What drives someone to keep geocaching for over two decades? In Season 6, Episode 4 of the Geocaching Downunder Podcast, we unpack a lifetime of DNFs & Discoveries with one of Australia’s most well-known cachers—Dave, aka The Rats. With more than 30,000 finds under his belt and an impressive track record that includes completing both the Jasmer and Fizzy grids, The Rats has done more than just find caches. He’s helped shape the Aussie geocaching scene.
Catch the replay on YouTube: Watch “DNFs and Discoveries: The Rats”
30,000 Finds, Fizzy Grids and DNFs & Discoveries
It’s no exaggeration to say The Rats has seen it all. From urban puzzles to rugged bushland hikes, he’s racked up over 30,000 finds in 24 years—yes, you read that right. But this episode isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the memories, mishaps, and motivations that come with a long caching life.
Dave talks us through some of his most memorable geocaches (and the disasters too), sharing stories only someone who’s truly lived the game could tell. Think creative hides, unexpected DNF moments, and the kind of persistence that makes a cacher legendary.
And when it comes to DNFs & Discoveries, The Rats doesn’t hold back. You’ll hear why one of his most treasured caching moments involves a Did Not Find log—and how that experience shaped his outlook on the game.
From DNFs to Discoveries… and HQ
One of the standout moments in this episode? Dave’s visit to Geocaching HQ. For many cachers, it’s a dream trip—and The Rats made it happen. The podcast dives into what it felt like to stand on that iconic ground and why the experience meant more after decades in the game.
We also get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how he completed the Jasmer and Fizzy grid challenges, two of the most respected geocaching feats. This is where DNFs & Discoveries take on a whole new meaning—not just about the finds, but the journey it took to get there.
What Keeps Him Coming Back?
After more than two decades of caching, you’d forgive someone for slowing down. Not Dave. In fact, his energy and passion for the game haven’t faded a bit. Whether it’s the thrill of discovery, the people he’s met, or just the love of the hunt, The Rats has found a way to keep it fun.
For new geocachers and long-timers alike, this episode is a reminder of why we do it—the DNFs, the creative hides, the personal milestones, and the community that keeps bringing us back.
What Have You Missed
Did you attend the Sydney GeoQuest? Catch up on what happened in Sydney here.
