The 10 best arcades in Sydney with classic and modern games
Are you chasing a new wave of nostalgia, or looking for a fun way to spend your afternoon and evening with loved ones? Arcades can be a great place to unwind and simply escape the daily grind for a while.
From neon-lit game floors to catchy soundtracks, they’re perfect for spontaneous plans or planned-out adventures. If you’re curious about where to start, here are the best arcades in Sydney you won’t want to miss.
1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
– Media credit: archiebrothersce
Website: https://archiebrothers.com.au/
Address: O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW
Phone: +61272567891
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
I recently got to visit Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and it was a blast! The moment I stepped into the venue, I was impressed with the neon-lit ambiance.
I tried some arcade games like Ultra-Motor Racer and played their claw machines. I loved their mix of nostalgic and modern games like Milk Jug Toss and VR.
After racking up tickets, I went to the redemption shop, which was packed with plushies and other interesting toys and gadgets.
The place is also perfect for parties like birthdays and team gatherings. I saw a group celebrating with food and drinks, and now I’m considering it for a future special occasion.
If you’re after a fun night out that feels like a carnival and arcade rolled into one, Archie Brothers is the place to go.
Pro tip:
Top up online and you get awesome bonus credit (I paid $50 and got $75).
2. B. Lucky & Sons
– Media credit: bluckyandsons
Website: https://luckyandsons.com.au/
Address: 207/122 Lang Rd
Phone: +61370439053
Operating hours:
- Monday – 1:00 PM to 10:00PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
B. Lucky and Sons has an impressive decor and theme that are visually pleasing, giving the entire place a distinctly unique character.
Once I grabbed a game card and loaded it up, I was ready to dive into the action.
I tried Space Invaders, which lets you basically battle aliens. I also tried their cool VR experience, where you can actually feel that you’re in the game.
After some gameplay, I saw some people dance their hearts out on the rhythm machines, which was fun to watch!
The venue also had a cocktail bar, so you can indulge in a few sips between rounds of games.
Pro tip:
For the best bang for your buck, go for the “Joy Luck” package at $81 per person. You get 1 hour of arcade games, five finger food items, a drink on arrival, a party host, and your own reserved area. Priced at $81 per person, it strikes an ideal balance-neither as simple as the $58 “Lucky Charm Classic,” nor as pricey as the $107 “Be Luxurious” choice.
3. Timezone
– Media credit: timezoneaustralia
Website: https://www.timezonegames.com/en-au/
Address: 9/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW
Phone: +61288061466
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Visiting Timezone made me feel like a kid again. The setup made it easy to jump from one game to the next using their Powercard system.
Timezone has various types of games. For example, their yellow card reader games include Mario Kart and classic air hockey.
They also have purple card reader games, which are essentially prize games. I tried Taj Mahal, which is basically a claw machine game where you grab colorful wristbands, each worth a different ticket amount.
One of the highlights of the Timezone visit was watching a group own the dance machines. Those games might seem simple, but they require a lot of attention and quickness.
Overall, the variety here is no joke. They have everything from motion simulators to bumper cars and even bowling and laser tag, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pro tip:
Download the Timezone Fun App beforehand and complete your profile to snag the $10 sign-up bonus credit. You can effortlessly add more game time to your Powercard right from the beginning.
4. Fortress
– Media credit: fortressmelb
Website: https://fortress.games/
Address: Central Park Mall, Level 2/28 Broadway, Chippendale
Phone: +61279082791
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
If you’re looking for a one-stop gaming destination that blends high-energy fun with fantasy-themed charm, Fortress is the place for you.
The arcade section is filled with fan-favorite games like Mai Mai and Taiko no Tatsujin. I also tried Tekken 7 and tested my strength on The King, their punching power game.
Beyond arcade games, Fortress also offers board games.
You can either rent from a vast range of board games in their library, like Azul, Saboteur, and Flash Point for just $15 – or you can bring your own. You can also dive into one of their weekly events for a social night of strategy and entertainment.
There’s also The Tavern, a full-on fantasy-themed eatery that completes the whole experience.
Pro tip:
Planning a long game session? Go for the $100 arcade card deal – you’ll get $170 worth of credit, making it the best bang for your buck!
5. KOKO Amusement Town Hall
– Media credit: kokoamusement
Website: https://www.kokoamusement.com.au/
Address: 614 George St, Sydney NSW
Phone: +61256573322
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
If you are looking for an arcade that feels like a playground for all ages, KOKO Amusements hits the mark.
The place spans three floors, and they have a ton of game machines like Whack N Win and Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
What I like about KOKO is the amount of anime-themed prizes up for grabs. And whether you’re nailing jackpots on Milk Jug Toss or going all in on Dragon Punch 2, there’s something here for every gamer.
Moreover, the package deals are loaded with value and are ideal if you want a mix of time-based and bonus play.
