Treasure hunt for school holidays

By Rhonda Dredge

Mary Martin Bookshop in Southgate has a box full of gifts for those who can follow a treasure map and pick up clues along the way.

There’s a big insect living on the side of Eureka Tower, for example.

If you can figure out the name for its home, you’ve completed the first step.

Next, you’re required to cross the Evan Walker Bridge over the river to count the number of clocks above Flinders Street Station.

The treasure map has been funded by a City of Melbourne small business transformation grant to bring people into the city and celebrate the end of lockdown, according to bookseller Susie Garcia.

“We’ve had 20,000 viewers on Facebook. If you finish it you get a prize,” she said.

So far there’s only been a trickle through the shop. “We’re waiting for the school holidays.”

The bookshop initiated the project with illustrator Mitchell Toy whose book The Midnight City shows these places at night.

The book tells the tale of a little boy who travels on a magical flying tram exploring Melbourne landmarks.

The treasure hunt begins and ends at Mary Martin Bookshop and is aimed at children between five and 12 years.

The route takes around an hour to complete and is all within the city’s free tram zone.

Those who solve the riddle will also a small prize and go into the running to win a Christmas hamper of books •

Caption: Susie Garcia with prizes for the treasure hunt.