have otherwise seen. Geocaching is a low-cost way to get out of the house and I’m looking forward to trying on our next holiday.
Sign up for your free account at the international geocaching website and upgrade to a premium account for only US$30 for 12 months.
