So today we set out to do the geocache "Bushranger's Cave." GCZAYQ
It lies between Mt. Sugarloaf and Minmi off George Booth Drive.
Our geogroup - Belowparr69 (me), Jadenflair (Jae) and MrandMrsMayers (Sister Kiera and Brother in law Nick) decided to make a day of it and 4wd and walk our way through the local caches.
It's a difficulty rating of 5, terrain of 4. This geocache is found within a cave almost under the new Hunter Expressway. The story goes that an escaped convict joined a group of bushrangers in the area and this cave was a potential hideout for them up until they were hanged in 1841.
We started the day doing the Richmond Vale Tunnel series, which is close to the cave and runs along an old railway corridor which is now unused but the tunnels are still remarkably intact. We parked near the 3rd in the series and made our way East towards the first and the cave.
The tunnel series would make a great bushwalk, it is about 6km long though so we drove the distance in between and had a good walk down to each cache from the main road. I definitely felt it after a while but walking through areas that even the 4wd couldn't get to made me feel pretty good.
This is The Old Forgotten Bridge. An old railway bridge between Richmond Vale tunnel 2 and 3. There was a geocache on it but many people lately have not found it and we searched for a long while. It is a great long lost piece of history, with most bridges like this since being demolished.
I decided to climb out on to the bridge for a better view. Being scared of heights I took this as a challenge but once I got out I realized that I was 30m above the creek and needed the ground beneath me once more. It was exhilarating though!
The biggest walk of the day lead to the cave. Blue Gum Creek runs off Mt. Sugarloaf and has formed a waterfall at the mouth of the cave. Looking down it was at least a 10m drop and not knowing what was in the water below, we went around. After some bouldering/scrambling we made it down ok.
What an amazing spot, I'm definitely coming back here in summer, hopefully when the water is running a bit cleaner and can swim! If you are looking at doing any Hunter Valley geocaches this should be at the top of your list!
We also found where Santa goes on holidays!
This interesting piece of bush art was found on the walk down to the cave. I assume the pipe was left in the bow of the tree many years ago and it has since been enveloped by its host. Though I despise dumping waste like this, it is pretty cool.
Thank you to the many local cachers for helping me get out and explore this wonderfully diverse and beautiful area that I am lucky enough to live in.
If any cachers are keen to come out I would love to do these again, please message me and I will see what I can do!
