Check out our latest Newy with Kids scavenger hunt! We’ve teamed up with Lake Macquarie City Council to develop a fun scavenger hunt in Rathmines, our second in Lake Macquarie after the Swansea Scavenger Hunt.
The Rathmines Scavenger Hunt takes you around the lakeside area of Rathmines exploring the area marked on the map to find the answer to the questions, and solving a mystery phrase! There’s lots of fun and history to explore!
Rathmines is the former site of the RAAF Catalina Air Base which operated from 1939 to 1960. This location was home to a fleet of 14 Catalina sea planes and almost 3000 officers and other ranks at its peak, making it the largest flying boat base in Australia. These seaplanes played a pivotal role in Australia’s defensive operations in the Southwest Pacific during World War II.
The new Rathmines Scavenger Hunt encourages families to get out and explore the area. As you follow the scavenger hunt trail, you’ll notice the plane-themed references around the area from the plane-themed playground to signs dotted around Rathmines.
Developed with support from Lake Macquarie City Council, Lake Mac Holiday Parks and Visit Lake Macquarie, the Rathmines Scavenger Hunt is a free and fun permanent activity for both locals and visitors.
It’s a self-directed activity that families with kids of all ages can do in their own time. Using the 2-page printed brochure, families can explore Rathmines on the route outlined in the scavenger hunt.
The hunt starts at the Catalina War Memorial before heading to the Rathmines learn to ride / scooter area and along the lakeside.
Along the route, you’ll learn more about the history of Rathmines, enjoy views of Lake Macquarie, explore Rathmines Playground and Rathmines Youth Hub, and most of all, have fun!
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 at first glance.
You can download and print the scavenger hunt at home.
As well as the scavenger hunt, there’s plenty to do in Rathmines and beyond.
Head to Dobell House at Wangi Wangi, discover the Wangi Owl Trail or do the Wangi Circuit Walking Track.
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 that 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.
What if I don’t have a printer?
Printed copies of the scavenger hunt will be available at select libraries. Details to come.
What age are these scavenger hunts suitable for?
The scavenger hunts are best suited to families with kids aged 3 – 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.
I don’t have kids. Can I still download and do the scavenger hunt?
Absolutely. It’s a fun way to explore Rathmines.
How long does it take to do the Rathmines scavenger hunt?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on how quickly your family can find points of interest, answer the questions and walk to the next point on the map.