Treasure-hunters to return

Published on 26 May 2014

More than 100 enthusiasts are expected to converge on Wedderburn’s Jacka Park on Saturday 31 May from 9am for the Shire’s third free geocaching event and barbecue.

Over the last two years, the geocaching day has attracted participants from across Victoria and interstate.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt game where participants search for containers with their “treasure” using GPS co-ordinates published on the internet.  

Usually, the co-ordinates will take the player to within 2-3m of the hidden cache – after that, it’s down to the seeker’s keen eye. 

Inside the containers will be a logbook or sheet and pen or pencil, where the finder can record his or her visit and maybe add a few comments on the search.

Also inside will be the treasure – normally small trinkets, plastic toys and small fun objects which will fit. These can be swapped for something of similar or greater value that the finder has brought with him.

Having signed the log and done any swapping of “loot”, the cache is re-hidden in the same way it was found.

Geocaching had its origins in the US in 2000 and now involves more than five million players worldwide.

Loddon Shire already has about 200 caches hidden within its boundaries.

Council’s Tourism Manager, Robyn Vella, said all were welcome to come to Jacka Park to see how the game was played.

“Players have to register online, but interested people can come along to see it,” Mrs Vella said.

“I congratulate Brian Boyton, the volunteer who has established this event in Wedderburn with support from Wedderburn Lions Club and the Loddon Visitor Information Centre. “

Mr Boyton said the caches were already placed and interest had been strong.

“I’ve put out 14 caches this time and the GPS co-ordinates will be published on the internet the day before,” he said.

“We hold an evening meal after the day’s activities and had about 55 people stay last year, up from 35 the year before.

“We’d expect to have about the same number this time, if not a few more.

“The people who come have a lot of fun tracking down the caches, but one of the best aspects of geocaching is that it takes you to places you rarely, if ever, get to see.”

A barbecue will be operating on the day, with volunteers from Wedderburn Lions Club cooking with food supplies provided by Council.

For more information on the day, please phone the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 3489.