There is no physical cache at this location.
The above co ordinates will bring you to the Western Lost City located in the Limmen National Park
This Earthcache highlights the sandstone formations that are common throughout the gulf region.
About 1500 million years ago, sandy sediment, later to become rock, began to settle here on the ocean floor. At the time nothing more complex existed than bacteria-like life, which is why the lost city has failed to yield a fossil record.
Buried for millions of years, the sandstone was raised out of the sea by the movement of the Earth's crust. Eventually it cracked and a network of joints emerged around which the unique towers would eventually form. The varying colours are caused by the mineral composition of the sandstone and the amount of sun they are exposed to. The very dark colours are the result of moss or algae and no direct sunlight.
Water, wind and plant roots slowly worked away over the millennia, turning the cracks into chasms, and the pillars of sandstone began to take shape. Inside the columns the sandstone is much softer and weaker because the silica that binds the rock has been leached away. Over time, these pillars will continue to shrink as the sandstone is eroded. Washed into drainage channels during wet-season downpours, the sand begins its journey to the sea before joining the cycle of deposition and cementation in the Gulf of Carpentaria
Access to the Western Lost City is by high clearance 4WD vehicle only. This 28 km track starts just north-west of the Nathan River Ranger Station. You will need a code (changed weekly), which is provided on the white board at the Nathan River Ranger Station to unlock the access gate. Please ensure you sign in and out of the log book by the gate. Trailers and caravans are not permitted on this track. Please allow 4 daylight hours to complete the return journey. Camping is not permitted in the Western Lost City it is a day only access area. Visitors must stay on formed tracks and are not permitted to wander off these tracks. Road conditions will vary at certain times of the year please check for closures before embarking on this journey.
*********************There is no telephone service here*********************
Driving into this remote area is not for everyone, please plan your visit and allow plenty of time to experience the Western Lost City.
Link below for Western Lost City
https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/372080/Limmen-national-park-lost-city.pdf
To complete this earthcache answer the following questions
Q1 - Describe the shape you see creating an entrance to the city.
Q2 - Describe the colour and texture of the sandstone formations.
Q3 - The varying colours are caused by what elements?
Q4 - Why has the lost city never yielded any fossils?
Q5 - A photo of your visit (optional)
You are welcome to log your find straight away but please message us within a week with your answers. Those logs without answers will be deleted without notice. Please do not post answers in your log.
We hope you enjoy your visit to this area.