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 Quality recycled toys |
278 Canterbury Road Surrey Hills Melbourne, VIC 3127 Australia +61 (0)3 9830 7222 http://www.bitzforkidz.com.au |
For quality toys that do not cost the earth, take the little ones along to this store. It features second hand items as well as discounted new toys. Choose from educational toys, tricycles, construction sets, wooden train sets, cubby house furniture, dolls' houses, blackboards, children's tables and chairs and wooden puzzles. Fisher Price, Lego, Duplo and Brio are some of the brands stocked. If you are clearing out your cupboards, this is the perfect place to bring toys that are no longer needed. Cash is paid for them, and you can be sure that they will find a good home. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Australia's national broadcaster retail outlet |
Galleria Shopping Plaza 26/385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9626 1167 http://www.abc.net.au |
The retail outlet of Australia's national broadcaster (ABC), this store is an absolute treasure trove of books, CDs, videos and T-shirts. You will find old favorites such as Monty Python and Dr Who as well as recent ABC television shows. There are also audio tapes and CDs from ABC Radio. The range of videos, books and toys for kids is fabulous, featuring all their favorite ABC characters (Bananas in Pyjamas, Rug Rats, Madeleine). For older teens, Australian radio station Triple J has a range of CDs and logo products. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Flicks Fix |
Flinders Street Federation Square Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 8663 2227 http://www.acmi.net.au/acmi_sh... |
Enter the world of entertainment at ACMI shop. With a complete focus on all things 'moving image', it has an exclusive collection of screen culture books, DVD's of great Australian classics and TV shows. If you don't prefer watching movies, then there are toys and games as well. In case, you are looking for gifts then get ACMI gift vouchers which are viable as gifts and can also be used at the shop or at the box office. If you are an ACMI fan, you can splurge in the merchandise showcased here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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It's magic! |
28 Simon Street Blackburn North Melbourne, VIC 3130 Australia +61 (0)3 9878 6511 http://www.abracadabramagic.co... |
This store is a surprise packed Aladdin's cave of magic props and supplies, games, puzzles and magic and clown accessories. If you are shopping for kids though, you might want to leave them behind, as some of the wares are of the distinctly risqué variety! There is also a range of humorous birthday cards and novelty items. If you are interested in learning the craft yourself; inquire about the magic and ventroquilism lessons offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Educational and environmentally-sound products |
Ground Floor, Galleria Shopping Plaza 385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9670 5813 http://www.australiangeographi... |
A realistically croaking frog alarm greets visitors to this store specializing in educational and environmentally sound products determined to prove that learning to be green can be a whole lot of fun. The magnetic toys will stir the curiosity of the most reluctant science student, while inflatable Australian animals and globes can be sent cheaply throughout the world. There is also a great range of books, maps and puzzles designed for both adults and kids. Discounts for members of the Australian Geographic Society. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Russian collectables |
Shop 9, Royal Arcade 331-339 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9654 3090 |
If you are a fan of Matrushkas--the delightful painted wooden Russian dolls, this is the place to go. There is a great variety of brightly coloured sets to choose from, in many different sizes and styles. If you have not yet discovered this unique part of Russian culture, this is the place to go to, to become acquainted with them. There is also a selection of lovely jewellery, including an impressive collection of amber pieces. You will also find assorted odds and ends of Russian crafts that would make lovely gifts or something special to treat yourself with. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For something different |
523 Malvern Road Toorak Melbourne, VIC 3142 Australia +61 (0)3 9827 3204 |
This small, cheery shop in Hawksburn Village is a good place to come if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary and have had enough of Barbie and Pokemon. The emphasis here is on items of good quality, durable wood and metal rather than plastic. Many of the toys, games and puzzles are sourced from Europe and will not be found in other toy chain stores. The staff is friendly and ready with suggestions for appropriate gifts for children of various ages and interests. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A train enthusiast's paradise |
490 Dorset Road Croydon Melbourne, VIC 3136 Australia +61 3 9723 1211 http://www.branchline.com.au/ |
Train-spotters may be a largely maligned and misunderstood group, but in this store they can seek refuge in the company of like-minded individuals. Dedicated to trains, model trains, pictures of models trains - you get the picture - Branchline has a wealth to offer the enthusiast. There are railway books and videos, histories, plastic and balsa model-train kits, tools and paints and Scalectric sets. The irony is that there is no train line nearby! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Come in and play |
