SCOUTS/VENTURER SCOUTS – IMPORTANT DETAILS
ABOUT
The Fantastic Race is an amazing adventure that is different every year, no two races are the same. Patrols are challenged to navigate their way around following clues to get to as many activity points as they can. After they have completed an activity they get the next clue to find the next activity. The activities are spread all over Melbourne and Patrols use public transport to get between them all. Previous years have seen Patrol ascend to the top of Eureka Tower, visit as many McDonalds stores in the CBD as they can in 30mins, ferry trips, play real-life angry birds, play glow in the dark mini-golf, challenged to a game of bubble soccer, hunt around markets and heaps more.
At the end of the Saturday, all Patrols converge on one overnight location to recover and get some rest (after time on the jumping castle, a movie and a huge dinner). On Sunday we head off as one group for a large-scale activity, in the past we’ve been to Werribee Zoo, Luna Park, Ice Skating and even played a giant game of Where’s Wally in the CBD.
It’s different every year and always a great adventure! The details for each year are kept a closely guarded secret from the Scouts, our team of Venturers and Rovers work hard to ensure the activities are fun, adventurous, and unique.
DATE
Saturday 11th November – Sunday 12th November 2023
START
8:30am or 9:00am from Cheltenham Railway Station – bag drop off at station carpark – enter via Park Road (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdK8ZqpksidZxtSf9), Patrol check-in at 1st/3rd Cheltenham Scout Hall (Patrol Leaders only) – in the park across from the station carpark (https://maps.app.goo.gl/QVwqbLWo6ciPjzEq8)
FINISH
3:30pm from Cheltenham Railway Station – enter via Park Road (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdK8ZqpksidZxtSf9)
COST AND PAYMENT DETAILS
The cost of this year’s race is $75 per Scout which includes a huge number of great activities, transport on Sunday, dinner Saturday night plus breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Payment is to be made via EFT (one payment per Scout Unit) or by Credit Card – details will be provided on the final registration form. There is no cost to leaders/venturers/rovers helping with the race.
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Patrols will depart from start location at two times. We will allocate exact departure times to Patrols closer to the day (either 8:30am or 9:00am). Check-in for Patrols will start 15mins prior to the allocated time.
PATROL LEADER GUIDELINES
Details will be available closer to the event
FOOD
Saturday Lunch: Scouts to provide their own.
Saturday Dinner, Sunday Breakfast and Sunday Lunch provided.
GEAR
Scouts are not required to wear uniform except for their scarf. It is suggested they wear weather appropriate clothing as they will be outside quite a bit during the day. They are required to bring the following:
- Lunch for Saturday or money to purchase some
- Myki card with at least $10 credit
- Scout scarf
- Wet weather jacket
- Change of clothing (including shoes)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat (no stretchers are permitted)
- Toiletries (no shower facilities)
- Torch
All their overnight gear is to be put inside one bag (clearly showing their name) and left on Saturday morning at the starting location. It will be transported to the overnight sleeping place.
Each patrol leader must carry a mobile phone (needs to be able to access google maps and a web browser) and there must be at least one other mobile phone (that can also access google maps and a web browser) in with the Patrol. Please ensure that it is charged and has credit to allow you to make and receive phone calls and access data. You will be asked to confirm your phone number at registration on Saturday morning. Also ensure it is not on ‘silent’ mode at anytime during the day – that way you will hear when we call you! There are no phone charging facilities on Saturday night so bring a power bank or two to ensure your phones remains charged for Sunday.
Each Patrol must also bring sufficient hike tents (no large tents!) for the whole Patrol on Saturday night – these need to be packed into one bag (Jamboree style bag is ideal) and dropped off at check in on Saturday morning.
PATROL SIZES
A must have at least 4 Scouts and no more than 8 Scouts in it. Arrangements can be made to pair up Units if fewer than 4 can attend, please contact us to find out more or simply make arrangements directly with another Scout Unit.
LEADERS/ROVERS/VENTURERS
As most of you know the race weekend requires a large amount of man power and we will need as much assistance as we can get. Volunteers will be gratefully accepted. Patrols can attend the race without a leader attending. Assistance from Venturers and Rovers is also welcomed. There is no cost for leaders/venturers/rovers helping with the race.
MAXIMUM NUMBERS
The race numbers might need to be capped, we will try our best to make space for everyone.
COUNTRY UNITS
Accommodation for Friday night can be arranged for Units traveling from regional areas – please contact the race organisers for more information (no additional cost).
REGISTRATIONS
Now open – click here to register!
MORE DETAILS
More detailed information about the race is available to Scout Leaders only by contacting the race organisers – contact us
HISTORY
The fantastic race has been running for over 12 years, originally starting as a Unit activity run at 5th/6th Central Moorabbin Scout Group and has grown over the years. Many races are now run across the state but our race is the original race and one of the best. The race co-ordinators have strong connections back to 5th/6th Central Moorabbin. The race is heavily supported by Leaders and friends of the 5th/6th Central Moorabbin Scout Group as well as leaders from the Glen Eira Stonnington District. This support allows it to be run successfully and opened up to Scouts from across the state.