The Three Sisters EarthCache EarthCache
The Three Sisters EarthCache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(other)
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Note: Some GPS users: The information on this page is fairly lengthy and may not be completely displayed on your GPS. You should print this page before attempting the EarthCache.
Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page before setting off on your adventure.
This EarthCache is located near Echo Point in the famous Blue Mountains National Park. The cache isn't too difficult but will require a little walking/climbing down (and yes back up) some stairs and that's why I rated it a 3 terrain.
Permission was granted from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water to place this EarthCache in the National Park. Please remember the Geocaching motto of "Leave No Trace"
Depending on parking, fitness and the amount of tourists this EarthCache could take you anywhere between 45 minutes and 2 hours. There’s a good chance that you won’t be alone. Annually, hundreds of thousands of visitors make their way to Echo Point to view the Three Sisters.
Please be careful while attempting this EarthCache. There is no need to cross any safety fences or leave any walking tracks to obtain information or take photos. The stairs can be very slippery when icey, snowy or wet, so please take care. I would suggest attempting this EarthCache during daylight hours unless you’re feeling adventurous. If you are, please take extra care!
Located atop of the Jamison Valley right before you, you'll see the famous Three Sisters. These haggard pinnacles of rock were once part of the cliff at Echo Point.
So how were the Three Sisters formed?
"The uppermost layer consists of olivine basalt remnants, that form from cooling lava between 14 and 18 million years ago. Below this are layers of sandstone (along with claystone, mudstone and coal deposits), which deposited during the formation of the Sydney Basin in the Permian and Triassic periods (290 to 230 million years ago). At the bottom of the valley are lightly metamorphosed rocks formed from sediments deposited during the Ordovician to Carboniferous time (470 to 330 million years ago)."
"Over time, the basalt and sandstone layers were eroded by wind and rain. These erosion features occurred along two sets of perpendicular joints (planes of weakness) causing free-standing blocks, which eventually collapse, falling away into the valley below. The Three Sisters examples of these free-standing. You will notice that there were at least two others that once stood to the right (south)."
The modern day tourism industry has created a legend that says three sisters, Meeni, Wimlah and Gunedoo were turned to stone for their misdeeds. The sisters were turned to stone by an elder to protect them, but he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back. However, this story has been disputed by some.
Link
To claim this EarthCache you must to do the following:
Please read this thoroughly before setting off on your adventure. You will need to complete multiple tasks at different locations.
Note: You must visit the EarthCache location to claim a find. No back dating of finds are allowed. (e.g) You visited the Three Sisters a few years ago and found an old photo. These finds DO NOT COUNT. You must visit the EarthCache with the intention of finding the EarthCache. I have had to delete logs of people who clearly did not visit the EarthCache and/or perform the required tasks. As stated below, you must visit all listed locations to claim a find. Some finds have been logged with only visiting the lookout at Echo Point. You must make your way down the stairs to the EarthCache to claim a find.
Message me answers to the following:
(PLEASE do not post these answers in your log)
1) What type of rock are the Three Sisters made from? Bonus points if you tell me the scientific name. If you’re stuck, you may use the internet to find this information.
2) With your GPS measure the elevation at the EarthCache.
3) At the EarthCache Coordinates describe the composition (size and colour) of the sandstone at the first sister.
4) At the main lookout(waypoint listed), locate an information sign that explains the geography in front of you and answer the following questions:
4.A)What is the mountain directly to the left of the Cox River.
4.B)What 2 names are given to this mountain by the Gundungurra people?
4.C) On the Gungarang Range there is a mountain; Name this mountain and its height. ( If you search for this on the internet there may be several answers, you MUST send me the correct height to claim a find)
Optional: Post the following photos in your log:
1) A photo of yourself or group near Echo Point (See additional waypoint) holding your GPS showing the Three Sisters in the background. Even if it’s foggy, raining, dark or snowy still take a photo. Don’t worry about where you stand, as long as the Three Sisters are somewhere behind you when you take the photo.
2) Make your way down to the EarthCache. You will first need to find the stairs that start at an arch way south/east of Echo Point(see additional waypoint). Once you locate these stairs, take them down until you’re next to the first Sister (The location of the EarthCache). Take a photo of yourself or your group holding your GPS, showing the rock formation behind you.
*Feel free to upload any additional photos that people may find interesting.
The following is not required, but if you’re feeling fun you can post the answer to the following question in your log:
1) How many stairs do you need to take from the archway near Echo Point to reach the EarthCache?
Internet finds are not permitted. You must visit the Three Sisters to claim this find. I will delete logs of people who clearly did not find this Earthcache.
Logging your find: I read all logs submitted for my EarthCaches. If you have sent the required answers feel free to log your find and upload any photos. I may not respond to all answers sent but rest assured I do read all answers and logs. If there are any problems with your log I will contact you. Any finds without ALL of the correct answers will be deleted immediately. Although photos are an optional requirement, I strongly suggest including some to avoid any possibility of your log being deleted.
Thanks to the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water for allowing this EarthCache to be placed in the National Park.
Disclaimer: Always exercise common sense and caution while geocaching. Geocaching and related activities in any form, including but not limited to rock climbing, scaling cliffs, hiking, climbing of any structure or object, ladders, stairs, the use of any vehicle, interaction of domestic and wild animals, scuba gear, ropes, swimming, wading, boating, roads, activities on ice, crossing frozen bodies of water, entering tunnels and caves are inherently extremely dangerous. The individuals seeking this cache are personally responsible for receiving the proper instructions and training on using any and all equipment and the required skills to reach and return from this cache safely. Any person attempting this cache and/or any related activities assumes all liabilities and personal responsibility for any and all damages or injuries of any kind, including but not limited to cuts, broken bones, paralysis and death as a result. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, do not attempt this cache.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)