Looking for a free outdoor activity the whole family will actually enjoy? Newy with Kids has developed a series of self-guided scavenger hunts across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens — with 15 locations and counting, all completely free to download.
Each hunt takes you on a walking trail through a local area, with questions to answer along the way and a mystery phrase to crack at the end. Great for school holidays, weekend outings, a mums group outing with the babies in prams, or any time you want to get out of the house without spending a cent.
It’s a great way to notice the little things like historic landmarks, quirky signs, and curious features you might otherwise walk right past.
How It Works
Download and print the PDF at home, or save it to your phone. Head to the starting point marked on the map and follow the trail. At each stop, look for a point of interest, read a sign or plaque, and answer the question. Collect the letters to solve the mystery phrase at the end.
Most hunts take between 30 minutes and 90 minutes depending on the location and how much your family stops to explore. No need to rush — bring a snack, let the kids play, and make a proper outing of it.
No printer? You can follow along on your phone and jot answers in a notepad. iPad users can fill in the PDF digitally using an app like GoodNotes.
Stuck on an answer? Visit our Scavenger Hunt Hints page for help.
Scavenger Hunts in Newcastle
These scavenger hunts were developed with support from the City of Newcastle’s Boost Your Place placemaking grants.
Blackbutt Reserve
Blackbutt Reserve is one of Newcastle’s most loved free destinations — a bushland reserve home to native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and emus. This scavenger hunt takes families through the reserve’s animal enclosure boardwalks at Carnley Reserve, encouraging kids to look more closely at the natural environment and the history of this special place.
Download the Blackbutt Reserve Scavenger Hunt
Please note: the kiosk has been removed. Q3 answer is snake.
Civic Park and Honeysuckle
From the heart of the city to the waterfront, this hunt covers two of Newcastle’s most central spots. Civic Park is home to civic buildings, public art and the famous egg sculpture, while Honeysuckle celebrates the city’s maritime and industrial history. A great option for families visiting the CBD.
Download the Civic Park and Honeysuckle Scavenger Hunt
Foreshore Park
Foreshore Park sits at the edge of Newcastle Harbour with views across to Stockton and beyond. This hunt explores the park’s open green spaces, public art and connections to Newcastle’s past — with plenty of room for kids to run around between clues. While you’re here, check out the progress of the new massive playground being built.
Download the Foreshore Park Scavenger Hunt
Please note: the old playground has been removed. Q5 answer is train.
Lambton Park
One of Newcastle’s most popular family parks, Lambton Park has been a community gathering place for over a century. This scavenger hunt starts at Lambton Pool and takes participants around Lambton Park exploring the heritage features, gardens and local history.
Download the Lambton Park Scavenger Hunt
Please note: the Lambton Park Tea Rooms are now First Light Cafe
Newcastle Museum – INDOOR
Based in the beautifully restored Honeysuckle railway workshops, Newcastle Museum tells the story of the city through its industrial, cultural and social history. This scavenger hunt is designed to be done inside the museum, making it a great wet weather option too.
Download the Newcastle Museum Scavenger Hunt
Newcastle Southern Beaches — NEW
Our newest hunt takes families along one of Newcastle’s most scenic coastal stretches, from Merewether Ocean Baths to Bar Beach. Explore the iconic ocean baths, take in the clifftop views, and discover the stories behind this stretch of Newcastle’s coastline.
Download the Newcastle Southern Beaches Scavenger Hunt
Stockton
Just a short ferry ride from Newcastle city, Stockton has a charm all of its own. This scavenger hunt explores the beachside suburb’s history and local landmarks — a great reason to hop on the ferry and make a full family day of it.
Download the Stockton Scavenger Hunt
Throsby Creek
Throsby Creek winds through the inner suburbs of Maryville and Carrington in Newcastle, offering a peaceful green corridor with a fascinating industrial and natural history. This hunt is a lovely option for families who enjoy a quieter walk with plenty to discover along the way.
Download the Throsby Creek Scavenger Hunt
Wallsend Brickworks Park
The Wallsend Brickworks Park is built on the site of a former brickworks, and there’s plenty of industrial heritage to uncover as well as a playground. A fun hunt for older kids who enjoy a bit of history with their exploring.
