Here We Go: An Augmented-Reality Go-Kart Racing Experience Is Zipping Into Melbourne in Early 2024

Fans of classic racing games like Mario Kart are in for a real treat as the BattleKart crew prepares to bring a live-action version to Melbourne in February 2024.

For the augmented-reality racing game, drivers will jump into a real electric go-kart and whiz around an empty 3000-square-metre shed in West Footscray that's lit up by projectors. But you won't just be driving around a lit-up racecourse — you'll be properly interacting with it as well.

Pass over mystery boxes to get bonuses like speed boosters, missiles you can shoot at other drivers (using the triggers on your steering wheel), and oil that causes others to spin out. It's all very Nintendo 64 Mario Kart, just without the licensing.

And if racing isn't your jam, you can try a bunch of different driving games at BattleKart. Get around an augmented reality soccer game where you 'kick' balls around the lit-up field — or an IRL version of Snake where you try to grow the longest tail while avoiding everyone else.

These do sound cool, but the adrenaline-inducing races are sure to be the highlight.

BattleKart already has 23 sites across Europe, with this being its first Australian venture. According to its team, this will be the first time technology like this will be available to the Australian public as well.

BattleKart is set to open in February 2024 at 50 McArthur Street, West Footscray. For more information, check out the venue's website.