Grampians Secrets series
The challenge is set. A series of 5 caches has been hidden by
the HGCore group within these mountains. Each shows a unique
location unmarked on any maps you can buy today (or for the past 10
years). The caches are relatively easy to find once at the
coordinates - the challenge is getting there. There is only 1 cache
on (or near) a marked track - the rest are more difficult to get
to.
Spectacular peaks, caves, rocky outcrops, difficult climbs and
off trail hiking all await the adventurous geocacher, along with a
couple of travel bugs (for the first to find) and a surprise in one
of the caches (again, for the first to find only!).
The HGCore group has been exploring these mountains since 1999,
back when legends of hidden trails, secret peaks and nearly
unchartered territories were fresh. Over the years many of these
have been abandoned and overgrown due to bushfires, safety
concerns, and lack of maintenance by the authorities. These
locations may thus have been lost forever.
These are the Grampians Secrets locations.
Each cache container is a 1 litre Sistema box and the cache
contains a short paragraph on how the HGCore group stumbled upon
the place, along with references to old markers and trails in the
vicinity, and other items of interest.
Consider these a challenge. Some of the caches in these
locations have been placed after years of exploring the area.
Certainly a must see for anyone serious about their Grampians
experience. Be warned, however, that many of these locations
involve exposed edges, cliff faces, and uneven rocks. All of these
caches require some extent of off-trail scampering and some even
require a little rock climbing. These are not suitable locations
for children. In all cases ensure you have plenty of daylight, food
and water before embarking on your journey.
Should you make it to these caches, please sign the log, and
leave comments here. We are always interested to know when someone
has been able to find our hides.
The Elephant Perch
You are looking for an elephant that is high! The first to find
this cache will know what we mean.
This is the second cache hidden in this series of 5, and is the
second easiest to get to. There are another 4 spotted throughout
the Grampians. Follow the path from town towards Venus Baths - then
go up, up and up! You should see why they call these rocks "The
Elephant Hide" - it's steep, but rough enough to be able to walk
up. Make sure that the rock is dry and you have shoes with good
grip and plenty of time. The climb is not all that long, but it is
longer than it looks from the bottom and quite strenuous.
Find the old arrows to come down the other side of the rock.
There used to be a trail here, leading to The Pinnacle, which was
burnt out by bushfire. At time of placing there are colored posts
and ribbons marking out the way which will guide you back to town.
Returning the same way you came up is also an option, but it's
harder than climbing up.