Download the Wallsend Brickworks Park Scavenger Hunt
Please note: the original play structure was replaced due to vandalism. The new structure does not feature a marsupial. Q5a answer is marsupial.
Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation Scavenger Hunts
These two hunts were developed with support from the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC).
Museum Park
This small scavenger hunt is located at Museum Park, the former Civic Train Station. The space is open and pram-friendly, with plenty of room for kids to run around while they complete the scavenger hunt.
Download the Museum Park Scavenger Hunt
The Station
Newcastle’s former railway station is one of the city’s most striking heritage buildings, and this scavenger hunt takes participants around the train station precinct. Families can explore the site and enjoy all that it has to offer including the Steam Flyer, kids play area and handball courts.
Download the Newcastle Station Scavenger Hunt
Lake Macquarie Scavenger Hunts
These two scavenger hunts were developed with support from Lake Macquarie City Council, Lake Mac Holiday Parks and Visit Lake Macquarie.
Rathmines
The Rathmines Scavenger Hunt takes families along the lakeside foreshore, uncovering the remarkable history of the RAAF Catalina Air Base that operated here from 1939 to 1960. At its peak, this was the largest flying boat base in Australia. Spot the plane-themed references dotted around the area as you follow the trail past the Catalina War Memorial, the learn-to-ride area and along the lake’s edge towards the Rathmines Youth Hub.
Download the Rathmines Scavenger Hunt
Swansea
The Swansea Scavenger Hunt explores Pirrita Island, a beautiful spot in Lake Macquarie. Swansea is a great spot for a family day out, and the hunt gives you a reason to explore.
Download the Swansea Scavenger Hunt
Read more about the Swansea Scavenger Hunt
Port Stephens Scavenger Hunts
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay is one of Port Stephen’s most popular tourists destinations, and this scavenger hunt is a great way to explore Nelson Bay. Discover local history, public art and hidden gems while the kids work to crack the mystery phrase. Developed with support from Port Stephens Council.
Download the Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt
Read more about the Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt
Good to Know
The scavenger hunts are best suited to families with kids aged 4–16. Younger kids can hunt for icons on the map while adults read the questions aloud. Older kids can tackle the hunt more independently — or with friends while you keep an eye from a distance.
Most routes are pram and wheelchair accessible. Two exceptions: the Civic Park/Honeysuckle hunt requires use of the Darby Street footpath on the east side of Civic Park; the Foreshore Park hunt requires the footpath rather than the stairs at Stevenson Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download and print the scavenger hunt and visit the area marked on the map. Follow the trail and look for different points of interest. There are questions associated with each point that may require you to notice a feature or read a plaque. You’ll then use letters from the answers to solve a mystery phrase.
Download and print the scavenger hunt and visit the area marked on the map. Follow the trail and look for different points of interest. There are questions associated with each point that may require you to notice a feature or read a plaque. You’ll then use letters from the answers to solve a mystery phrase.
Yes, each hunt is designed to be printed at home. It’s one A4 page printed double-sided (long-side) and contains a map and list of questions.
You can download the hunt to your phone and follow the trail, jotting answers in a notepad. If you have an iPad with an Apple Pencil, you can fill in the PDF digitally using an app like GoodNotes.
They’re best suited to families with kids aged 4–16. Younger kids can search for icons on the map while adults read the questions aloud. Older kids can tackle it more independently.
Absolutely. It’s a fun way to explore the history and culture of places around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the location and how quickly your family finds each point of interest. You don’t need to do it all in one go — stop for a coffee or lunch, let the kids play, and enjoy a proper family outing.
Most are, with two exceptions. If you want to avoid steps, the Civic Park/Honeysuckle hunt requires use of the Darby Street footpath on the east side of Civic Park. The Foreshore Park hunt requires the footpath instead of the stairs at Stevenson Place.
Visit our Scavenger Hunt Hints page for help.
Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunts on NBN News
Want to see the scavenger hunts in action? We were featured on NBN News when the hunts launched — take a look below.
NBN News Feature – Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunts from Newy with Kids on Vimeo.