Among the many players of Pokémon across the world, I proudly joined the hunt, the raids, and the long walks to find rare and new Pokémon during a recent Pokémon Go Safari event around Sydney Harbour.
For one weekend, the city transformed into a living, breathing playground where technology, nostalgia, and community blended seamlessly.
With a blazing force and a far more intense battlefield than my usual casual play, the event pushed me to explore new locations, join unfamiliar raid groups, and test my strategy skills. I didn’t just get new Pokémon .
I got Shinies!
That unmistakable sparkle never gets old, no matter how many years you’ve been playing.
Pokémon Raids & Battles
If you joined the raids and quests during the Pokémon Go Safari event last month, I hope you had an excellent time.
I also hope you were more intelligent than I was and wore a hat and sunscreen while completing raids and quests under the hot Sydney sun.
Between chasing Pokémon, upgrading favourites, and racing between Gyms, it was easy to forget just how hot the weekend became.
Collecting Popkémon At Sydney Harbour
One of the most striking parts of the event was the setting.
With sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the constant bustle of trainers moving between landmarks, the city felt lively in an entirely new way.
The familiar sounds of footsteps, notifications, and excited chatter created an atmosphere that was both energetic and welcoming.
It was a reminder of how augmented reality games like Pokémon Go can reframe how we experience public spaces.
Trading and befriending were especially popular throughout the event.
Trainers from different teams and backgrounds gathered to swap Pokémon, exchange tips, and help each other complete tasks.
My Journey With Pokémon
As someone who has grown up with Pokémon, from trading cards on the playground to battling on handheld consoles, this event felt like a full-circle moment.
It was a delight and a genuine treat for my gamer brain.
Beyond the gameplay, the event highlighted how technology can encourage movement, exploration, and social connection.
Pokémon Camps & Lobbies
With many side shows and small hustles from local vendors, the Safari was definitely worth the cooldown time between raids.
Cafes and restaurants were filled with trainers like my friends and me, phones charging, stories swapping, and victories being celebrated over cold drinks and snacks.
That, to me, was a huge plus — being in the city surrounded by fellow Pokémon trainers who all shared the same excitement.
The event was easy to navigate, with clear points of interest and our Pokémon guiding the way.
With my inventory fully stocked and eggs constantly hatching, my steps that day added up quickly. By the end of it all, I had hatched a total of seven eggs.
That’s a lot of steps.
Reviving & Rejuvinating
One of the highlights of the day was watching my friends catch new Pokémon and Shinies.
There’s something special about cheering each other on when the battlefield becomes riddled with anxiety and intensity, especially during high-stakes raids.
Luckily, on that particularly hot weekend, we were equipped with fans, which also doubled as communication tools.
One side displayed the event name, while the other showed what you were looking to trade for and what you had to offer.
It was a simple but clever solution that made connecting with other trainers easier and more inclusive.
By the end of the event, many teams walked away with impressive win streaks, tired legs, and full Pokédex updates.
As the day wound down, delicious aromas drifted through the streets, signalling it was finally time for dinner.
And don’t worry, I fed my Charizard for its hard work.
