This is a Letterbox Hybrid cache. You can treat this as a Traditional cache and sign the log and do normal swaps, or you can bring your Letterboxing logbook and personal stamp / stickers. The logbook is an A6 200 page notebook, so there is plenty of room for your stamp, sticker, drawing or a single-line geocaching log with your username and the date. You can use a whole page if you like!
This cache contains a custom made, hand carved stamp. Please do not remove the stamp! Due to the Darwin heat and humidity, there is no ink pad supplied for the stamp as inkpads have a habit of leaking everywhere and messing up the logbook. Most people who collect Letterboxing stamps will normally bring their own ink pad / roller. If you would like an inkpad, they can be had from many shops or online for $5 or less and should last several years. The stamp represents the small Double Barred Finch, flocks of these thumb-sized birds can sometimes be seen in the Rapid Creek area.
Instructions for Letterboxers:
At the posted coordinates (north of the East Carpark) you are looking for a metal sign with information about the Gurambai Walking Trail. On it, you will find a map. The map will tell you where the viewing platform on a sidepath is. You don't need to follow the sidepath all the way to the viewing platform, but if you follow the path to the end and find a black metal seat, you've found the right sidepath.
From the intersection of the main path and the sidepath to the viewing platform, head west until you find where the boardwalk starts. From where the boardwalk starts, you should see two white forked trees - one to the east and one to the west. Head to the one to the west. From this tree, head into the bushland on a bearing of 230 degrees (almost south-west). You may need to deviate left / right to go around vegetation. If you don't have a compass / app, then look for the new air traffic control tower in the distance and head slightly to the left of it.
You are looking for a big rock about 25m into the bushland, the container is hidden beneath the big rock. It is fairly obvious which is the big rock when you find it, but the vegetation around it may be dense. The route described here is (currently) the least-dense approach.
Instructions for GeoCachers:
You can treat this like a Traditional cache. If you want a bit of a challenge, use the directions above to try and find the cache. If you prefer the Geocaching approach and just use a GPS, instructions on how to get the coords for the container are in the Hint. Be aware of thorny plants if attempting to make a direct-line approach to the cache.
Instructions for visitors approaching on foot from the airport:
If you're visiting Darwin or waiting for a flight, this cache can be reached on foot from the airport. Carrying a bottle of water is recommended, especially during the heat of the day. A hat is also strongly recommended, there is very little shade between the airport and the walking trail. At night, there is street lighting along Larkin Ave and lots of spill light from the airport but carrying a torch (or using the light on your phone) is recommended. It should take the average person less than 30 minutes at a leisurely stroll to reach the cache (1 hour round trip). You may be able to do it faster if you're fit, have long legs, etc. If you're waiting for a flight then you should time how long it takes you so that you know when to turn around or stop searching.
Parking:
If you're driving to this cache, the carparks on the west and east ends of Gurambai Trail are listed as additional waypoints. You will find it easier to use the East Carpark as it is closer to the start point of the trail (and it is quieter). If you park at the west end, you may still be able to work out the cache location from the directions written above without needing to walk all the way to start point. The cache location is roughly halfway between the two carparks.
Warning for all:
It is advised not to go wandering north of the path or to to attempt to cross the creek because of the unpredictability of water depth or density of the vegetation. If you get lost and wander north of the creek line, you will be approaching the Darwin Clay Shooting Club from downrange. The chances of getting shot are extremely low, but not zero. The shooting club can be seen on Google Maps, it is about 700m north of the path, and you'd have to get really lost to go that far - especially considering that you should have a GPS or phone in your hands. :)
If you would like to explore the rest of the walking trail it extends further north to Henry Wrigly Drive. This cache can also be approached on foot from the Marrara Sports area.
And please, don't take the stamp!