Get out and explore Newcastle! Newy with Kids, with the support of City of Newcastle’s Boost Your Place placemaking grants, have created family scavenger hunts. It’s a fun and free family activity.
In addition to the six scavenger hunts, we introduced in January 2021, we’ve have two additional ones for Lambton Park and Throsby Creek developed in January 2022.
We also have scavenger hunts for Museum Park and The Station funded by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC).
Download the self-directed scavenger hunt and then visit the location. You and your family will need to find various points of interest and answer the questions listed on the map to solve the mystery phrase. It’s an opportunity to notice landmarks and interesting things you might not necessarily notice.
There are eight locations to choose from:
Two new scavenger hunts are Throsby Creek (covering Carrington and Maryville) and Lambton Park.
Newcastle Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and 7 days a week during school holidays. and has free entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Download and print the scavenger hunt and visit the area marked on the map. Follow the trail marked on the map and look for different points of interest. There are questions associated with each point which may require you to notice a feature or read the plaque. You’ll then use letters from the answer to solve a mystery phrase.
Can I print the scavenger hunt?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is designed to be printed at home. It is one A4 page that can be printed double-sided (on long-side) and contains a map and list of questions. Printed copies of the six original scavenger hunt are available through the Visitor Information Centre in Newcastle. Lambton Park and Throsby Creek are only available through downloading and printing at home.
What if I don’t have a printer?
You can download the scavenger hunt to your phone and still follow the trail and answer questions. You just need a notepad to jot down the answers and then figure out the mystery phrase. If you have a iPad which works with an Apple Pencil, you can download the map and complete using an app (like Goodnotes) which enables you to fill in the PDF.
What age are these scavenger hunts suitable for?
The scavenger hunts are best suited to families with kids aged 4 – 16. If you have kids who can’t read, adults can read out the questions and get kids to search for the answer. For younger kids, there are also items that they can search for listed by icons. For older kids, it’s a fun activity that they can do with their friends while you supervise.
NBN News Feature – Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunts from Newy with Kids on Vimeo.
I don’t have kids. Can I still download and do the scavenger hunts?
Absolutely. It’s a fun way to learn more about the history and culture of different places around Newcastle.
How long does it take to do a scavenger hunt?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to an 90 minutes depending on how quickly your family can find points of interest, answer the questions and walk or bike to the next point on the map. You don’t need to do it all in one go. Stop off for a coffee or lunch and enjoy a family day out.
Are the areas marked on the map suitable for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, with the exception of Civic Park / Honeysuckle and Foreshore Park.
In the Civic Park / Honeysuckle scavenger hunt, you’ll need to use Darby Street footpath on the east side of Civic Park to get from the War Memorial Centre to the Civic Park.
In the Foreshore Park scavenger hunt, you’ll need to use the footpath in Foreshore Park instead of using the stairs in Stevenson Place.
What happens if we can’t figure out what the answer is for one of the questions or want to check our answer?
It’s frustrating when that happens. We’ve set up a special page which contains the answers to the questions listed on the scavenger hunt. Visit the Scavenger Hunt Hints page.
Why did you develop scavenger hunts?
We wanted to create a self-directed activity that families could do in their own time and in a COVID-Safe way. None of these scavenger hunts involves touching anything but rather observing and reading signs, plaques or places of interest.
We also wanted an opportunity to highlight landmarks which have historical and cultural significance, some of which get overlooked. It’s a chance to discover the hidden gems in our community and learn more about Newcastle.
Newy with Kids would like to thank the City of Newcastle for their support through the Boost Your Place placemaking program. This grant enabled Newy with Kids to research and develop this set of family scavenger hunts.
Who did the design for the scavenger hunts?
We have to thank local designer Kathryn Lane from Harvist Road Creative Design for doing the graphic design of these amazing scavenger hunts using our content.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.