EPISODE 3: STEVE BRUCE’S PINBALL PARADISE
A PLAYGROUND FOR THE INNER CHILD
After a night in Ballina and a cheeky detour through Byron Bay, we crossed the border into Queensland and headed west of Brisbane to a pocket of magic called Bonogin.
That is where we found Steve Bruce and his legendary property, proudly named Bruce Manor. The front gates set the tone immediately, welcoming us with a custom sign etched with the Batman insignia. Before we even stepped inside, it was clear this place was built with imagination switched firmly on.
MEET THE MAN OF THE MANOR
Steve Bruce is the kind of bloke who feels like family within minutes. The cool uncle everyone wanted growing up. The one who never quite lost touch with his inner kid, and never saw a reason to.
A successful businessman with ventures spanning earthworks and the travel industry, Steve has built a world where craftsmanship and nostalgia collide beautifully.
We were greeted by Steve, his loyal dachshund, and a crew of pinball mates. Eight or nine legends who form a tight-knit fraternity of collectors, hobbyists, and mechanical obsessives. Every man has a role to play at Bruce Manor.
Matt, a sign wrapper from Signarama, designs artwork for many of the machines. Dave, an electrician and master pinball mechanic, keeps these intricate beasts alive and firing. Together, they are the backbone of this pinball kingdom.
PINBALL HEAVEN
Step inside and the senses light up instantly.
Flashing lights. The rhythmic clack of bumpers. That unmistakable electric hum of nostalgia.
Steve’s collection features 24 mechanical pinball machines and counting, with a combined value well into the hundreds of thousands. Each machine tells a story, spanning seventies classics through to the high-tech icons of the nineties.
Indiana Jones. Monster Bash. The Addams Family. Terminator. Creature from the Black Lagoon. Whitewater. All lined up like sacred relics in a mechanical museum.
Then there is the crown jewel. A custom-built Mad Max pinball machine designed from scratch and inspired by the first two films of the legendary Australian franchise. Gritty, loud, unapologetic, and completely original. A machine that feels like Steve himself, translated into steel and circuitry.
For anyone dreaming of building a home arcade, this is the gold standard. (SHOP PINBALL MACHINES)
THE BROTHERHOOD OF PINBALL
This is not a solo pursuit. It is a shared obsession.
Steve’s pinball mates form a brotherhood built on problem-solving, late nights, spare parts, and a deep appreciation for mechanical beauty. When something breaks, someone knows how to fix it. When a machine needs art, wiring, or fine-tuning, there is always a trusted hand ready.
Bruce Manor works because it is built on friendship as much as hardware.
A ZIP LINE, A SEGWAY, AND A LESSON IN FUN
Out the back of Bruce Manor sits something completely unexpected. A zip line.
House rules say every guest must take a ride before touching a pinball machine. Naturally, we complied.
The entire setup radiates joy. It is Steve’s reminder that no matter how serious life becomes, the inner child still deserves airtime.
If that was not enough, Steve also showed us his preferred mode of transport around the property. A Segway. He uses it for everything from quick errands to taking the bins out. We watched him glide uphill, bins in tow, with the ease of a Sunday stroll.
He thought we might struggle. We did not. Ducks to water.
INSIDE BRUCE MANOR
Between zip line runs and pinball battles, we set up our podcast gear right in the heart of the cave.
Surrounded by the buzz, ping, and glow of 24 machines, we recorded an episode that felt equal parts interview and sensory overload. Lights flashing. Flippers firing. Laughter bouncing off every surface. (SHOP PINBALL MACHINES)
This is exactly what the 2025 Man Cave Tour was built for.
FAQs: BUILDING YOUR OWN MAN CAVE ARCADE
How can I start collecting pinball machines?
Start small. Look for second-hand machines online or through auctions. Learn basic maintenance and connect with local pinball communities to build knowledge and contacts.
How much space do I need for a pinball setup?
Each machine needs roughly two square metres, plus room to move comfortably. A double garage or converted shed works well for a small arcade.
How do I keep vintage machines in good condition?
Regular cleaning, humidity control, and electrical maintenance are essential. Having an electrician mate on speed dial also helps.
THE SPIRIT OF THE TOUR
Bruce Manor is not just a man cave. It is a full sensory playground and a celebration of friendship, creativity, and nostalgia.
From the custom Mad Max machine to the zip line out back, every detail is driven by joy. It is proof that growing older does not mean giving up play. It just means upgrading how you do it.
Next stop brings another cave, another story, and more proof that imagination never retires. It simply evolves.
