This cache is the second of a series of four caches - 3 Traditional and One Mystery cache on a hike towards Observation Point. The others being "Towards Observation Point - Wallaby Way" "Towards Observation Point - Isthmus and "Towards Observation Point - Return."
This semi-wilderness area on Phillip Island is a sanctuary to many bird species particularly the hooded plover. This cache is on the way to the Towards Observation Point cache - a reward for your tramping. If you hike from the Silverleaves Moss cache, it is a 6 km return journey along the shoreline with no path to Observation point itself. You will be walking on sand and there can be a tide variation.
The 2-meter variation in tide in these parts makes the beach look entirely different between low and high tide. Accessibility along the beach can be harder at high tide.
Go to this website link - Cowes tides for up to date tide information.
The Silverleaves General Store is open again but please observe the parking signs if present. Driving down Silverleaves Avenue brings you closer to the cache and reduces the hiking distance, but there is no allocated parking along this narrow road so if doing so, park with discretion and try not to upset the locals.
Please observe the no go areas (hooded plover nests especially) and no dogs, please. If you have a boat, then this is another way to reach the caches enjoying the views of Westernport Bay and French Island to the north. There is a boat ramp at Rhyll.
I placed this cache 1 km short of the Towards Observation Point cache which is 400 m short of the actual point. I avoided any delicate sand dunes but it is tucked away within the bushland with a clearing to get to it. If you see some pink markers in the trees. They are not mine. The markers are where some animal traps are. In warmer months be wary of snakes. There are also some cameras around monitoring wildlife activity. Apart from wallabies, we have seen echidnas in the Silverleaves area.
So if you want a challenge with now three caches on the way, please Slip slop slap and carry water and snacks. Recommended for adventurous older children rather than younger ones.
The Cache - as you approach do not try to bush bash - you will come up to a semi-clearing with a sandy path -
Go up the path - it is a little treacherous - and GZ should be found. It's BYO pen/ pencil at the moment. Good luck and replace the cache as found. FTF goes to Team Smokey-Bear.