This is a bonus cache, placed for those adventurous cachers who make the effort to climb up to the Binna Burra plateau from the Numinbah Valley in search of a smilie or two. The cache is not at the listed co-ordinates, but you'll need to visit the great lookout at these coordinates to collect clues to help you find it.
Park at the Numinbah Valley border gate under the tree on the “correct” side of the border. After taking in the view over the Tweed valley and grabbing pirate63's "Aaargh! Cockroach Border!" cache, cross to the western side of the road and head up the driveway on the NSW side of the border fence. Ascend the overgrown track just on the NSW side of the border fence. Battle the long grass and lantana, climbing steadily until you cross the border fence at the Bushranger Caves. Grab zombywoof1954's “Bushranger Caves” cache here, then skirt the base of the cliffs to the northwest.
The indistinct track climbs steeply up the mountain, crossing a large felled tree part way up. Take care to follow the tape and other trail markers in this section. When you arrive at the next cliff face, follow the trail to the left (south) around the base of the cliff until the track climbs up to a ridge line along the edge of the caldera at Waypoint 1. Some great views towards Mt Warning can be found with a bit of exploring on the track downhill from this ridge junction.
Follow the distinct trail upwards to the summit of Mt Waygawn where you will find Herbz and Holminators’ “Way-gawn” cache. Continue on this trail as it winds through the rainforest around the edge of the plateau, crossing some picturesque gullies, until you reach a signed track junction at Waypoint 2. Collect the necessary clues here, and follow the path to the lookouts at Waypoint 3 and 4, where you can collect the final clues necessary to find the cache.
Waypoint 4 is a great spot to catch your breath and have some lunch, offering great views towards Mt Warning, the Springbrook plateau and the Numinbah Valley. It also provides a great view of the terrain you’ve covered to get here.
You’ve come this far, so you might as well make a full day of it. Before returning, those still feeling energetic should head from the Waypoint 2 track junction further along the track and collect Herbz’s “Hob-Wee” cache.
For the less adventurous, alternative access is from Binna Burra, being roughly an 18km return hike on graded tracks. Be forewarned though - attempting this cache from Binna Burra will involve a (longish) drive up the Numinbah Valley to find the cache and sign the logbook once you have completed the hike.
To find the cache, collect the clues and head to:
S 28 1A.BCD E 153 1W.XYZ
Where:
A = First number in the distance on the sign at Waypoint 2.
B = A - 1
C = Second number in the distance on the sign at Waypoint 2.
D = Number of consonants in the traditional lookout name on the sign at Waypoint 3 (ignore the consonants in the word ”lookout” !).
W = Number of screws fixing the small “warning sign” to its backing timber post at Waypoint 3
X = Number of words on the “warning sign” at Waypoint 4
Y = Number of rocks that have fallen off the cliff edge at Waypoint 4 minus 1. Look between the cliff edge and the “stick figure” leg.
Z = W + X + 2
Checksum: A+B+C+D+W+X+Y+Z = 37
If visiting all four caches, expect to hike15.5 km’s with a total elevation gain of 1180 m. Please take the usual precautions for a strenuous hike of this nature and practice minimal impact bushwalking. Take care near cliff edges.
You should pack a topographic map, compass, first aid kit, food, water, some warm clothes and wet weather gear. Repellant with DEET is essential to keep the ticks and leaches at bay. I would also recommend knee length gaitors or long pants. Mobile phone coverage via Telstra was good when the cache was set, but should not be relied upon. Ensure a reliable friend or relative knows your plans before setting out.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN and ENJOY the adventure and the views! This is my first cache and I certainly enjoyed placing it.