Looking for info on 'The Zone' arcade in Sydney from the 90s : Australian Lost Media!

Looking for info on 'The Zone' arcade in Sydney from the 90s

I'm compiling a history of classic Aussie arcades and 'The Zone' in Sydney is one of the ones that barely anyone remembers. It was a short-lived arcade near Darling Harbour, and I'm struggling to find photos or brochures – any memorabilia would be amazing. I am particularly interested in the list of games they had and any events they might have hosted. If you have any info or know someone who might, please let me know!

Submitted 9 months, 2 weeks ago by RetroOzArcade

Honestly, it's like The Zone's a ghost, barely anyone's got a clue about it. Checked some old gaming forums and it's mentioned like twice with no deets. Weird how some places just disappear from memory.

9 months, 2 weeks ago by DigiDude22

The Zone was my jam! They had a Virtuality VR setup. Remember thinking it was the future of gaming lol. There were also classic Pac-man, Galaga, and the likes. Also, I vaguely remember they tried to do some 'laser nights' with fog machines and everything. Might have a mixtape from around then with The Zone mentioned in ads, will check!

9 months, 2 weeks ago by Gamegal80s

Never heard of The Zone, but sounds like it was a cool place. Have you tried looking through classified ads from the 90s? Sometimes arcades advertised there. Might not be much, but could have a lead or two.

9 months, 2 weeks ago by SydArcadeFan

Hey! I remember The Zone, had a very cyberpunk feel to it. Neon lights and all that jazz. Was pretty young so no photos, sorry mate. There was a big Daytona USA setup, remember getting schooled by the older kids. They had rare stuff too, like one of those full-scale After Burner cabinets. Man, wish I had more for you, hope someone comes through with the goods!

9 months, 2 weeks ago by PixelPete92

Lol The Zone? More like The Gone. You looking for Loch Ness while you're at it? Maybe ask Bigfoot for some pics, good luck with that one mate.

9 months, 2 weeks ago by trollin_downunder

The Zone was a sick spot, shame it vanished into thin air pretty much. Can't remember all the games but there was definitely Mortal Kombat, had Raiden plastered all over the cabinet. Lost heaps of coins in that machine! As for events, dunno about specific ones, but they did have high score comps fairly regularly.

9 months, 2 weeks ago by DarlingHarbourKid

I'm actually working on a similar project. 'The Zone' was a bit of an enigma even back in the day, but I've managed to dig up some council records that suggest it was in operation from late '94 until about '97. Unfortunately, documentation is scarce, but I did find a reference to a Street Fighter tournament they hosted in 1996. I'll be visiting the local library next week for more archives — if I find photos or game lists, I'll drop you a line!

9 months, 2 weeks ago by SydneyHistorian

Oh man 'The Zone'! Legends speak of that place, had a mate who went a couple times. Sad I never got to see it myself. From what I remember, he wouldn't shut up about playing Time Crisis there. I'll hit him up, see if he's got any old photos lying around. Good luck with your search!