Find Your Fun! at Funlab Maroochydore
Wishing life was a little more FUN? Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers an amazing venue where you can gather your crew, embrace your inner child, and play all day (and night). Let the good times roll!
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and forget to have fun, especially when you’ve been adulting hard. But thanks to Funlab – a global brand on a mission to create a universe of play – there’s a place on the
Sunshine Coast offering three fantastic (or rather, fun-tastic) experiences where you can let loose, play games and create joyful, uplifting memories with friends and family. Enter Strike Bowling, Holey Moley mini golf and Archie Brothers arcade: three competitive socialising experiences under one roof at Maroochydore’s Big Top Shopping Centre on Ocean Street. From family gatherings and birthdays to corporate events, community groups, hen and stag parties – or simply for the sheer fun of it – there’s something here for everyone.
You’ll be bowled over by Strike Bowling – a low-lit, stylish playground for grownups that goes well beyond the standard lanes. Think disco bowling with pumping music and lights, a cocktail bar mixing mojitos, margys and more, plus karaoke rooms when you feel like belting out a tune, and an escape room to put your wits to the test.
Holey Moley, meanwhile, takes putt-putt to a whole new wild, imaginative level. Bursting with humour, puns and cocktails, it’s no ordinary mini-golf course. Instead you’ll literally have a ball putting your way through a super-creative course featuring shark-infested waters, a life-sized Monopoly board and plenty of pop-culture nods, from The Simpsons to Game of Thrones.
And then there’s Archie Brothers – a spectacular arcade-carnival hybrid where the games are nostalgic, the cocktails are outrageous and the atmosphere is pure theatre. Joy sparks the moment you enter, with vintage décor, carnival vibes and cabinets full of quirky treasures. Play, win tickets, swap them for lollies
or prizes, and revel in the rush of rediscovering your childhood favourites with a grown-up twist.
From the surroundings to the food and staff (aka ‘motherfunners’), every detail is designed to transport you into an alternate universe of fun. Sunshine Coast Venue Manager Wayne Robson, who’s been with Funlab for 11 years, says there’s nothing quite like it.
“We’ve created this lush, opulent, sensory playground for all ages, where you can experience competitive socialising at its finest,” he says, “You have to see it to believe it!”
For Wayne and his team, the joy comes from making magic happen every day.
“We’re privileged to have a job that lets us be of service and make someone’s day, week or month. We do whatever it takes to ensure everyone has a great experience,” he said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – we’re empowered to service the person in front of us in a way that works for them, which is what makes it special.”
Of course, you can’t have fun on an empty stomach, and the menu is stacked with delicious eats to keep you going: burgers, pizzas, tacos, cauliflower bites, corn ribs, sharing plates and more.
Drinks are equally creative, with themed cocktails designed to surprise and delight. Try the Podium Punch served in a winner’s trophy at Holey Moley; the Ginger Split in a bowling pin at Strike; or the Circus Sour topped with candyfloss at Archie Brothers, as well as concoctions served in disco balls, unicorn mugs and other playful vessels – almost anything you can dream of!
Wayne is passionate about giving back, supporting local schools, charities and community groups including Wishlist, Headspace and Golfers of All Abilities.
“We love helping people experience the magic of Strike Bowling, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers,” he says. “It’s about more than just games – it’s about connection.”
That commitment extends to the planet too. Funlab has recently achieved B-Corp status, and Wayne has been recognised for leadership in sustainability, with the Maroochydore venue winning the company’s Green Fairy Gangster Award for its recycling programs, emissions reporting and other eco-friendly initiatives.
“It’s important that we do good while having fun,” Wayne says. “We’re always improving and striving to do better.”
The Funlab philosophy is simple:
“The world is better when we fun together.”
And we couldn’t agree more. Grab your mates or your date, head along, play your way, and discover your new favourite playground on the FUNshine Coast! www.fun-lab.com
