This is the start for the Nelson to Shoal Bay Power trail (NTSBPT). The trail takes you for a walk through bushland between Nelson Bay and Shoal bay before returning you to the start point via the waterfront.
The trail starts off flat but the track rating does change to a medium grade at the back of shoal bay. The point of this trail is to take a tour through some national park lands and show off some of the views behind Shoal bay and along the waterfront. The trail is approximately 8klm long. I have walked it several times and I predict it will take the average cacher about 4-5 hours to finish (took me 90mins on a mountain bike) - unless you are a power walker.
Be aware that these trails get regular use so don't be surprised if you run into muggles on the loop - even in the hilly segments of the trails. Please take water and protect yourself from sunburn as much of the trail is not shaded.
While logging the caches make sure you note the number under the lid of the containers with the green lids. This information is required to solve the location of the final cache in the series - GC3Z4HZ 'Nelson to Shoal Bay Power trail - The finish" Click here.
During my tours of the trails I saw many wild animals including Kangaroos, Echidnas, goannas, Koalas, Snakes (you will see snake trails across the track), many birds and lizards including large Blue Tongues. There will be ticks in the foliage at some times of the year.
In general the caches are hidden just off the trails but in a couple of cases they have been placed a little further off the track as I found my intended hide contained wildlife (Blue Tounge Lizards in most cases). The caches placed within the confines of the national park have been approved by the NPWS so relax there are no issues with the power trail.
All the containers in the National park are the same and only contain a log sheet in accordance with NPWS policies so remember to bring a pen and a notebook to log the numbers under the lids.
I hope you take the time to enjoy the walk and please be careful not to rake the ground around trees or damage the natural habitat - homes of animals. The hides in the national park contain explicit hints to minimise the impact of searching. The hides are simple and feel free to log all of the NTSBPT as a TFTC or smiley face if nothing of note happens during your walk/hunt for each stage of the series. One tip is to stick to the trails, if you cannot see a trail continue down the track you are on and you are sure ton find the correct trail not too far away from where you start the next stage.
Please take the time to log your progress on this cache if you choose to takle the series over a few sessions and provide a full log on the last cache in the series. I hope you enjoy the trail as much as I have enjoyed setting it up.
For information on Tomaree National Park follow this link: Click here.