The event, which took place from Thursday to Monday, saw participants from across the country converge on the small town to take part in a range of geocaching activities, including scavenger hunts and GPS challenges.
According to Destination Rutherglen’s Kellie Briggs, the weekend was a huge success, with hundreds of participants taking part in a wide range of activities.
"The feedback we've received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive," she said. "People really enjoyed the different challenges and the chance to explore the local area.
“It brought a great vibe to town over the Easter weekend.
"Everything went off without a hitch, and even the rain didn't deter anyone. We are also so appreciative to the geocachers who participated in the Cache In Trash Out- they cleaned up our beautiful Lake King precinct on Monday.
“Overall we had a fantastic turnout of geocaching visitors, on top of the usual Easter trade who were experiencing all that Rutherglen has to offer including our renowned wineries. We're thrilled with the positive feedback we've received."
Ms Briggs added that local traders, particularly food places, benefited greatly from the influx of visitors to the area.
"The main street was bustling with activity all weekend, and many businesses reported a significant boost in trade," she said. "It's great to see events like this bringing people to Rutherglen and supporting our local economy."
President of the Rutherglen Agricultural Society Greg Lumby also spoke highly of the Geocaching Mega Event and the positive impact it had on the local community.
The showgrounds were able to accommodate over 60 campsites for the event, and extra toilets and chairs set up to ensure everyone was comfortable.
"We were thrilled to be able to host such a fantastic event," Mr Lumby said. "The geocachers were a fantastic crowd and really appreciative of the facilities we provided."
Mr Lumby added that the event was a great way to showcase the local area and bring visitors to Rutherglen.
"It's always great to see people coming to our town and experiencing everything we have to offer," he said. "We're looking forward to welcoming even more visitors in a couple of weeks when we host the Rutherglen Rumble car, bike, and truck show."
Valentines Bakehouse business owner Harry Perry was also thrilled with the success of the Geocaching Mega Event. Mr Perry, whose bakery was open throughout the weekend, said that the event brought a significant boost to the local economy.
"It was great to see so many people in town over the weekend," Mr Perry said. "We were really busy all weekend, with lots of visitors stopping by to grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
“We we’re open all four days over Easter, and the coffee food and hot cross buns were pumping. The geocachers were a really great crowd.
“We were thrilled to have such a great weekend of trade here.”
Raman Samra, owner of the Metro service station in Rutherglen, was also amazed at the success of the Geocaching Mega Event and the impact it had on her business. Ms Samra revealed that her team had catered for over 160 main meals for the geocachers on Friday, as well as 30 entrees and other snacks.
"We were blown away by the response," Ms Samra said. "Even with the inclement weather, we sold over $4,500 worth of food and drinks. It was a massive night, and we didn't expect it at all."
Ms Samra added that her team had to work hard to keep up with the demand but that they were pleased to be able to provide a valuable service to the event participants.
"We had eight people working on the night, and it was definitely one of the biggest days of trade we've had in the last two years," she said. "We're grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a successful event.
In addition to the main event, the final social night at the Rutherglen Golf Course was also a great success, with around 70 people in attendance.
Ms Briggs thanked all the organizers, including Geocaching Victoria, Destination Rutherglen, and the Rutherglen Agricultural Society, as well as all the business and winery members of Destination Rutherglen.
"It's been a fantastic team effort, with twelve months of planning paying off in a big way," she said.