Pro tip:
If you want to get the best value, consider the $45 package. This includes 120 minutes of unlimited play, access to premium and attraction games, and 700 tickets. It’s ideal for those wanting to enhance their gaming experience and chances of winning prizes.
6. VR Kingdom
– Media credit: vrkingdomsydney
Website: https://vrkingdom.com.au/
Address: Westfield, Level 6, shop 610/1 Anderson St, Chatswood
Phone: +61451875366
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
VR Kingdom is hands down one of the coolest virtual reality experiences I’ve had in Sydney. They had a lot of arcade games like Snow Slingers and Sports Scramble, fast-paced shooting games like Pistol Whip, and creative outlets like Tilt Brush.
Additionally, I loved how they had educational VR programs. I got to explore Machu Picchu as a National Geographic explorer, which was fun and informative!
If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion or just looking for something unique to do over the weekend, VR Kingdom’s packages are worth checking out.
Pro tip:
Gather a group of 6 or more people to score discounted rates on VR Escape Rooms or Shooting Games. It’s the perfect way to level up your experiences and your savings.
7. Replay Bankstown
– Media credit: replaybankstown
Website: https://www.replaybankstown.com/
Address: Chapel Rd, Bankstown
Phone: 1800 620 018
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Replay Bankstown is packed with classic and new games. I had a fun time playing NBA Hoops and testing my boxing at the Boxer Skill machine.
I also tried bowling, and the lanes were in good condition. It wasn’t too crowded when I went, and their pricing was reasonable ($15 for 1 game or $25 for 2 games).
Replay Bankstown also has dodgem cars, where I watched players crash into each other competitively.
They also have themed karaoke rooms decked out in unique decor, inspired by music legends like Michael Jackson and pop culture icons like Yoda. The sound system was decent, and it was easy to queue songs with barely any downtime between them.
Moreover, their restaurant & bar were great. The menu is top-notch, including dumplings and crispy roti, and the overall ambience is perfect for unwinding after games.
Pro tip:
Top up your Replay Amusement card with at least $50 to get $25 bonus credit. It goes a long way if you’re planning to spend a few hours at the arcade.
8. Joystick
– Media credit: joystick.syd
Website: https://www.joystickgames.com.au/
Address: 591 George St, Sydney
Phone: +61283130567
Operating hours: Sunday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
I can see why so many people love the Joystick, a claw machine wonderland.
From the moment I walked in, the retro vibe made the whole place feel like a scene out of an old-school arcade. It’s a cozy spot, whether you’re hanging out with friends or going on a date night.
I really liked the variety of crane machines and prizes. They had everything from mini plushies to bigger, high-demand ones. I also appreciated seeing Sanrio characters, such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll.
Furthermore, the lighter plushies’ keychains seemed easier to grab compared to most claw machines I’ve tried before, while the bigger plushies were more of a challenge.
The best part of this place is that you get the widely-loved Gelatissimo gelato inside the venue. It’s convenient because you get to play claw machines while enjoying an indulgent snack.
Pro tip:
Consider topping up your game card with $100. You’ll receive an additional $60 in bonus credit – and to sweeten the deal, you can enjoy a complimentary scoop of gelato.
9. iPlay
– Media credit: iplay_australia
Website: https://www.iplayaustralia.com.au/
Address: Shop 6A – 7U/6-14 Castle St, Castle Hill
Phone: +61298998143
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
iPlay is a fun-filled arcade experience with something for everyone. I really liked the variety of games available – from high tech sensations like Hyper Pitch and Ace Master to retro classics like Pac-Man.
Their selection of VR options is also satisfactory.
Additionally, they have other games like bowling, indoor mini golf, and even a Clip ‘n Climb area for those looking for more physical fun.
Overall, my visit to iPlay was relatively decent. The venue itself was spacious, yet I found it easy to navigate the area.
Pro tip:
If you’re going with a group or intend to stay for a while, consider choosing the Super Time Play Pack or the Family Pack. You’ll maximize your experience with unlimited gaming, additional opportunities to win prizes, and extra tickets.
10. FREAK VR
– Media credit:freakvirtualreality
Website: https://freakvr.com.au/
Address: Macquarie Centre, Shop 4419 Level 4, North Ryde
Phone: +61290424500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 8:00 PM
When I visited FREAK VR, I was impressed with how immersive and high-tech the entire experience was. From the sleep-pod setups to the wide range of games, it’s clear that this place is built for fun.
I was able to try the Job Simulator game where you get to try out four jobs – chef, office worker, store clerk, or mechanic. It’s lighthearted, funny, and a great way to pass time!
There’s also a Fruit Ninja VR, which brings the classic mobile game to life as you slash flying fruit from all angles.
At $39 per person, it’s well worth the price for such an immersive and unique experience.
Pro tip:
FREAK VR offers a 50% All Abilities discount to help players with disabilities explore the virtual world.