Geocaching in Brisbane With Kids

All children love a treasure hunt, but have your Brisbane Kids tried geocaching? This high-tech orienteering activity is taking off across the world, with ‘caches’ popping up everywhere.

If you are keen and ready to start geocaching in Brisbane then read on to discover the ins and outs of geocaching.

A Fun and FREE Hobby for all Brisbane Kids

Originating in May 2000, the basic concept of geocaching is a cache is planted on public property, the locating coordinates are recorded and the details posted on a listing site for others to find. Your mission, should you accept it, is to find it!

A geocache usually consists of a waterproof container containing a logbook and pen, and often some sort of trading items like small toys, coins or trinkets.  Participants then use a GPS device or mobile phone to locate the geocache. Once found, searchers log their details in the logbook and swap an item in the container.

Caches are typically located outdoors in a public area, often in places of cultural/historical significance. Given the nature of the activity, geocaching is a great way of getting your family out of the house, moving and discovering more about your local area.

Often, caches are planted by locals who know the top spots to see, making geocaching an ideal way to experience new and different places with your Brisbane Kids. Geocaches are usually listed along with their difficulty, making it easy to choose a cache that fits your children’s age and ability levels.

Geocaching in Brisbane is a completely free activity which is perfect for Brisbane Kids of all ages and a wonderful activity whether you have a few hours or a whole day to spare.

How to Get Started Geocaching in Brisbane

This first step in geocaching is browsing a geocaching listing site on the internet, where you can search by your current location and choose a suitable cache to search for.

A great site to start with is Geocaching Australia, where you can search by your postcode. This site also provides a lot of ‘how-to’ information to help you get started. Once you have chosen your first cache, input the coordinates into your GPS device, and away you go!

Alternatively, you can download a geocaching app and use your smartphone to guide you to your location.

If you download an app like Geocaching, (its free), after you register you will have access to 3 million geocaches recorded around the world.  What we like about this geocaching app is it gives you the difficulty of accessing the geocache including the difficulty of the terrain and sometimes even comes with hints from previous finders to help you locate the geocache if it’s hidden in a tricky place.

Check out the “stealth” required option – we are yet to find a cache requiring this but let us know if you do!

What You Will Need

• A GPS device – usually a smartphone/mobile phone. You can download an offline list from the geocache app but it means you will need to pay for a premium membership of around $50 Australian. If you are going where there won’t be mobile phone coverage, then you will benefit from a GPS device with a list of locations preloaded.
• Geoswag – which is “geocode” for the treasures you will use to replace what you take from the cache you find. You could develop your own signature swag offering like small tumbled semi-precious rocks or a collection of treasures from a dollar shop
• A pen – you will need this to sign the logbook with when you find the cache.
• Tweezers and/or utility tool – We take a swiss army knife which includes tweezers and other tools we might need to access a locked-up cache.
• Walking gear – this only applies if you plan to go off the beaten track. Take all the usual precautions you would take when bushwalking. This means water, letting someone know where you are going, wet weather gear, first aid kit etc.
  That said you can just drive around and look for caches. Be as adventurous (or not) as you want to be.
• Small torch – carry a torch or use the light on your phone, in case your cache is in a dark spot

Step-by-Step Geocaching with a Smartphone

1. Access a geocaching website or app. The Geocaching app is free and can be used with any smartphone.
2. Activate location services on your phone
3. Use the map to locate a geocache near you
4. Locate the cache
5. Trade treasures and record an entry in the logbook (Optional: leave a comment on the geocaching app)
6. That’s it – now you can move on and find another cache!

What to Do When you Locate a Geocache in Brisbane

The thrill of hunting for a geocache is sure to get your Brisbane Kids excited but imagine the pride when they finally locate it!

Caches in Brisbane will vary in size and can contain all sorts of items of interest. You will always find a logbook, so be sure to bring a pen to log your details. This lets others know you have been there and found the cache.

If the geocache contains trading items, make sure you bring along some small items to replace any item taken, this ensures there is always something for the next finder to take.

Another step to complete, once you have found a cache, is to log your find online and submit some interesting comments for the geocaching community. This adds to the success of a geocache and contributes greatly to the enjoyment of the game.

How to Hide Your Own Geocache

Once you have discovered a few geocaches and got a bit of experience you might be keen to hide your own.

Firstly, make sure you read the rules on hiding caches because there are quite a few things you will need to know first. Once you are ready, follow the steps to lodge your geocache and your application will be assessed by a group of volunteers across the world who will determine the validity of your cache.

We really like the following video as a good overview of hiding caches for the first time. Note – it is recommended you discover at least 20 caches before hiding your own.

What We Love About Geocaching

Our family loves that geocaching is a fun outdoor activity which allows us to exercise without even realising it. As parents, we love we get to explore new and interesting places. It is also a  free activity which the whole family can enjoy at anytime of the year. 

Connect with Your Local community by Geocaching in Brisbane

Geocaching in Brisbane is a great way to not only get out and learn more about our fabulous city but also to connect with our local communities. Similar to having a penpal, geocaching will teach Brisbane Kids about different cultures and appropriate ways to communicate with others.

If you are looking to connect with other local geocachers, then consider joining Geocaching Brisbane, a Facebook group for Brisbane geocachers to share their local experiences.

Several geocaching mobile phone apps have been created to make geocaching even more accessible. The Groundspeak Inc Geocaching.com App for iPhone or for Android has some positive ratings from its users and assists users in locating any of the nearly 3 million logged geocaches.

Rediscover the thrill of hide ‘n’ seek – start geocaching with your Brisbane Kids today and enjoy some wonderful adventures in Brisbane’s great outdoors.