Ever thought of venturing into a room escape? Heard of such a thing? It’s a phenomenon sweeping the world, with beginnings in Hungary and Japan. Now, Hobart has its very own.


A room escape involves a team immersed in a mysterious room, relying on teamwork and creativity to succeed. Don’t worry, it’s entertainment and there’s no sturdy locks or convict chains between yourself and freedom.


Owners and room escape enthusiasts Nick and Lauren have travelled the globe, venturing inside more than 70 rooms each. They escaped from almost every one and today draw inspiration from the many predicaments they’ve found themselves in. The result? Hobart’s CBD room escape has folk travelling from as far away as other continents to break free from their creations.


Evolo’s themed rooms are a hotspot for travellers, businesses looking for team- building ideas and groups of curious friends. They regularly change their rooms to offer new experiences, so everyone can come back again and again.

The experience


I arrive uncertain. I have absolutely no idea what I’m in for, other than supposedly escaping from a room specifically designed to challenge. We have the option of two Evolo rooms: International Fugitive or Secrets of the Jungle. The jungle hut sounds a colourful canvas to be confused within.


TOP TIP: bring friends who are sound problem solvers. Mine have come in the form of a very handy son of a tennis mate. No sooner have we entered the jungle is he busily checking the parrot for clues and puzzling his way through the foliage. I’m still staring baffled at my first padlock. His sister is equally swift, as is his mum, a firefighter. I’d picked my team well.


While I continue to turn in relatively useless circles trying to look busy, the rest of the team dutifully make progress. Excitement levels escalate as padlocks click free. Each resolved problem presents new steps. Up above, a big red clock glows, reminding us we have mere minutes left to escape. Pressure rises among the leafy scene.


Fortunately we have connection with the outside world, Lauren on hand via walkie talkie if we need a nudge in the right direction. Although our room is safe as can be, I can’t help but think of distant countries Lauren and Nick had travelled to where escape rooms filled gradually with water or were subject to all manner of other worrying scenarios. We escape the jungle hut unscathed and laughing. Yes, we took a few minutes over the hour but I’m quite certain I’d still be there if it weren’t for my team.

-Alice Hansen

187 Campbell Street, Hobart or call 0438 550 441
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