Now Live In Coffs Harbour

Mystery at
Starbase 7

You picked up the signal.
Now crack the case.

A real-world detective adventure for families. Part treasure hunt, part mystery...played outdoors using your phone's GPS and a physical Mission Kit.

Mystery at Starbase 7 turns Coffs Harbour into the scene of an interstellar crime.

Mystery at Starbase 7 — suspect ID cards and Mission Kit
5
Locations
24
Suspects
7+
Ages
Mystery at Starbase 7 app — the case briefing
The Case

Three Days Ago,
Something Went Wrong

Incident Report · Starbase 7

The power was cut. Communications went down. And a mysterious alien artefact was stolen.

This wasn't an attack from the outside. Someone on the crew did this.

They're still out there, hiding in plain sight among 24 suspects… and the only investigator who can expose them is you.

But here's the twist: your investigation doesn't happen on a screen in the lounge room. It happens out there in Coffs Harbour, where the trail of clues is waiting.

What is Hidden Worlds?

A mystery you walk through

Two kids exploring Coffs Harbour Jetty with the Hidden Worlds app

Set in the real world, you follow GPS clues to actual locations around Coffs Harbour. At each stop you'll uncover evidence, size up suspects, solve puzzles and cross names off your list until only the culprit remains.

The story, the suspects and the clues live inside the free Hidden Worlds app. The Mission Kit gives you the tools you need as you move through the game. Together, they turn an ordinary afternoon out into a memorable adventure.

Who's playing

TWO-PERSON CREW - PILOT & ENGINEER

You can split the gameplay across two players: one carries the phone and leads the way, the other holds the kit and works the puzzles. Great for two siblings, or a parent and a child.

Playing solo works just as well — you'll simply be carrying both jobs yourself.

ROLE 01

The Pilot

Holds the phone, follows the map, and leads the way to each Marker.

ROLE 02

The Engineer

Holds the kit, listens to clues and works the ciphers and puzzles.

SOLO

Playing alone

One person can absolutely do both jobs.

The Hidden Worlds Mission Kit contents
What's in the Mission Kit?

Every investigator
needs the right gear

The Mission Kit holds the tools you'll reach for as the case unfolds - plus the full suspect line-up, so the clues you uncover out there actually add up to an answer.

  • Employee cards: eliminate suspects clue by clue.
  • Ciphers: used to crack the codes you find along the trail.
  • 'Cut & paste' document pouch: for organising your kit items.
  • Mission Briefing: instructions on how to play.
  • Support guide: help whenever you need it.
Heads up
The kit starts as a set of A4 pages you 'assemble' with scissors and glue or tape. No scissors or glue? No problem — you can still play using the A4 sheets.
Where is the game played?

Five mission sectors across Coffs Harbour

Each section is played in a different part of town, giving you a unique way to explore Coffs with your family. Some sectors are walk-and-explore trails; others sit close to cafés so you can grab a coffee while the kids investigate.

COFFS MARINA

Sweeping ocean views and clues hidden where the breakwall meets the island.

Coffs Jetty

Follow the trail through the park and right out over the water.

Botanic Gardens

Winding garden paths and quiet corners full of evidence to uncover.

Brelsford Park

A central green space close to cafés — perfect for a sit-and-relax stretch.

JETTY FORESHORES PARK *

Open parkland running alongside Jetty Beach south of the Jetty, on the way to South Wall.

Play in any order, at your own pace — knock it over in an afternoon, or spread it across two or three days.

* If your Instruction sheet with the game code lists Park Beach Reserve, that sector has temporarily been moved to Jetty Foreshores Park while a new Adventure Playground is being built at Park Beach Reserve. The app always shows the current locations.

How to get started

Three steps to begin

01

Pick up your Mission Kit

Grab your Mission Kit from Hope Road Espresso Bar (see below).

02

Download the free app

Install the free Hidden Worlds app on your device, then enter the game code that comes with the Kit.

03

Head out & investigate

Follow the GPS clues around Coffs Harbour, decode the ciphers and crack the case.

What it costs

Simple, family-friendly pricing

One kit works well for one or two players. Add extra kits if there are more players.

