Hobbyco: Sydney

I don't think of Hobbyco as a shop, but as a museum/ art gallery where the curators provide you tips for your next exquisite creation.

Lining the walls are professionally constructed models of sailing ships, tanks, cars, fighter jets, submarines, motorcycles, ufos, military figurines, and even an operating system of model trains which scoot around on an 8 metres squared platform.

The shelves are filled with kits for every model with all ranges of difficulty. Having bought my first pirate ship model when I was 12, I can attest to the fact that the models can start out to be quite easy. However, only the experts would dare to attempt the quadripple deckered 'Big Bertha' complete with 140 miniture bronze cannons.

In addition, there is half a level dedicated to painting supplies and materials. Another section had a lot of wool and what looked like knitting supplies.

If you're ever lost or confused, the staff (who are generally hobbyists themselves) will always point you in the right direction or even take a hands on approach if you brought your model in.

You don't need to have a hobby to have fun at Hobbyco, but you are unlikely to leave without one.