Media releases

Outdoor adventures for pocket-sized explorers

Published 22 September 2016

Parents are being urged to “pause the screen-time” these school holidays and take their children on an urban treasure hunt through parks and inner Sydney villages.

Pocket-sized Precincts is a fun family activity which sends little and big explorers to discover small artworks hidden within five City of Sydney parks using a Quest Map. Explorers download the Quest Map and visit local businesses to collect clues and find the secret locations of the parks.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, said families looking for outdoor adventure together will love this activity.

“Walking is a fantastic way to explore the city while spending quality time with your family. It’s also a great way to get to know village centres and discover local shops and cafes,” said the Lord Mayor.

The free itty-bitty city art quest runs from 24 September – 9 October and takes in inner Sydney areas from Potts Point to Newtown. The 11-stop walk takes around four to five hours. However, families with young children might like to complete a few stops at a time, for multiple days of fun during the school holidays.

Co-creator of Pocket-sized Precincts, Rebecca Whittington, said; “Pocket-Sized Precincts is about putting down the gadgets and reconnecting with the people and places around us, so we don’t feel like we are living in a giant computer.

“So many of us don’t venture too far from our own neighbourhood, but this is a great way to discover new pockets and appreciate the art along the way.”

Pocket-sized Precincts was created with a City of Sydney grant. The City’s grants program provides matched funding of up to $10,000 for projects that contribute to the community and enhance or celebrate the local area.

Pocket-sized Precincts also taps into young imaginations with children asked to enter a competition to create a sketch, photo, poem, song – or anything inspired by the sights of the walk. The winning entries will be displayed at 107 Projects in Redfern.

Pocket-Sized Precincts is the first walking-focused event to be included in the Sydney Rides Festival that runs 4-23 October.

Head to pocketsizedprecincts.com for more information and to order/download a map.

For more information, contact Senior Media Advisor, Bridget Ahern, phone 02 9265 9753, mobile 0423 505 854 or email bahern@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with the Lord Mayor, please contact Paul Mackay on 0432 182 647 or PMacKay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au