Reachout and Touch! Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Bunjil: As there has been no CO response to the last request to attend to this cache, the cache is being Archived on the basis that it has been abandoned.

Caches that have been archived for lack of maintenance will not be unarchived. This is explained here: Unarchive a geocache.

If you wish to contact me please send an email via my profile - Bunjil, and quote the cache name and GC number.

More
Hidden : 8/13/2006
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

Just a little walk along the path will take you to a stunning view, Day or Night (Night is best).



If you have any GeoKiddies then just be cautious as the slope dropping away from the path is very steep.

Heritage

Originally used by the Bunurong and Woewurrong Aboriginal tribes, the Ranges became an important source of timber for early Melbourne and much of the forest was cleared. Farming became established late last century as roads and railways were built. The 'Puffing Billy' narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook was opened in 1900.

The area became popular with tourists from the 1870s onwards; Fern Tree Gully was first reserved as a park in 1882 and other areas followed. The present national park was established in 1987.

Some of the heritage of the Dandenongs is depicted in paintings by famous artists such as Sir Arthur Streeton. Reproductions of their works can be found on signs in the park and around the Ranges.

Fauna

The park is rich in wildlife with 130 native bird species, 31 native mammals, 21 reptiles and nine amphibian species recorded.

The Superb Lyrebird is its most famous inhabitant. People the world over are fascinated by the ability of this bird to mimic the calls of other bird species, and by the dancing display and beautiful tail of the male. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Pied Currawongs are some of the native birds most frequently seen in the park.

Heavily-scarred eucalypt trees are evidence of the night-time feeding of Yellow-bellied Gliders, and tiny Feather-tail Gliders make their homes in the hollows of mature trees. Tree Goannas can also be found in the park.

Vegetation

The plant communities in the park are remnants of the original vegetation that has receded over the last 150 years with the rapid growth of Melbourne's suburbs.

Dandenong Ranges National Park has six major vegetation communities in which about 400 indigenous plant species occur. The park is particularly well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash forests and fern gullies.

Other vegetation communities include Cool Temperate Rainforest, Box Stringybark Woodland, Riparian Forest, Mountain Grey Gum -Messmate Forest and Sclerophyll Woodland. The park supports significant plants such as the Slender Tree-fern and Summer Spider Orchid. Fire plays an important role in the ecology of the vegetation and is an on-going issue for residents of the Ranges.

Looking After the Park • Dogs and other pets are not permitted within park boundaries. • Firearms are not permitted. • Electric/gas barbecues are available in the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground, and in Grants, Sherbrooke, O'Donohue and One Tree Hill picnic grounds. • Please stay on marked tracks. • Do not disturb or remove any plants or animals. • Please take all rubbish home - no bins are provided.

The Cache

The premier tourist attraction in the area is the Mount Dandenong Observatory. At 633 metres above sea-level, it is the highest point in the surrounding ranges – there is a $$$ charge to enter. At the peak is the Sky High Restaurant, a cafe, BBQ and picnic areas, attractive formal gardens, and spectacular views across Melbourne's eastern suburbs and to the city from various viewing platforms.

But I like the freebies. You can enjoy a special viewing platform, at 587 Metres above sea level, where I am happy to take my visitors when in Melbourne. It is a clear unencumbered view – no trees in the way. Because of the steep slope, the city sprawled out below looks like you could just reach out and touch it.

Oh and if you can drag your eyes away for a moment, at this stunning spot you can find a cache; a 200ml blackened Sestima Container mint tin. WARNING: The paper is 'water proof' and can be hard to write on.

While you are here, why not check out the three nearby caches:
GC78E4 - Delta Charlie Two - Those Magnificent Men #3 by maccamob
GCJT3H - Corhanwarrabul's Magi of the East by Nutcache
GC4VT6H - No Trespassing!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vg'f abg zntargvp naq zber. Nf V fnvq, abg nyy gung uneq!!

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us