They are here to take part in Urban Quest, a game inspired by the popular international program Amazing Race.

Among the crowd is Yarra Valley's David Eastham. He is here with his girlfriend Imelda Walsh, an Irish native.

But they are on opposing teams today.

When you are trying to win your own version of the amazing race, there are no friends, only competitors.

Mr Eastham is part of a group of four men and women. All of them are in their 20s. Ms Walsh heads an all-women team of five, including birthday girl Yvonne Kelly.

Serge Zubaryev, the man behind Urban Quest Real Life Games, says though what he offers is "better than Amazing Race", those who are familiar with the television program and looking for "something fun and competitive" are attracted to Urban Quest.

"It's a team competition, the whole game moves from location to location, solving games, puzzles, riddles, completing challenges, participating in flash mobs, searching for clues, for agents," Mr Zubaryev says.

"We use different Melbourne CBD venues extensively."

Mr Zubaryev says he brought his concept to Australia two years ago after running similar events in his native East Europe.

The event is held every two months and attracts 80 people – usually between 24 to 36.

For those who may have missed out on watching an episode, The Amazing Race Australia is a reality television competition between teams of two in a race around the world. Teams travel and complete various tasks to obtain clues to help them progress.

Season three of The Amazing Race Australia premiered in 2014.

But those needing another dose can choose among many similar events around Melbourne.

There is even a Do-it-yourself Amazing Race for those willing to tailor their own fun.

Sam Tran, who started Uplift Events' Melbourne Amazing Race in 2005 says it was one of their best-selling programs.

His company caters to corporates, private birthday parties, as well as holding an annual public event for 1000 people to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.

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The race involves teams making their way to Melbourne landmarks encountering "decision or detours" and "obstacle or roadblocks".  At each of the locations, teams have to perform different activities or tasks, like rock-climbing or eating a dish in Chinatown,  to receive the clue to their next location.

"The reason why it is still so popular, even though you don't see Amazing Race on air, is just the uniqueness of the event, and the experience it gives participants," Mr Tran says.

"They experience so much in one day. You get to explore the city, and then it builds camaraderie, team-work, communication."

Mr Tran says most participants would have been exposed to the television program.

"The Gen X would have grown up with it [Amazing Race], the younger generation may have seen it on TV, but they understand the concept of it."

Back at the Urban Quest, Ms Walsh and her all-Irish Gailforce Plat team have beaten Mr Eastham and his team of four.

Ms Kelly, the birthday girl on the winning team, says the best part was doing the tasks together and the team work.

"It is like a treasure hunt ," Ms Kelly says. "Like a big adult version."