Recommended by:
hookline, March Brown & red tag |
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Logged Visits:  1
 8
 3
 Logs
[None]
[5]
[10]
[All]
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Description
As this cache belongs to a series...PLEASE NOTE conditions at cache.... geocaching.com.au/cache/ga1150
This cache is accessed from off the Mt Jukes Road south from Queenstown, turning off at S42 18.760 E145 37.071 which is the start of the access road into the Bird River bridge. 2WD can get to the bridge with ease but please drive slowly as the road is quite narrow being part of the old railway line from Crotty to Kelly Basin.
It's preferable to drive in with lights on so oncoming vehicles can see you early and for either vehicle to find a suitable passing bay.
This forest walk is in a WHA & NP....so parks passes WILL BE required. Please both sign in and out of the log book.
From the Bird River bridge the walk continues along the former railway line on a very slight descending grade following the Bird River then levelling out on the approach to Pillinger. Fit walkers will get to East Pillinger in 1hr with a further 1/2 hr to West Pillinger.
Please take the extra 10-15 min either on the way in or out to take a good look at the historic sight which includes the old brick works, boilers, the cook house and mess hall and also the remains of the East pillinger jetty.
The track from East to West Pillinger is a little over grown in places so it's very advisable to have a walking pole in case of snakes. The track basically continues straight ahead on the old railway line and past the log book site at S42 21.400 E145 33.284. There are a couple of creek/river crossings that are crossed by logs.....good balance required otherwise you'll have to wade. Please take notice of the orange and pink tape as the track veers sharply right on crossing the first two creeks. From here the trail follows along the old railway until reaching Reindeer lodge(old rail carriage) and the remnants of the old wharf. Take the time to fossick about and check out the other old jetty and relics.
The cache is a black 1ltr sistema container with 2 log books, pencil, 10 Devil badges(no swap requiured) plus worth while swaps.
Please enjoy!
Hints
Vafvqr Ervaqrre Ybqtr jvgu gur pnzcf ybtobbxf. |
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Decode |
Gallery
There are gallery items for this cache, click here to viewLogs
April 2010
2nd
Set off from home a bit late which meant arrival at the Bird river bridge a bit late in the day. I really enjoyed the drive in and decided that to be at West Pillinger at sunset would be good so off I went.
The walk in was nice and arrived at Reindeer Lodge a lot quicker than I thought I would. Lovely spot and I could not resist having a few casts around the shoreline but with no success so packed the rod away as the sun set. Got back out to East Pillinger before it was completely dark so the trip back to the Bird River bridge was uneventful. I had gone prepared with plenty of torch power.
Great cache all round.
Well done Sirius Tas.
Rated:
for Overall Experience
The walk in was nice and arrived at Reindeer Lodge a lot quicker than I thought I would. Lovely spot and I could not resist having a few casts around the shoreline but with no success so packed the rod away as the sun set. Got back out to East Pillinger before it was completely dark so the trip back to the Bird River bridge was uneventful. I had gone prepared with plenty of torch power.
Great cache all round.
Well done Sirius Tas.
Rated:
for Overall Experience
February 2010
3rd
This cache is so worth it just for the drive down here alone. West coast scenery never fails to be spectacular. Wasn't sure what to expect with the final turn-off to Bird River (I've heard the "sure it's possible for 2wd" numerous dubious times before), but the 'tunnel' road was awesome, and totally fine for my little car.
We had lunch at the info hut, not realising there was a beautiful picnic area with tables on the other side of the bridge! D'oh!! Then headed off on our walk. The forest scenery was lovely and the path easy going, though so hot and humid it felt like walking through a tropical jungle. Reached East Pillinger and spent some time looking at the relics; amazing how thoroughly nature has reclaimed the place, hard to imagine there was once a bustling town here despite the evidence. Picked up the trail-of-sorts to West Pillinger without any problems, but it soon got overgrown and slow going. Very slow going, actually. The trail was quite obscure and hard to follow in places. We lost the way at least a couple of times, particularly after the first creek crossing (where we were standing, a tree regrettably lined up to block all the tapes from view!!) and we wandered into a swampy kind of area that just didn't look right.
By then, we were getting quite tired, hot, and fed up. It was certainly taking a lot longer than half an hour. We'd completely lost the trail (passed some footprints in the mud from someone else who'd made the same mistake!) so we headed back to try and find the creek crossing again and pick up the trail from there. Thankfully, we soon stumbled on the rail trail again. The creek crossings looked dubious but we got across them without any problems. Were glad and relieved to finally stagger out of the sweltering jungle into the clearing and Reindeer Lodge!
