Dragon egg quest at Crystal Castle

THE Dragon Egg Treasure Hunt at Crystal Castle has proven such a hit with families that the attraction has extended the experience until June 26.

Launched in the lead-up to Easter, the interactive adventure invites children to follow an illustrated treasure map on a quest through the Shambhala Gardens, located at Crystal Castle in Montecollum in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Along the way, participants uncover 11 hidden clues, solve riddles and encounter a series of discoveries including giant crystals, statues and ancient fossils.

A highlight of the treasure hunt is one of Crystal Castle’s most iconic features — a 120-million-year-old amethyst geode large enough to sit inside, known as the “Dragon Egg.”

Founded in the 1980s by crystal importer Naren King, Crystal Castle has grown from a simple crystal shop into a well-known spiritual and wellness destination. Today, the site includes a Buddha Walk, World Peace Stupa, rainforest walk, reflexology path and a vegetarian café featuring produce grown on the property.

In 2016, King and his daughter Manya travelled to South America to explore crystal geode sites. They returned with some of their most spectacular finds, including two five-metre-high “Crystal Guardians” and the shimmering “Enchanted Cave.”

The Dragon Egg Treasure Hunt is free with day pass admission. A Family Day Pass — for two adults and two children — includes access to all guided experiences offered throughout the day.

Daily activities include a guided tour of Crystal Castle, sharing the origins and stories behind the crystals at 11am, and crystal singing bowl sessions featuring ancient quartz crystal instruments at 12pm and 3pm. There’s also a guided crystal meditation, inviting guests to sit in stillness and connect with the energy of the crystals, at 1.30pm.

For more information, visit crystalcastle.com.au