The History of Hobbyco: A Renowned Hobby Shop

When it comes to hobby shops in Australia, few names evoke as much nostalgia and excitement as Hobbyco. Known as the go-to destination and the best hobby shop in Sydney, Hobbyco’s story is one of evolution, passion, and dedication to all things creative, spanning nearly nine decades.

Hobbyco is no ordinary hobby store. With an ever-changing list of products, it offers a wide range of choices for everyone; whether it is plastic kits for the hobbyists, jigsaw puzzles for the family, or LEGO, the breadth of range is considerable.

There are also traditional products that will bring you the nostalgia of the past such as Hornby train sets and Tamiya Radio Control Car kits, or the latest items that will keep you entertained for hours.

From K-Dee to George Street Marvel (1930s - 1940s)

In the early 1930s, a humble toy shop known as K-Dee began its journey in Chatswood. By 1935, it found a new home at 561 George Street, Sydney—an address that would soon become iconic in the world of hobbies. 

K-Dee’s early offerings included hand-crafted free-flight and rubber-band-powered balsa model kits, along with essential supplies like glue and "dope" (cellulose lacquer). By 1938, the store was stocking popular products like Hornby & Lionel trains and Meccano sets, captivating hobbyists of all ages.

It was Frank Murell, a young and enterprising manager, who nurtured the business from its infancy and led it to success until his retirement in 1978.

The Birth of Hobbyco: Hobby Store Sydney (1946)

In 1946, the store was renamed Hobbyco to reflect its expanding range of hobby products. This marked the beginning of Hobbyco’s transformation into a haven for hobbyists, featuring a vast selection that caters to various customer preferences. No longer just a toy store, it evolved into the best hobby shop in Australia, with offerings spanning all things creative—from model kits to toys and games.

The George Street Landmark (1950s - 1990s)

During the 1950s, Hobbyco’s George Street store became a landmark in Sydney, attracting everyone from casual shoppers to serious hobbyists. The store grew, acquiring adjacent shops and expanding into the basement to create a vast, wonder-filled space for hobby enthusiasts. We invite you to visit our George Street store and experience this iconic location for yourself.

Over the decades, Hobbyco became renowned for its diverse product lineup, including Dinky diecast cars, Matchbox toys, and the prized No. 10 Meccano set. In 1954, the launch of the Hobbyco Mail Order catalogue provided hobbyists with access to exclusive items from all over Australia.

The 1960s saw plastic construction kits gain popularity, while the 1970s introduced the first Radio Control Car Kits by Tamiya, marking a new era for hobbyists, who could now engage in remote-controlled fun.

New Beginnings (1990s - 2000s)

In 1993, Hobbyco made another move, this time settling into its largest space yet at 750 sq. m (8070 sq. ft) in the Mid City Centre on Pitt Street Mall. The product range continued to diversify, encompassing games, puzzles, diecast cars, aviation models, and a flourishing Radio Control department.

A wholesale operation, Hobbyco Imports, began in 1998, from the expanding exclusive and niche products the company was importing. This continues to be a growth area for the company and today Hobbyco has more than 300 wholesale customers.

The Digital Age (Late 1990s - Present)

The last Hobbyco catalogue was printed in 1999. By this stage, it was a 250-page book, with more than 5000 copies distributed through newsagents nationwide.

As the world shifted online, Hobbyco launched its website (www.hobbyco.com.au) in 2000, allowing customers to shop online and explore one of the best hobby shops in Australia from the comfort of their own homes.

Following the redevelopment of Mid City Centre in 2007, Hobbyco relocated to Sydney’s iconic Queen Victoria Building, where it still captivates a new generation of hobbyists.

Events and Community Engagement

Hobbyco is committed to engaging with the hobby community and participating in various events throughout the year. Some of the notable events we participate in include:

• SMASH (Sydney Manga and Anime Show)
• GBWC (Gunpla Builders World Cup)
• Gunpla Expo
• And much more

In addition to these events, we also conduct free model kit workshops every year, where hobbyists can learn new skills and techniques straight from the experts at Hobbyco.

These events and workshops allow us to connect with fellow hobbyists, showcase our products, and share our passion for creativity and innovation. We are proud to be a part of the hobby community and look forward to meeting you at our next event or workshop.

Hobbyco Today: Tradition Meets Innovation in Hobby Store Sydney

Today, Hobbyco is proud to be Australia's largest hobby shop, with five stores across Sydney:

• Hobbyco QVB
• Hobbyco Rhodes
• Hobbyco Macquarie Centre
• Hobbyco Burwood
• Hobbyco Liverpool

Our stores offer an extensive range of products, catering to hobbyists of all ages and interests. Hobbyco blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, offering products that range from classics and modern hobbies, which have seen a surge in popularity across Australia.

Whether you’re into model kits, Bandai Gundam model kits, anime figures, remote control vehicles, slot cars, games, puzzles, or intricate model trains, Hobbyco has something for every hobby enthusiast.

As the largest hobby shop in Australia, Hobbyco remains a champion of creativity and passion, serving generations of hobbyists for nearly 90 years.

Discover why Hobbyco stands out as the leading hobby shop in Australia, where creativity, innovation, and nostalgia come together to inspire hobbyists of all ages.