Lovely spot, very picturesque, and definitely worth the adventure to get here. Signed the log books, took devil badge (there are still 2 left) while seriously entertaining thoughts of the bunk beds, but we hadn't brought any camping gear. So it was back on the trek back to the car-- 45 mins to East Pillinger (a lot faster than we'd come in!) and arrived at the car at 9pm.
Thanks Sirius for another great Gauntleting adventure!
Rated: for Overall Experience
We had lunch at the info hut, not realising there was a beautiful picnic area with tables on the other side of the bridge! D'oh!! Then headed off on our walk. The forest scenery was lovely and the path easy going, though so hot and humid it felt like walking through a tropical jungle. Reached East Pillinger and spent some time looking at the relics; amazing how thoroughly nature has reclaimed the place, hard to imagine there was once a bustling town here despite the evidence. Picked up the trail-of-sorts to West Pillinger without any problems, but it soon got overgrown and slow going. Very slow going, actually. The trail was quite obscure and hard to follow in places. We lost the way at least a couple of times, particularly after the first creek crossing (where we were standing, a tree regrettably lined up to block all the tapes from view!!) and we wandered into a swampy kind of area that just didn't look right.
By then, we were getting quite tired, hot, and fed up. It was certainly taking a lot longer than half an hour. We'd completely lost the trail (passed some footprints in the mud from someone else who'd made the same mistake!) so we headed back to try and find the creek crossing again and pick up the trail from there. Thankfully, we soon stumbled on the rail trail again. The creek crossings looked dubious but we got across them without any problems. Were glad and relieved to finally stagger out of the sweltering jungle into the clearing and Reindeer Lodge!
Lovely spot, very picturesque, and definitely worth the adventure to get here. Signed the log books, took devil badge (there are still 2 left) while seriously entertaining thoughts of the bunk beds, but we hadn't brought any camping gear. So it was back on the trek back to the car-- 45 mins to East Pillinger (a lot faster than we'd come in!) and arrived at the car at 9pm.
Thanks Sirius for another great Gauntleting adventure!
Rated:
for Overall Experience
January 2010
29th
Wow what a brilliant day out! Our hearts sank as we got half way from East Pillinger and saw three boats tied up at West Pillinger and knew we would not have the lodge to ourselves. The trip over was a little eventful as I missed the sharp right hand turn after the creek. But I recovered quite quickly after a bit of scrub bashing back up onto the old railway line. The old bridges where really interesting as were the creek crossings.
Sharon did an awesome effort to get all the way and back again. She handled the creek crossing with ease and trusted my navigation skills without question, even when I said things like "this is not the track". Sharon thought this would be the only Gauntlet cache she could manage but I think I will get her out for at least two others else I will be solo for the rest of them.
We think the original track rating was ok at three but after lots of rain it would be a four we think?
The muggles at West Pillinger where a bit startled when we turned up and could not believe we walked in. We had to explain Geocaching to them as they had obviously had a look at the cache container in the logbook box.
Thanks Sirius for taking us to another amazing place. Now we just need to get out and get some more of those Gauntlet caches.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Sharon did an awesome effort to get all the way and back again. She handled the creek crossing with ease and trusted my navigation skills without question, even when I said things like "this is not the track". Sharon thought this would be the only Gauntlet cache she could manage but I think I will get her out for at least two others else I will be solo for the rest of them.
We think the original track rating was ok at three but after lots of rain it would be a four we think?
The muggles at West Pillinger where a bit startled when we turned up and could not believe we walked in. We had to explain Geocaching to them as they had obviously had a look at the cache container in the logbook box.
Thanks Sirius for taking us to another amazing place. Now we just need to get out and get some more of those Gauntlet caches.
Rated:
for Overall Experience
24th
Wow - This one would have to be right up there as on of my best caching experiences yet! Your a Cache Placing legend Sirius!
I had already decided I wanted to do this one as an overnighter so was in no hurry. Got to Bird River Bridge at 6pm and walked to East Pillinger, set up camp and had plenty of time for a couple of coldies on the jetty watching the sun go down - bliss. It was hard to imagine, sitting there in remote silence, that the combined population of East and West was about 1000 people around 100 years ago.
Up early and around to West Pillinger for B'fast outside Reindeer Lodge. The walk around took about 1.25Hrs with stops for photos, track finding etc, but got back easily in .5hrs. I enjoyed the log crossings, but they would be a different story altogether in winter I'd imagine.
All up, an extremely enjoyable and interesting experience.