First kit
$12
everything you need to play
Extra kits
$8
each, added on
The app
Free
iOS & Android

Where To Get Your Mission Kit

Drop in and ask at the counter — no need to order ahead.

Café
HOPE ROAD - ESPRESSO BAR
31 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour
Mon to Fri: 6:30am to 1pm | Sat: 7am to 12pm
Closed on Sundays
------

Order yourself a coffee, an acai bowl or a delicious Brazilian snack while you're there.

hoperoad.com.au →
100+ five-star reviews on Google

Right across the road from Brelsford Park, the recommended place to start your investigation.

Kits in stock
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

So...what is this exactly?+
It's kind of a cross between geocaching, escape rooms and Cluedo. It gives you a fun way to explore some of the prettiest spots in Coffs with your kids.
How many kits do I need?+
It depends on how well your kids share, and how many devices you have. Two-person teams work great, but the game can definitely be played solo. One device between the kids? One kit is plenty. Multiple kids who each want their own device and to play on their own? You may want more than one kit.
What do we need to put the kit together?+
The kit starts as a set of A4 pages, assembled with scissors and glue or tape. No glue or tape? No problem, that's only used to make the pouch that keeps some items organised, and it isn't vital for the game. No scissors? That's fine too — you can play using just the A4 sheets.
Do we need to book? When can we play?+
No bookings are required and there's no set start time. This is a self-guided adventure, so you can play any day that suits you, at your own pace.
How long does it take?+
There's no fixed time guide, the game is played entirely at your own pace. Knock it over in an afternoon, or spread it across two or three days. Each of the 5 sections on their own don't take too long, allowing you & the kids to do other things while you're at the location (e.g go for a swim at the creek or beach, play at Brelsford Park, use the skate park etc).
What if I don't have time to finish the game?+
Each Base is a self contained mini-game. If you can't complete all 5 Bases, that's fine. Kids will still love the adventure of trying to find all the Mission Markers and completing the Missions in each sector. You shouldn't feel the need to visit every Base if you're only here for a night or two and have other stuff to do. Do as much as you want to. The kids will still have fun.
What kind of phone do I need?+
Nothing special - if you use Google Maps or Apple Maps to get around, your phone is almost certainly up to it.

As a guide, we recommend an iPhone on iOS 13 or later, or an Android phone on Android 11 or later, with location access switched on.

Older phones often work perfectly well, but GPS gets less reliable on older hardware, so we can't guarantee it, and can't refund where an older phone turns out to be the issue.

If you don't know what version you're on, it's under Settings > General > About on an iPhone, or Settings > About Phone on Android.

If you're not sure about your phone, message us before you buy and we'll help you check.
Where in Coffs Harbour does it happen?+
Across some of the prettiest parts of town:
  • Coffs Marina
  • Coffs Jetty
  • Coffs Botanic Gardens
  • Brelsford Park
  • Jetty Foreshores Park
What do we need to bring?+
A charged phone with the app installed, and your Mission Kit. That's all you really need.
What ages is it for?+
Built for families with kids aged 7+. Confident readers can take the lead and run the investigation themselves. Younger kids play best alongside a parent or older sibling - they'll love being the navigator partnered up with the problem solver. The game does involve some puzzles and challenges that younger kids will need help with. Or you can skip the challenges completely and just have fun finding the location of each Base or Mission.
How many people can play?+
As many as you like. One kit works well for one or two people; for more players you'll likely want additional kits.
Is this just more screen time?+
Not at all. The phone is your mission control. It delivers the story and points you where to go. What you're actually doing is exploring real places, solving puzzles and piecing together clues in the real world. It's an outdoor adventure game; the app just makes it better.
Do I need to be good with tech?+
Not at all. If you can use a maps app, you can play. The app guides you the whole way.
Can we stop and finish later?+
Yes, you can pause at any time and pick the case back up whenever it suits you.
What if it rains?+
Play another day. Nothing expires and there's no booked slot to lose.
Still Have Questions?

Get in touch

Can't find what you're after in the FAQ? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.

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HIDDEN WORLDS