The Train and Hobby Show’s humble beginnings in 2007 are from a group of enthusiastic railway modellers that wanted to have a small model train show, to fill in a gap that was left by a cancelled major show. The first show had just over 40 exhibits in one room at Sandown. The show has now grown to over 80 exhibits  with more than 600 exhibitors, spread over 2 indoor levels and 3 outdoor spaces and expanded out to additional hobbies

In 2016 we introduced radio controlled models with RC Trucks and RC Tanks on display and then in 2019 even more radio controlled models were added to the lineup including RC boats & RC drones setup in an exciting racing display.  That year also saw the addition of other hobby activities such as art & craft and Ham Radio.

There is plenty to do and see including train rides, LEGO, radio controlled vehicles of sorts, interactive displays, club information stands just to name a few.

With so much to see and do, there is a whole day of family fun at a price that even the most budget conscious families can afford.

Exhibits
Exhibitors
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Visitors
1
Shows

Venue

Sandown Racecourse and Entertainment Centre
591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale, VIC, 3171

Melways: Map 80 C10

  • Air conditioned and carpeted
  • Free onsite car parking
  • Elevator and Escalators available
  • Sandown Racecourse is fully accessible venue. Dedicated parking spaces are available at Gate 2. 

2025 Date & Time

  • Saturday 15th March 10am – 5pm
  • Sunday 16th March 10am – 4pm

Prices

Tickets will be available at the gate during the show.

Adult: $20 per adult per day
Kids: $5 per child per day (4 – 15 years old)
Kids under 3 FREE

Save time, purchase tickets online.
Adult: $20 per adult per day (+ booking fees)

Kids: $5 per child per day (+ booking fees)

 Click here for Online Purchases

Getting to the show

 

 

  • Bus No 800 (Chadstone to Dandenong) stops along Princes Highway.
  • Sandown has its own train station on the Cranbourne/Pakenham line. Just a 6 minute walk to Gate 2
  • Drive down and leverage our free onsite parking

Visit ptv.vic.gov.au for assistance in planning public transport to get to the venue

 

Conditions of Entry & FAQ

  • No Smoking.
  • No pets allowed except guide dogs.
  • Alcohol must not be brought into the venue. 
  • No bare feet.

Any person deemed to behaving in a manner that is unacceptable to Management may be refused admission or removed from the event without a refund. Such behaviour includes, but is not limited to, being adversely affected by the consumption of alcohol or drugs or participating in offensive or dangerous activities including aggressive behaviour. While attending the event as a member of the audience or exhibitor your image or voice may be recorded (by any form of audio or visual recordings) and that any photography, audio file or images of you may be published or broadcasted in any medium.

FAQs

  • Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
    • There is no minimum or maximam age. Photo ID may be requested.
  • What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
    • See above details under Venue and Getting to the show
  • How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
  • What’s the refund policy?
    • We do not offer a refund on tickets purchased
  • Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
    • Yes, make sure you have your tickets
  • Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
    • No.
  • Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
    • No.

Exhibits

There is a mixture of exhibitors putting on displays and activities as well as commercial traders.
Model Railways exhibits are primarily in the main ground floor multipurpose room.  This is a large 1980sqm carpeted space.
Upstairs additional exhibits and traders can be found across both the combined Committee Room & Let’s Elope Room as well as the Samson Room, reachable via both stairwells & escalators from the ground the floor as well as an elevator.
 

The Team

RICHARD SEARLES

EXHIBITION manager

IAN COMPORT

OPERATIONS MANAGER

BRIAN COMPORT

COMMERCIAL MANAGER

CATHY WORSNOP

OFFICE MANAGER

DAVID ROITMAN

WEBSITE manager

Michelle brown

Makers, arts & Crafts Manager

stuart lamont

home automation manager

ROBERT BAIRD

LARGE SCALE RACING TRUCKS & BUGGIES

WAYNE COOKE

HAM RADIO & ELECTRONICS CO-ORDINATOR