Thank Sirius - photos to follow soon
Rated: for Overall Experience
I had already decided I wanted to do this one as an overnighter so was in no hurry. Got to Bird River Bridge at 6pm and walked to East Pillinger, set up camp and had plenty of time for a couple of coldies on the jetty watching the sun go down - bliss. It was hard to imagine, sitting there in remote silence, that the combined population of East and West was about 1000 people around 100 years ago.
Up early and around to West Pillinger for B'fast outside Reindeer Lodge. The walk around took about 1.25Hrs with stops for photos, track finding etc, but got back easily in .5hrs. I enjoyed the log crossings, but they would be a different story altogether in winter I'd imagine.
All up, an extremely enjoyable and interesting experience.
Thank Sirius - photos to follow soon
Rated:
for Overall Experience
21st
I've learnt that you cant be certain of too many things in life but fortunately one thing I am certain of is that when you do a cache in the Gauntlet series you do not go away disappointed.
A truly memorable day and although we started it feeling a little jaded from a big night the night before it wasnt long before we were into the swing of things and the cameras were out and the fun began.
The weather was superb and I thoroughly enjoyed Neribil and Dippys company
Another gem sirius!!
The pictures attached probably speak louder than words for this one
Rated: for Overall Experience
A truly memorable day and although we started it feeling a little jaded from a big night the night before it wasnt long before we were into the swing of things and the cameras were out and the fun began.
The weather was superb and I thoroughly enjoyed Neribil and Dippys company
Another gem sirius!!
The pictures attached probably speak louder than words for this one
Rated:
for Overall Experience
21st
This was a brilliant day. Even the drive down is fantastic, firstly the amazing mountainous views and then the narrow ferny almost closed in road that was the old railway. We stopped several times for photos just driving there - and that was how our day went - certainly not a speedy walk in the shortest time possible! I think the walk to East Pillinger is five star - an outstanding one that I probably never would have got to if it wasn't for your cache Sirius, and for red tag and neribil taking me along. Beautiful along beside the river, great track, nice easy grade, and such interesting history. The walk from East Pillinger to West Pillinger is one that is harder to negotiate and I'd be fairly nervous doing it without someone experienced guiding. Neribil was superb in that role and fabulous coaching us over the creek crossings. 3daygrowth's coords for start of track also most helpful. I imagine the section from East to West Pillinger would also get very wet and boggy in winter? But the West Pillinger site is also very interesting and worthwhile visiting. Not least, to find the cache! Thanks Sirius for an outstanding day! What an amazing range of caches in this series. And for the great company of red tag and Neribil on this one!
Rated: for Overall Experience
Rated:
for Overall Experience
21st
Anyone planning this http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=6494 this might be useful
21st
Completed this one in the company of Red Tag and Dippy. It was a fine sunny day, just perfect to enjoy this part of the world. Have been here before but its well worth a few return visits. I marvel at the early pioneers to this area and the effort they put in to construct the railway line through this harsh and unforgiving country. We took our time on this one taking in all the sights and visited all the old kilns, workings and heritage in the area. A top walk enjoyed by all. Took devils badge. Many thanks Sirius and keep the series coming.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Rated:
for Overall Experience
20th
Top effort on FTF 3DG....yes the creek crossings need good balance...and there is a photo showing track to West Pillinger which goes past the Log Book site....good stuff though...glad you enjoyed....Cheers.
19th
Easy walk into East Pillinger, kept up a brisk pace all the way and got there in just over the hour. That was the easy bit. The first hard bit was finding the track west. I poked around for a good half hour before commonsense prevailed. Here are the coords if anyone else has the same trouble S42 21.400 E145 33.284
The next hard bit was the first creek.....deliberated for a while and made it safely over. Was just congratulating myself when GPS fell out of pocket and into the creek. The second creek was harder. I elected to leave my pack, take my boots off and walk across barefoot. That all went well, and I soon got to Reindeer hut and logged the cache. The walk from East to West had taken 90 mins.
Took my time on the way out...the track is certainly beautiful and I stopped to take heaps of photos. Round trip of just under 5 hours.
Many thanks Sirius....another beauty!
Rated: for Overall Experience
The next hard bit was the first creek.....deliberated for a while and made it safely over. Was just congratulating myself when GPS fell out of pocket and into the creek. The second creek was harder. I elected to leave my pack, take my boots off and walk across barefoot. That all went well, and I soon got to Reindeer hut and logged the cache. The walk from East to West had taken 90 mins.
Took my time on the way out...the track is certainly beautiful and I stopped to take heaps of photos. Round trip of just under 5 hours.
Many thanks Sirius....another beauty!
Rated:
for Overall Experience