GeoCaching NSW

Someone hides a container, named a geocache, and then tells others where it is hidden.

A geocache is typically a waterproof container the size of a lunch box, but it may be as small as a match box or as large steel drum. 

 

A typical geocache consists of a waterproof container, which contains a logbook, pen/pencil and swappable items. 

 

So others know where the geocache is hidden, the hider uses a GPS receiver to record the geographic coordinates where the location.

These coordinates consist of two numbers - the latitude and longtitude.

To let others know where the geocache is located, the hider publishes a description and its geographic location on the internet.

Most geocaches are listed on Groundspeak's www.geocaching.com website, but there are several other websites.

Geocachers searching for a geocache use one of the listing websites to identify their nearest geocache. They enter the geographic coordinates into their GPS receiver and 'follow the arrow'.

Although the GPS receiver will guide the geocacher to the location, the finder must still search for it. Typically the geocache is hidden to ensure non-geocachers do not find it.

After the geocache is found, the geocacher signs the logbook and may trade items in and out of the container. The geocache is then rehidden and the geocacher returns home - or finds another geocache..

Once home, the finder returns to the geocache listing website and records their visit on the geocache's webpage.