Best Remote Control Cars Australia
Remote control cars in Australia span two distinct categories: toy-grade (ready-to-run, sealed batteries, disposable) and hobby-grade (upgradeable, repairable, performance-tunable). Traxxas, ARRMA and HPI Racing dominate Australian hobby RC, while ZURU, Nikko and Hot Wheels lead the toy segment. Australian voltage standard is 230V/50Hz — all RC car chargers must be Australian-compatible (most modern chargers are universal 100-240V). We cross-referenced RC Australia community forums, Amazon Australia and specialist RC retailers (Hobbyco, Modelflight) to identify the top picks for 2026.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Hobby-grade vs toy-grade: Toy-grade RC cars (Kmart, Big W) are sealed units with no upgrade path. Hobby-grade (Traxxas, ARRMA) are repairable, upgradeable and perform significantly better — spend AU$300+ for hobby-grade.
- 2Australian voltage: RC car wall chargers must be 100-240V compatible for Australian 230V outlets — check before buying imported US models.
- 3Scale: 1/10 scale is the Australian RC community's most popular size — balances performance and portability. 1/8 scale offers more power but requires more space.
- 4Electric vs nitro: Electric RC cars are more popular in Australia due to lower maintenance, no fuel management and better apartment/suburban compatibility.
- 5Brushed vs brushless: Brushless motors (found in higher-end models) are more efficient and faster. For children, brushed motors are fine; for adult hobbyists, brushless is the standard.
Top 6 Toys & Games Picks for Australia
Traxxas
Traxxas Rustler 1/10 Scale Electric RC Stadium Truck
| Scale | 1/10 |
| Speed | 35mph+ (brushed) |
| Motor | Titan 12T 550 brushed |
| Battery | 7-cell NiMH 8.4V included |
Pros
- Ready-to-run — includes battery and charger
- 35mph+ with brushed motor (70mph+ with brushless upgrade)
- Traxxas Australian dealer network for parts and warranty
- Upgrade path to brushless motor and LiPo battery
Cons
- AU$299-349 price
- Brushed motor version limited vs brushless upgrade
Verdict
Australia's most popular hobby-grade RC car — 35mph, ready-to-run, upgradeable Traxxas platform.
ARRMA
ARRMA Granite Mega 1/10 4WD Monster Truck
| Scale | 1/10 |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Motor | Mega 550 brushed |
| Terrain | All-terrain |
Pros
- 4WD for Australian gravel and grass terrain
- Bash-proof design — survives rough Australian terrain bashing
- AU$349-399 price — good value for 4WD hobby-grade
- Wide Australian parts availability
Cons
- Brushed motor (brushless upgrade available separately)
- Heavy at 2.7kg
Verdict
Australia's top bashing RC car — 4WD, mega-charged speed and ARRMA's bash-proof reputation.
ZURU
ZURU RC Stunt Car
| Type | Toy-grade |
| Power | Rechargeable USB battery |
| Stunts | 360-degree rotation |
| Age | 6+ |
Pros
- 360-degree stunt rotations
- USB rechargeable battery
- ZURU AU-founded brand — ACL-compliant
- AU$39-59 — affordable Australian kids gift
Cons
- Toy-grade — not upgradeable
- No Australian hobby community support
Verdict
Best toy-grade RC car for Australian kids — 360 degree stunts, rechargeable, AU$39-59.
Tamiya
Tamiya RC 1/10 Toyota GR86 Building Kit
| Scale | 1/10 |
| Type | Kit (assembly required) |
| Body | Toyota GR86 |
| Brand | Tamiya Japan |
Pros
- Authentic 1:10 Toyota GR86 body kit
- Building experience as rewarding as driving
- Tamiya Australia parts widely available
- Club-racing compatible chassis
Cons
- AU$249-299 — kit only (no electronics included)
- Requires separate servo, ESC and motor purchase
Verdict
Best RC car kit for Australian hobbyists — Japanese craftsmanship, building experience included.
Mattel
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks RC
| Type | Toy-grade |
| Brand | Mattel |
| Power | Rechargeable |
| Age | 5+ |
Pros
- Hot Wheels brand recognition for Australian kids
- Larger monster truck size — easier to control
- USB rechargeable
- Wide availability at Kmart, Big W and Target AU
Cons
- Toy-grade construction
- Limited control range
Verdict
Best entry-level RC for Australian children — recognisable Hot Wheels branding, AU$49-69.
BEZGAR
BEZGAR 1/16 Scale RC Off-Road Truck
| Scale | 1/16 |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Control | 2.4GHz |
| Battery | 7.4V LiPo |
Pros
- 4WD with all-terrain chunky tyres
- AU$89-109 — between toy and hobby grade
- 2.4GHz interference-free control
- Available on Amazon Australia with Prime delivery
Cons
- Limited Australian hobby community support for repairs
- Parts less available than Traxxas/ARRMA
Verdict
Best mid-tier Australian RC truck — 4WD, all-terrain tyres, AU$89-109 Amazon Australia price.
Editor's Note
The Australian RC car hobby community is active via RC Australia forums and Facebook groups. Hobbyco (Sydney) and Modelflight (online) are the most reputable Australian hobby RC retailers with post-sale service. Traxxas Australia warranty claims go through authorised Australian dealers — verify dealer status before purchase to ensure local warranty support.
Our Take
Kids under 10: Maisto RC Buggy from Big W (AU$39-59, sealed unit, great value). Kids 10+: TRAXXAS Rustler (AU$299, hobby-grade, upgradeable). Adult hobbyist: ARRMA Granite Mega (AU$349, durable, widely repaired in Australia). Collector/display: Tamiya 1/10 kits (available from Hobbyco).
Honourable Mentions
Traxxas Slash 1/10 2WD Short Course Truck
Australia's most popular racing RC truck — 2WD Slash dominates Australian short course racing clubs.
HPI Racing Savage XS Flux
Compact brushless monster truck with Australian HPI dealer support — strong choice for Australian RC bashers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best RC car for kids in Australia?
For young children (under 8): Maisto RC Buggy from Big W or Kmart (AU$39-59). For older kids (10+): Traxxas Rustler or ARRMA Granite — hobby-grade cars with local Australian dealer warranty support.
Where to buy RC cars in Australia?
Hobbyco (Sydney), Modelflight (online) and RC Hobbies are the best Australian hobby RC retailers. Big W, Kmart and Amazon Australia stock toy-grade RC cars. Amazon Australia carries some hobby-grade brands at competitive pricing.
Are Traxxas RC cars available in Australia?
Yes — Traxxas is widely available in Australia through authorised dealers including Hobbyco and RC Hobbies. Australian warranty support is through authorised dealers. Always verify Australian dealer status for warranty claims.
What is hobby-grade vs toy-grade RC in Australia?
Toy-grade RC cars (Kmart, Big W, AU$30-100) are sealed units with no upgrade or repair path. Hobby-grade RC cars (Traxxas, ARRMA, AU$250-500+) are repairable, upgradeable and perform significantly better — the Australian RC community recommends hobby-grade for anyone serious about the hobby.
What is the fastest RC car you can buy in Australia?
Traxxas XO-1 is the fastest production RC car available in Australia — reaching 160km/h. For most Australian buyers, ARRMA Felony or Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL are the practical speed-performance options at AU$400-600.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.