Game on! Arcade Alley brings retro fun to Gungahlin

Posted on 12 May, 2025

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about carnival games.

That satisfying plunk as a ring lands on a bottle, the strategic manoeuvring of a claw machine, the simple joy of hooking a duck – these childhood pleasures never really lose their charm. And this winter, Marketplace Gungahlin is tapping into that timeless appeal with Arcade Alley, a pop-up gaming experience that’s bringing a touch of fairground magic to the heart of Gungahlin.

Over four weekends, the space outside Big W will transform into a hub of old-school entertainment. But unlike the carnival games of your childhood (where that giant teddy bear always seemed frustratingly out of reach), this one comes with considerably better odds – 80 instant prizes are up for grabs, plus four major prizes for those feeling particularly lucky.

The lineup features the classics – Hook a Duck for the little ones, Ring Toss for those with steady hands, and of course, The Claw Machine, the mechanical nemesis that has simultaneously delighted and frustrated generations. And whether you’re introducing your kids to these games or reliving your own youth, you have to admit that there’s something undeniably charming about these low-tech entertainments in our otherwise digital world.

To sweeten the deal, complimentary popcorn or fairy floss will be available every day for both participants and onlookers, because nothing enhances the carnival experience quite like sticky fingers and sugar highs.

But how can you claim your prizes? Participating is straightforward: spend $30 in Marketplace Gungahlin between 19 May and 15 June, scan the QR code, upload your receipt, and collect your token. Each play puts you in the running for those instant prizes (totalling over $2,000) and enters you into the major draw for a $500 gift card.

The activation runs from 10 am to 3 pm on the weekends of 24 and 25 May, 31 May and 1 June, 7 and 8 June and 14 and 15 June – perfect timing for those chilly Canberra weekends when indoor entertainment becomes increasingly appealing.

Whether you’re looking to entertain restless kids, engage in some friendly competition with friends, or simply indulge in a bit of nostalgia, Arcade Alley offers a welcome diversion from the typical shopping experience. And who knows? You might just walk away with more than just sugar covered fingers and fond memories.