Events

Published on March 2nd, 2025 | by Andrew Paul

2025 Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair … they’re baaaack! (Melbourne Toy Fair 2025)

Australia’s largest toy fair is back at the Melbourne Exhibition & Conference Centre that showcases new toys, hobbies and licensed products that unfortunately for the public is a closed event for only retailers, wholesalers and other trade-related entities. However, there is a small window open to the media, bloggers and influencers, including some of their family (more so younger children) to check out some of the latest toys, collectibles and products that you never knew existed.

With a two hour window, we were up for the challenge and with so many products and super friendly retailers, it was truly like being a kid in a candy store… well toy shop!

Also as a thank you for attending, our girls were also given an amazing gift bag that included products from 30 different exhibitors that ranged from the larger companies such as Mattel and Lego to craft-focused ones like Okto to puzzles dealers (MJM) and trading cards from Banter to one my personal favourites, Spinmasters’ Rubik’s Wednesday Cube with Thing stand to boot!

The full list of gifting distributors can be found at the bottom of this article so kudos to you all! However, inside the trade event there was even more gifting!

Before entering the exhibition, there was a life size Gabby’s Doll House to visit, a giant pool ball from Wahu and displays of three of the hottest movies for families this year, Jurassic World Rebirth, How to Train Your Dragon and the new Lilo & Stitch.

Also walking through the exhibition were some special guests that included the Man of Steel himself – Superman, his cousin Supergirl, LEGO brick people, Barney the Dinosaur and even former yellow Wiggle, Emma Olivia Watkins that made the experience even more enjoyable.

With over 300 exhibitors, including over 15-countries, the Melbourne Toy Fair is definitely like the Olympics of Toys and Hobbies and yes, it made the adults of our group feel like big kids again.

And as they say in the classics… a picture is worth a thousand words and indeed it is, not to mention an infinite number of stories…

Understandably there was plenty of everyone’s favourite alien Stitch throughout the entire exhibition, including this awesome Hawaiin inspired beach scene.

Ty had a huge stand that featured their very popular “Beanies” with plenty of cuddly ones to pop culture classics like Darth Bader and the Hulk! Everyone loves a huggable incredible Hulk!

Although LEGO had a large presence, unfortunately it was invite only into their brick Castle! I’m guessing their range of 2025 products were inside that colourful building.

Squishmellows aplenty… including a super cool Squishmellow couch!

The ATA (Australia Toy Association) also showcased some of their product winners and yes Barbie was there!

Collectibles? It doesn’t get cooler than the Adam West Batman and Scooby Gang.

Sitch and co.

The definitive Superman action figure starring none other than Christopher Reeve immortalised as the Last Son of Krypton!

Rocky Balboa and everyone’s favorite heller, Bluey was littered throughout the event.

Tonies are audio books with figurines and best of all, you can purchase figurines where you can record your own stories – what a great idea to capture the voice of a family member.

Hasbro … another invite only area.

Cotton Candy Australia and the Grinch

Wild Republic showcased some of their more realistic teddy’s

URDU Legends and Worlds Beyond – impressive to say the least

The world’s favourite collectible company displayed some of their amazing new Funko’s from Captain America to Emperor Palpaltine and more!

KaZaang had their bubble guns and amazing range (highly accurate) water pistols

Make your own bathbombs!

Bon Bon Toys European and now global classic Miffy!

Warhammer

Classic Transformers from Blokees

I never knew that Bandai Namco made collectibles but wow, the quality was outstanding

Sensory art was a highlight of the exhibition thanks to OKTO

Forget the old pool noodles and welcome to the future thanks to VOS

Flying Candy Bubbles – ok, this one surprised us because they are about to release a range of flavoured bubbles for your bubble guns that means when they pop in your mouth, they taste amazing! The cotton candy and water melon flavours were perfection.

Disney’s Cry Babies are always a hit with younger kids

Kotobukiya with their high-end collectibles and yes, that’s NieR:Automata to keen eyed readers

Moose Toys who are a giant in the toy industry gave us a sneak peak of some of their hottest toys for 2025 but sadly, it’s all under an NDA! Needless to say, if you’re a fan of Moose Toys, there’s something very cool coming your way.

With two hours to explore 2025 Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair (aka Melbourne Toy Fair), it was a visual and sensory treat. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore every stand but for the ones we did, it was an absolute treat and 2025 is looking like a wonderful year for toys, hobbies, collectibles, crafts and everything fun. Thanks to the Australian Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair hosting us and for all the wonderful exhibitors, including those who gifted items for the gift bag and throughout the show.

Toys… toys… and more toys (well… cards, crafts, teddy bears and collectibles!)