184 Bellair Street Kensington Melbourne, VIC 3031 Australia +61 (0)3 9372 3999 |
The children's toy market has been taken over by multinationals and multiplexes. That is why it is so refreshing to find a neighborhood toy store like Bright As A Button. Bright As A Button is personal with a capital "P". A try-before-you-buy atmosphere encourages children to play before the parents pay. Staff is always on hand for a friendly chat and there are often free lolly bags handed out while you are shopping. As is the case with many smaller stores, Bright As A Button is a little more expensive--but worth it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Amazing range of toys |
Shop 16, The Block Arcade, 282 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9654 3882 |
Wandering into this little store is like stepping into a childhood fantasy. The exquisite range of bears, dolls and stuffed toys, piled from floor to ceiling, is almost overwhelming. If taking children along, be prepared for a lengthy stay and the strong possibility that you will be persuaded to part with your money. This is a good place to shop for overseas presents since much of the stock is Australian made. There are also beautiful collectables and superbly finished figurines, including intricately detailed tiny teddy bears. Make sure you see the range of uncanny, life-like dolls behind the counter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: grandview_boyce |
 Photo: Kat Sandford  |
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Big Brands, Big Bargains, Big Savings |
1/201 Spencer St Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 8689 7555 http://www.dfo.com.au/ |
Located next to the Telstra Dome and Southern Cross Station, DFO Spencer Street offers upscale outlet shopping with an impressive collection of 100 designer and name brand outlet stores. Enjoy savings of 25% to 70% every day. Stores include Adairs, Birkenstock, Charcoal, Fila, French Connection, Colorado, Levi's, Laura Ashley, Steve Madden, Nine West and many more. Visit their website for the complete list of stores, sales & events, hours and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All things Disney |
Shop 151-153/ Melbourne Central 300 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0) 3 9663 3177 http://www.disney.com.au |
If you are looking for golf balls embossed with your favourite Disney character, this is the store for you. An amazing range of soft toys, figurines, mugs, clocks, CDs, videos, books and costumes are on offer for both children and adults. The friendly staff will explain the latest craze, suggest appropriate items in any price range and advise collectors on the more expensive items kept safely locked behind glass cabinets. There are several other stores throughout Melbourne. Check the web site for full details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: edwardlee's photo |
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Doll and teddy lovers' delight |
524 Riversdale Road Camberwell Melbourne, VIC 3124 Australia +61 (0)3 9882 6866 |
This delightful shop will warm the heart of anyone, young or old, with a soft spot for dolls and teddy bears. You will find wonderful dolls' houses, kits, furniture, building accessories and lighting--everything you need to create a home for your favourite dolls. There is also a good range of prams, cradles and bedding for dolly or teddy. The dolls, bears and other breeds of soft toy come in all shapes, sizes, colours and forms. The shop also serves as a doll and teddy bear "hospital", carrying out repairs on toys suffering from too much love. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A trip to another world |
Shop 30, Centrepoint Arcade 287-297 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9654 7086 |
If the names "Bloodhammer", "Trollslayer" and "Swordquest" mean anything to you, then this is your kind of store! Specializing in the intricate world of role-playing games, it offers a full range of models and figurines, as well as a variety of accessories. There are also magazines, videos and a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who can put you in touch with local role-playing clubs and inform of you of upcoming events and conventions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Model and kite specialists |
733 Burwood Road Hawthorn East Melbourne, VIC 3123 Australia +61 (0)3 9882 7521 |
This small, but densely packed and ultra friendly suburban store stocks a variety of model aeroplanes and cars. Some are action-packed and remote controlled, while others are balsa wood creations of a simpler, more timeless nature. The store's real speciality however is kites of all sizes and shapes. The owners can not only sell you one but will also put you in touch with all kinds of kite-flying groups and organisations so you can get the most out of your purchase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hobby heaven |
295 Flinders Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9629 1425 |
