The Australian people are at it again, and this time, their sense of humour is as sharp as ever. From school days to university, Australians have been sharing their outrageous scavenger hunt stories, and it's clear that this trend is far from over.
You may remember Judi Preston-Stanley from Forestville, who shared her Bush Week experience. It's the early 1960s, and Judi is part of a high school group, armed with a three-legged dog they've been told to take home. But little do they know, ANU students are on the lookout for some 'kidnapped' virgins and a three-legged dog – and Judi's group just happens to be the perfect catch.
On the other hand, Kenneth Smith of Orange recalls a college scavenger hunt in Wagga Wagga in the early 1980s. The challenge? Find a copy of the Australian Women's Weekly that doesn't feature a Royal Family member. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. It took them hours to find one, and even then, they almost gave up.
But that's not all – Allan Gibson of Cherrybrook recently received an email from Nespresso, announcing their new blend, Venice Caffè Florian. Given that Saint Florian is the Patron Saint of firefighters, it's only natural for William Galton of Hurstville Grove to question whether Fire and Rescue NSW kitchens will be serving this special blend.
And then, there's George Zivkovic of Northmead, who brings our attention to Old Fart Ale, which can be found in most liquor stores. According to its label, Old Fart Ale was 'conceived in celebration of all the cantankerous old boozers who make life a misery.' Cheers to that, indeed.
David Thomas of Victor Harbor (SA) adds to the mix with a PHARTTS club he attended in the early 1980s. People Having Affection and Regard Towards Timeless Screenings sounds like the perfect group for any movie buff. They watched a Marx Brothers film at a hall in Mosman, and it's clear that they had a blast.
As we continue to explore the vast world of scavenger hunts, one thing is certain: Australians have a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether it's a three-legged dog or a copy of the Australian Women's Weekly, these Aussies are proving that their sense of humour and creativity knows no bounds.
'If someone thinks you're an old fart, you must be doing something right,' surmises William Galton of Hurstville Grove.
But the fun doesn't stop there. Robert McElhone of Roseville shares a heartwarming story about his dog receiving treats from posties on two separate occasions. It just goes to show that even the most mundane moments can bring a smile to our faces.
You might also be interested in knowing that the original 'fartfest' – a scavenger hunt involving a PHARTTS club in Sydney – still has its loyal followers. If you're one of them, or simply looking for a good laugh, be sure to keep an eye out for more stories from this wild and wacky world.
PHARTTS clubs around the country still thriving today.
In recent years, Australia has seen a resurgence in the popularity of scavenger hunts and PHARTTS clubs. With people of all ages coming together to participate in these events, it's clear that this trend is here to stay.
As we continue to explore the world of scavenger hunts, one thing is certain: Australians will always find a way to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. And who knows? You might just join the next PHARTTS club or start your own scavenger hunt challenge.
### Key Facts
• Judi Preston-Stanley attended Bush Week in the 1960s, where she and her friends were 'kidnapped' by ANU students. • Kenneth Smith of Orange recalls a college scavenger hunt in Wagga Wagga in the early 1980s that involved finding a copy of the Australian Women's Weekly that didn't feature a Royal Family member. • Allan Gibson of Cherrybrook received an email from Nespresso announcing their new blend, Venice Caffè Florian. • William Galton of Hurstville Grove questioned whether Fire and Rescue NSW kitchens would serve Old Fart Ale. • David Thomas of Victor Harbor (SA) attended a PHARTTS club in the early 1980s where they watched a Marx Brothers film at a hall in Mosman.