Grampians Secrets series
The challenge is set. A series of 5 caches has been hidden by
the HGCore group within these mountains. Each shows a unique
location unmarked on any maps you can buy today (or for the past 10
years). The caches are relatively easy to find once at the
coordinates - the challenge is getting there. There is only 1 cache
on (or near) a marked track - the rest are more difficult to get
to.
Spectacular peaks, caves, rocky outcrops, difficult climbs and
off trail hiking all await the adventurous geocacher, along with a
couple of travel bugs (for the first to find) and a surprise in one
of the caches (again, for the first to find only!).
The HGCore group has been exploring these mountains since 1999,
back when legends of hidden trails, secret peaks and nearly
unchartered territories were fresh. Over the years many of these
have been abandoned and overgrown due to bushfires, safety
concerns, and lack of maintenance by the authorities. These
locations may thus have been lost forever.
These are the Grampians Secrets locations.
Each cache container is a 1 litre Sistema box and the cache
contains a short paragraph on how the HGCore group stumbled upon
the place, along with references to old markers and trails in the
vicinity, and other items of interest.
Consider these a challenge. Some of the caches in these
locations have been placed after years of exploring the area.
Certainly a must see for anyone serious about their Grampians
experience. Be warned, however, that many of these locations
involve exposed edges, cliff faces, and uneven rocks. All of these
caches require some extent of off-trail scampering and some even
require a little rock climbing. These are not suitable locations
for children. In all cases ensure you have plenty of daylight, food
and water before embarking on your journey.
Should you make it to these caches, please sign the log, and
leave comments here. We are always interested to know when someone
has been able to find our hides.
The Forgotten Track To The Familiar Crack
This is the fourth cache hidden in this series of 5, and is the
second hardest to get to. There are another 4 spotted throughout
the Grampians. To get to this cache, you will need to first make it
to the top of Mt. Stapylton. Start at the car park (see first
waypoint) and follow the trail all the way up to the end. Even
after the signpost there are older red arrows - follow these to the
very top (see second waypoint).
From there, go off track to the cache coordinates. The cache is
not far from the Mt. Stapylton peak, however, getting to it may
prove a challenge. If you look carefully you should be able see
this cache from across a wide crack. Find a way around to retrieve
it. You will often have to go near exposed cliff edges, so be
careful, particularly right near the cache! This cache, like the
rest of the series, is intended for the more adventurous cacher and
it's definitely not one to bring the kids to.
Please make sure to replace the cache exactly as you found
it, so that it remains visible to the next cacher, but does not get
dislodged and fall.
Complete the hike by scampering down to Hollow Mountain, and the
Mt. Zero car park. From the car park there is a 30 minute walk back
along the road to the Mt. Stapylton carpark where you would have
started. Alternatively have a car at the Mt. Zero carpark as a
shuttle.
Note that if you just want to get to the cache there is a
shortcut that avoids going to the top of Mt Stapylton, but if you
take it you will be missing out on some of the best parts of this
hike. Also, the cache will be more difficult to find that way, as
the hint won't make much sense.