Published on: October 03, 2025
Arcade Garage, Melbourne’s iconic retro amusement arcade nestled in the popular ‘Welcome to Thornbury’ entertainment district, is set to close its doors, marking the end of an era for Australia’s arcade game enthusiasts.
To commemorate this occasion, Arcade Garage will auction over 100 classic coin-operated machines through Donington Auctions, providing collectors and fans a rare opportunity to own a piece of arcade history.
Auction Date and Details
On Sunday, October 5th, 2024, Donington Auctions will open bidding for this extensive collection of arcade machines, all of which have been described as “fully-working” and “regularly maintained.” Remarkably, every machine is being sold with no reserve price, making it possible for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to acquire these rare titles at potentially affordable prices.
Prospective buyers can either test out the games at Arcade Garage prior to closure or inspect them at Donington Auctions’ headquarters in Dingley, Melbourne.
For those unable to attend in person, the entire catalog of lots is also available to view and bid for online.
Highlights From Arcade Garage’s Collection
The auction boasts a diverse lineup of arcade classics spanning multiple decades and genres.
Iconic titles include “Mortal Kombat,” “OutRun,” “Star Wars Trilogy,” “Daytona USA,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Perhaps most notably, Lot 104 features an exceptionally rare Shooting Zone cabinet, estimated to be worth around $10,000.
This particular cabinet is known for its unique ability to run Sega Master System cartridges and is believed to be one of fewer than a dozen in existence worldwide.
Industry Response
Robbie Richards of Donington Auctions commented on the unique nature of this event, stating that the Arcade Garage collection conjures nostalgia reminiscent of the ‘90s Timezone arcades.
He emphasized that, “the absence of reserve prices makes this auction a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to recapture a piece of their childhood at a potentially accessible price.”
Legacy of Arcade Garage
Arcade Garage has long been a staple in Melbourne’s gaming community, offering a curated selection of vintage amusement machines and fostering a strong sense of community among retro gaming fans.
While the closure marks a significant loss for local gamers, the upcoming auction ensures that these cherished machines will find new life in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts across Australia and beyond.
For those interested in participating, full details and lot listings can be found on the Donington Auctions website.
With no reserve prices and a wide range of sought-after titles, this auction stands as a significant event for arcade and gaming history aficionados.
Australia arcade Coin Arcade Arcade Garage Donington Auctions Melbourne Welcome to Thornbury Mortal Kombat OutRun Star Wars Trilogy Daytona USA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shooting Zone Master System Robbie Richards