Step into another world with virtual reality
In a softly glowing room in Newcastle’s CBD, right above Newy Burger Co, virtual worlds collide with real ones at Novacade VR – Newcastle’s only virtual reality arcade.
Built from the ground up by local couple, Kerry and Ash, this immersive gaming space isn’t just about headsets and high scores – it’s about creativity and exploring the future of play.
“I started using virtual reality whilst studying for architecture projects. I was having a lot of fun using the technology and then seeing people use it and watching their reactions. It’s an amazing technology that has so many applications and potential uses,” Kerry said.
From the second Kerry got his hands on his own VR headset, the idea for Novacade VR was sparked, developing the business concept through the NEIS program, before officially launching in late February, 2025.
“Finding a space was really hard because everywhere we looked there would be a column right in the middle, which just doesn’t work for the free roam sessions we wanted to offer.”
Now fully operational, Novacade VR offers three distinct types of sessions – Free Roam VR, Room Scale VR, and VR Treadmills – catering to everyone from first timers to seasoned gamers.
“We’ve had a lot of families come through and play together. We’ve also had groups of guys come through where one might already have a headset and they’re trying to convince their mates to get one.”
While Free Roam VR remains the most popular option, Kerry is still passionate about the potential of omni-directional treadmills and their unmatched freedom of movement.
“Originally, I wanted a space to be able to offer these treadmills, but I’m realising people are still learning about them and right now, it might still seem like a bit of a novelty.”
But it’s not just about the games.
“There’s a lot of potential in VR beyond gameplay. Kerry put my grandma through a walkthrough of Pompeii. That’s just an example that shows that it isn’t always structured – it can be educational or just exploratory,” Ash said.
Whether you’re navigating a rhythm game, solving puzzles in a VR escape room, or simply exploring a beautifully rendered world, the focus is on fun, curiosity, and immersion.
The arcade itself is tucked away up the stairs behind Newy Burger Co. on Hunter Street. The space is clean, modern, and designed with flexibility in mind.
Players can book sessions for single-player or multiplayer experiences directly through the website or via their Instagram DMs.
For those eager to try their hand at the treadmills without booking in for a full session, the couple will be setting up an open day down at The Ship Inn sometime in May.
“We’ll be taking two of the treadmills down for people to come in and try them out for free.”
Additionally, the treadmills are also available for mobile hire where they will come in and set them up for birthdays, work functions, or even team-building events.
Looking forward, Kerry and Ash are exploring how VR can intersect with therapy, education and design.
“With Kerry having an architecture background, we also have the potential to offer architectural walkthroughs. People can come to Kerry with their designs and he has the skills to input that into the program for people to then experience it at scale through the VR headsets.”
At its heart, Novacade VR is a nostalgic love letter to the joy of play.
“When I was growing up in Newcastle, there were arcade games in town and we even had a Laserforce and I spent a lot of time at both of those places. I have really fond memories of those times, and I wanted to bring a bit of that back to town,” Kerry said.
As Newcastle’s CBD continues to evolve, Novacade VR feels like a sign of what’s to come – a playful, curious, and tech-forward future, built by people who genuinely care about the city and its community.