Located in the same building as the venerable Flinders Street Station, Hearns is a 70-year old institution amongst hobbyists. Whether you are after model aeroplanes, cars, boats or tanks that flash, glide, roll, wind up or just sit on the mantelpiece, it is probably at Hearn's. In addition to the three rooms of model kits, there is a range of associated magazines and videos, and a small noticeboard to keep abreast of upcoming model conventions and the like. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Quan Nguyen |
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Traditional toys and ornaments |
115 Maling Road Canterbury Melbourne, VIC 3126 Australia +61 (0)3 9830 4573 |
For a timeless range of gifts for children (or their parents or grandparents) this store is the place to look. Rather than the bleeping, flashing machine guns and violent video games that fill most toy stores, Heather Brown's offers a range of gentle, conservative toys such as dolls, teddy bears and children's games. The store also stocks a range of exquisite babies' and childrens' clothing and nursery ornaments, including framed baby portraits by photographer Leanne Temme. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Manga-mania hits Melbourne |
200 Bourke Street, Shop 14 Mid City Complex Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9639 1219 |
Japanese animation, with its outlandish plot lines and technical brilliance, has been taking the world by storm. Here, Melbourne's animation or manga obsessives can come to stock up on videos, comics and a huge selection of models and figurines. Whether you are after Pokemon or Sailor Moon, Ultraman, Akira or Neon Evangelisis, this shop, tucked away in an arcade off Chinatown, is the place to look. There is a suburban branch at 912 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, ph: +61 3 9899 1668. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Raptis |
 Photo: John Raptis |
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A whole world of hobbies |
280-282 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9663 4407 http://www.hobbyplace.com.au/ |
This busy shop, opposite the landmark Myer Department Store, is literally packed to the rafters with every imaginable kind of model and toy vehicle as well as kites, scooters, rockets, slot cars, action figurines--the works! Prices range from AUD10 for a little treat for the hands-on child in your life, to pieces priced in the thousands for serious collectors. The friendly staff can help you pick the item that is right for you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Puppets, toys and parties |
788 Burke Road Camberwell Melbourne, VIC 3124 Australia +61 3 9882 9911 http://www.hocuspocuspuppets.c... |
At first glance this seems like your average toy store, albeit one selling beautiful and interesting stuffed toys of every description. However on close inspection, you will find that each creature is in fact a puppet! The range is astounding and includes everything from ventriloquist's companions to finger puppets. It is the first store of its kind in Australia, and is also a birthday party venue. Children can enjoy the interactive, on-site "Star Bright Theatre", as well as games, prizes and party food for a celebration to remember. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Passion for toys |
83 Union Street Armadale Melbourne, VIC 3143 Australia +61 (0)3 9509 4041 |
Kiddie Country occupies three adjoining stores. Two are nursery goods outlets, while the third focuses on toys. The owner, who has been in the toy business for over twenty years, is passionate about ensuring that children receive age appropriate toys. He also takes a firm stand on toy guns and does not stock them. He is a great believer in toys being educational, whether they enhance hand and eye coordination, fine motor skills or stimulate academic development. There is a large selection of dolls' houses, rocking horses, cubby house furniture and much more, with discount prices on many items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Australian bargains |
215 Albion Street Brunswick Melbourne, VIC 3056 Australia +61 (0)3 9386 5544 http://www.sheepskindownunder.... |
Although a little way out of the city centre, this tourist Mecca is worth a visit for its great variety of Australian souvenirs. Products range from clothing such as jackets, ugg boots, moccasins, T-shirts and woollen underwear to quilts, blankets, leather bags, boomerangs and lanolin products. Since shoppers are buying directly from the manufacturer/wholesaler, prices are very reasonable. The range of soft toys, such as koalas and kangaroos, is very good. This outlet offers great, individual service and a world wide online and mail order service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For a cerebral challenge |
244-248 Swanston Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9663 4466 http://www.mindgames.com.au |
For those seeking a cerebral challenge, this store has an amazing selection of puzzles ranging from the simple to the simply impossible. Bored with basic Trivial Pursuit? This store has at least a dozen extra boxes of questions! Novelty chess sets, special edition Monopoly Games, 3D and "impossible" jigsaw puzzles and card games abound. There is also a great range of "How to Host a Murder" kits. Traditional and computer games are firmly divided into two separate stores, two doors apart. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Melbourne's favourite department store |
295 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9661 1111 http://www.myer.com.au/ |
