At first glance the Christmas-themed space at Seraphim Escape Rooms looks like any cosy festive setting complete with Christmas tree, Chesterfield sofa and decorations – then you notice the padlocks.
The locks can be seen on the advent calendar and even on the presents under the tree, hinting that this is a room like no other. Known as Santa’s Cottage it is one of the new spaces revealed at Seraphim Escape Rooms, newly located above Hogs Breath Cafe in Ipswich city.
Seraphim Escape Rooms owner Kezia Jarrett works with her computer programmer husband to put together quirky, challenging and engrossing escape room experiences that are full of surprises. Participants are given a series of riddles and clues from which to figure out answers, unlock keys and ultimately earn their escape within a certain time frame. Lining up puzzle pieces in the correct order, for example, might release a hidden drawer containing another clue.
Seraphim moved to this location in late 2018 and by mid-2019 plans to have four different rooms operating. The new space allowed for a function room to be launched and this can hold groups of up to 30 for Murder Mysteries – each participant receiving a name and information about their character – and other special events.
Kezia said escape rooms were becoming more popular across Australia, having first found a following in Europe.
“I just want people to have fun,” she said.
While the Christmas room is fun for families and younger participants, others are more challenging an will take longer to complete.
Not for the faint-hearted is the horror-themed room known as The Executioner’s Shed, designed to deliver thrills of a more creepy kind with dripping tap sound effects and severed-limb decor.
Rooms are not necessarily one room either – some includes doors that lead into other areas that can be unlocked in the game.
Escape rooms can be booked by couples, families and groups of friends, or for corporate team-building exercises, and are available from 10am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday and from 4pm on weekdays.
Seraphim Escape Rooms cost from $15 for children and $20 for adults, for the half-hour game, and increase in price for longer challenges.
