Game Over? Not at the 4 Best Arcade Venues in Melbourne
If you’ve ever found yourself in a dimly lit arcade, gripping a joystick with sweaty palms and determined to beat the high score and your friend’s ego, you’re in for a treat.
Melbourne’s arcade scene isn’t just about reliving your childhood – it’s a buzzing mashup of retro fun and cutting-edge games that’ll keep you coming back for more.
We’ve spent hours exploring these neon-lit wonderlands, from mastering the art of air hockey to failing spectacularly at claw machines.
So after plenty of button-mashing and laughter, we’ve put together this guide to the best arcade venues in Melbourne.
1. Akira’s Arcade
– Media credit: akirasarcade
Location: 326 Chapel St
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
Akira’s Arcade is where gaming nostalgia meets modern Japanese flair. It’s hands down one of Melbourne’s coolest hangouts for gamers and anime fans alike!
Honestly, the first time we stepped in, we felt like I’d been transported straight into a Tokyo side street – neon lights, buzzing energy, and that irresistible mix of bleeps and bloops from the arcade machines.
Their game lineup is no joke. Whether you’re vibing to rhythm games like SOUND VOLTEX EXCEED GEAR (prepare to lose yourself in the beat for just $2.50 a go) or reliving your childhood with classic arcade favorites, there’s something here for every kind of gamer.
But let’s be honest—the claw machines are the real MVPs. They’ve cracked the code for making these things both maddeningly addictive and ridiculously rewarding.
Anime plushies, quirky prizes – you’ll leave with something, even if it’s just the satisfaction of almost winning.
Pro Tip:
Focus on the claw machines with lighter prizes since they’re easier to snag.
2. Bartronica
– Media credit: bartronica
Location: Basement/335 Flinders Ln
Contact: +61 409 901 784
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday – 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday – 3:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 2:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: $
Bartronica feels like a secret hideaway for gamers, tucked into a cozy basement in Melbourne.
From the moment we walked in here, it was like we were back to a golden age of gaming. There’s the unmistakable sounds of pinball machines, arcade classics, and the occasional Mario Kart victory cheer filling the air.
There’s everything from vintage arcade cabinets to Nintendo 64s and PlayStations, all lined up and ready to go.
For us, the highlight was reserving a booth for a few rounds of Super Smash Bros. It turned into an epic showdown that had everyone laughing and yelling in equal measure.
And the bar? It’s next-level cool since it has craft beers, international brews, and cocktails. The stand out is definitely the ‘Kong,’ which involves banana liqueur and chocolate bitters – it’s a game-changer, pun intended.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to stock up on coins or tokens using the on-site ATM to keep your gaming streak alive without interruptions.
3. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Melbourne Docklands
– Media credit: archiebrothersce
Location: Shop CW-G19 The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr
Contact: +61 3 7003 9772
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 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Melbourne Docklands is like a carnival on steroids. It brings together the nostalgia of a funfair with the energy of an arcade.
From the moment you walk in, it’s sensory overload in the best way—think neon lights, laughter, and the hum of arcade machines.
Whether you’re smashing strikes on the six glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes or diving into the action in the immersive XD Theatre, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Plus, with 67 arcade and ticket games, you’ll be chasing prizes before you know it.
The vibe here is just as much about the experience as it is about the activities. The vintage carousel-themed cocktail bar is a centerpiece you’ll want to photograph (before grabbing one of their whimsical cocktails or indulgent milkshakes).
Pro Tip:
Grab the Funlab Fun Bundle to save up to $24 on your visit. For just $36 for kids, you get to pick any three activities that are perfect for packing your day with nonstop fun.
4. The Funderdome
– Media credit: thefunderdome_official
Location: 120-200 Rosamond Rd
Contact: +61 3 9027 1550
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Funderdome is hands-down one of the most fun spots we’ve visited. Sprawling across 2,000 square meters, it’s like a playground for adults and kids alike.
The centerpiece is Playas Crazy Golf – a two-level, 18-hole course straight out of a retro Coney Island dream. We spent way too much time here trying (and failing) to one-up each other on some of the trickier holes.
The arcade zones are a gamer’s paradise. There’s something awesome here for everyone, from Pac-Man and Space Invaders to high-tech VR setups.
And if karaoke’s your thing, the Boom Box lounges make for an epic sing-along session. Trust us, you’ll feel like a rockstar – especially if you nail that high note in “Don’t Stop Believin’” like we did (or think we did after a few drinks).
Pro Tip:
Make sure to swing by on “Unlimited Mondays!” For just $22 after 5 PM, you can dive into four hours of nonstop arcade gaming.