Satisfy all your retail needs under one roof at Myer. Founded by Sidney Myer in 1900, the chain now has 65 stores across Australia. Affiliated with Grace Brothers, it is the largest department store group in the country. Shoppers love the comfortable and relaxed, yet stylish experience of shopping at Myer. The flagship city store features whole floors devoted to sporting gear and electronic appliances. In keeping with tradition, Melburnians have flocked to the city center every Christmas since 1956 to view Myer's Christmas windows. Other Myer stores are in Southland, Chadstone, Eastland, Northland and other suburban malls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alison Fairley |
 Photo: Bryan Lowe |
 Photo: Carol |
 Photo: Jenny Hertel |
 Photo: Kevin Lew (klew97) |
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A world of maritime wonder |
143 Nelson Place Williamstown Melbourne, VIC 3016 Australia +61 (0)3 9397 0222 http://www.nauticalworld.com.au |
Step into a fascinating world of model ships, nautical lamps, barometers, clocks, telescopes and compasses--in fact anything you could ever imagine in the range of maritime gift ware. The store boasts the most extensive range of nautical prints in Australia, reproductions of ancient and model vessels (including the First Fleet) and quality souvenirs of historic Williamstown. It is best to leave young children outside this crowded store. Signs warn that children who touch the delicate models will be flogged, while those left alone in the shop will be kept and sold as slaves! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Tracing the history of the Royal Australian Air Force |
RAAF Base Williams Point Cook Road Melbourne, VIC 3027 Australia +61 3 9256 1300 / +61 3 9256 1040 http://www.raafmuseum.com.au/ |
Located at the birthplace of the Royal Australian Air Force, the museum incorporates multimedia technology to take visitors from the RAAF's World War I beginnings through to today. As a fully operational flying unit of the RAAF, the museum maintains a fleet of airworthy aircraft, which take to the skies on special days (aircraft include a Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, Vampire, replica Fokker Triplamce and Sopwith Pup). History buffs will be fascinated by the collection of aircraft, uniforms, posters and other memorabilia on display. Admission is free. Guided tours are available for schools and groups during the week. Advance bookings are essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: stuart murdoch |
 Photo: stuart murdoch |
 Photo: Elias P |
 Photo: presentedindoublevis |
 Photo: Elias P |
 Photo: Chuan Chew |
 Photo: Chuan Chew |
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Trendy gear for cool kids |
Shop M3, Mid Level Southgate Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3006 Australia +61 (0)3 9686 7878 |
If you are shopping for special little people, Scadoodle is a great place to browse. Just be careful if you bring fashion-conscious youngsters, because they will want to take home a whole new wardrobe plus some of the exquisite and unusual toys on sale as well. All the popular local designer brands such as Fridelle, Fred Bare, Run Scotty Run and Scooter can be found here. There are also many beautiful imported garments, not found elsewhere in Melbourne--with designer price tags to match. However, keep an eye out for sale time and you are sure to pick up a bargain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Teddy bears of all shapes |
Galleria Shopping Plaza, 36/385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9670 7382 |
Teddy Bears of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures can be found in this store—for adults, as well as children! The emphasis is on quality, rather than cheap prices, with all the bears made to survive the rigors of childhood. For followers of AA Milne, Pooh, Piglet and all their friends can be found at Pooh Corner. There is also a range of doorknob bears, figurines, stickers and even watchers. Owner Sybella Murphy takes a genuine delight in all her bears and will help find the perfect friend for anyone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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This toy megastore is bigger than big |
Shop LG50 Melbourne Central Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)3 9663 8697 http://www.toysrus.com |
If you cannot find a toy at Toys R Us, it probably does not exist. Children might think they are in heaven but this huge store can be a little overwhelming. There are whole aisles devoted to Barbies and Lego for instance. Toys R Us also stocks bicycles, children's clothing and baby essentials such as nappies and tins of formula as well as car seats, prams, cots and so on. Other outlets are at the Chadstone, Balmoral, Highpoint West, Northland and Knox City Shopping Centres. Check the web site for details: you can also buy online. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The toyshop around the corner |
551 Riversdale Road Camberwell Melbourne, VIC 3124 Australia +61 (0)3 9882 8576 http://www.toyworld.com.au |
The Toyworld chain of toy shops bills itself as Australia's largest group of independent toy specialists. There are some 200 stores around the country. Check out the web site or the phone book for one near you. You are sure to find something to please even the fussiest child here. Stock ranges from large items such as bikes and playhouses down to tiny doll's house furniture and the latest in fads such as Pokemon trading cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |