Geocaching Australia

I have just recenty come accross this interesting sport / hobby of Geocaching and all I need now, is to Purchase a GPS unit.
Does any one have any suggestions as to which direction (no pun intended) I should be considering.
I would aslo like to be able to use it with street maps to get around in the suburbs as well, as this may help me to persuade my Wife.




Regards,

Dags

See the thread on Newbies question.
There is heaps of info in there about GPS'r's.

there are some caches where you can use just clues to find the cache, we did that 5 or 6 times hehehee

If you want a mapping unit then the Magellan Meridian can be had for around $350 brand new on eBay. They are imported US units so you don't get the Aus maps, but you can buy the maps seperately. This might work out cheaper than buying the Australian version.
I find a proper street directory is much cheaper though

EcoDave

P.S. to Ecoteam's message...

If you buy the Gold or Platinum version (only) of Meridian, you can download the Australian basemap from the net.... In addition, you can add street level mapping to the Meridian (any model) by buying MapSend CDs (cost $148 per state)

Thanks all for your help. Went to the caravan, camping, 4x4, holiday etc,etc super duper show on the weekend and had a look at the Magellan Meridian range. It is probably going to be the Megellan meridian or the gold one that I settle on after seeing them. So once again thank you

Regrds,
Dags...

We need a "How to convince your wife to let you buy a GPSr" FAQ...

I need FQA for "Dear, I need to upgrade my GPS to......."

My wife is already a keen geocacher, I tried to use the excuse that she would inherit my current gps and I would get the new one.... didn't work.

Just got told to use the allowences from my next trip o/s to fund the purchase.......my next trip o/s? that could be interesting.......

Let me know when one is written as I need one bad. I even tried "I get couple hundred off a new if I trade my old one in". Still got the old one.

Dooghan

swampgecko wrote:I need FQA for "Dear, I need to upgrade my GPS to......."

A new GPS will actually save lots of money in the long run?
A new GPS will ensure you have more(or less) time together as a couple or as a family("I will solve caches so much faster and have so much more time to do other things"/. " I will be out from underfoot with the kids in tow for hours just when it suits"/"We will have so much more fun together")?
A new GPS(/more geocaching) will improve your health, may even save your life?
A new GPS will keep you from much worse/more expensive hobbies and interests?
A new GPS will open up wonderful opportunities?
A new GPS will make you wildly rich?
A new GPS is necessary so you can network properly.
How can you powerdress without a new GPS?
Everyone will laugh at you if you don't have the newest and best?

Basically, I think there's only one way that works, guys: make it really worth it for her to say "Yes".


cheers
Mama Bear Left

A new GPS will make you wildly rich

This is due to the resulting divorce and said wife hitting you up for half of everything you own and she'll probably get the GPSr!!!! Doh

Ah, Sandyfeet, there MUST be ways to get rich geocaching. Like taking small parties of rich tourists out on a set of geocaches secreted within easy walking distance of the Grand Majestic in the Blue Mountains, or on urban caches from fancy midcity hotels. Or as a new Introduction/Singles group activity. Insurance might be a problem though: I guess any other State would be a better bet than NSW.

Mama Bear Left.

I'm also not sure what a guide would offer. The idea is to not point out the sights.

The guide provides a now-tax-deductable, highly essential piece of apparatus: a top-of the-range GPS (which few tourists bring with them). He/she shows the individuals how to use it, and accompanies them to fight off drop-bears and hoop snakes, for a massive fee. This would allow them to experience a very different side of Australia. And getting a new GPS whenever a new one came out would be essential of course.

Mrs Bear Left.

Well thanks everyone for your help. I decided to get the Megellan Meridian (entry level) as I couldn't justify an extra $210.00 for a bit of extra base memory that can be updated in the entry level one any way.
Took it out on Sunday and tried to locate 'AE2' as it said I was only about 6 Kms from the GZ. Well I came away empty handed but was in the general area. GPS was took me accross the crossing and further up the track, back accross the river and up to a picnic area, but no controller. After reading some of the logs at least I know I was in the General area. So it may have to wait until I have a few easier ones under my belt!!!

Thanks again for all your advice.

Dags...