Geocaching: A Beginner’s Guide in Australia

Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure-hunting adventure that can be played 24/7, all around the world. It’s a fun and exciting activity that combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with the beauty of the outdoors.

IMPORTANT: Australian Specific Regulations regarding Geocaching. Please Read! Click Here!

In Australia, geocaching is particularly popular due to the country’s diverse landscapes and vast open spaces. There’s around 80,000 active geocaches in Australia, ranging from cities to the remote outback. Always be safe. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re expected back. Be prepared and be ready with water, snacks and clothing to suit different weather conditions.

So, what exactly is geocaching? 
It’s essentially the world’s largest treasure-hunting game. A geocache is a small container that is hidden for you to find in the real world. Some geocaches contain a ‘treasure’, usually a small trinket that you take out and replace with one of your own. It’s usually something of token value, such as a key ring, small memento or novelty toy. Remember, if you take something, replace it with something else of equal or greater value. Never use perishable items, such as food, or snacks as they attract pests. And always keep it family friendly. As geocaching should be fun for the whole family.

To get started with geocaching, all you need is a Geocaching app and/or selected GPS devices to navigate to hidden containers, called “geocaches”. Download and open a Geocaching App to find geocaches near you. The geocaching app works both in Australia and the rest of the world. Great when you’re travelling.

See links to some apps below!
Official Geocaching App (Android) (iPhone)

CGeo App (Android) (Google Play Store)

Once you’ve located the geocaches area, you’ll need to begin hunting around for it. Clues and messages are left by previous hunters and often the geocache owner leaves a hint in the app. When you find it, swap out the treasure if there is some, write your name in the log, and return it exactly where it was found. Unless it’s out in the open, most geocaches are covered or hidden well. Make sure to also press the ‘log geocache’ button on the mobile phone app when you have found it.

In conclusion, geocaching is a fun and exciting way to explore Australia. It encourages you to get outdoors, discover new places, and even learn about the local history and culture. So why not give it a try?

Have any stories / photo’s you’d like to share with other geocachers? Contact Us we’ll publish it in our newsletter or on the website, maybe both! Happy geocaching!