What Is The Nightlife Like In Australia?

It’s no secret that Australia is a destination chock-full of fun, excitement, and adventure - and its nightlife scene is no exception! If you’re visiting from another continent, you may notice some differences when you hit the bars, clubs, and music venues after dark. But rest assured there’s heaps of fun to be had up and down the East Coast! Here’s our full run-down on all things Aussie nightlife:

Does Australia have good nightlife?

Australia does a lot of things well. Scenic road trips, thrilling adventures, dreamy blue oceans, stunning wildlife, heavenly coffee, friendly locals, tropical islands, fabulous weather, and once-in-a-lifetime attractions might be a few of the things that first come to mind. But when the sun goes down, a vibrant nightlife scene awakens all over the East Coast of Australia!

Whether you’re looking for buzzing nightclubs, trendy rooftop bars, lively concerts and festivals, or glamorous boat parties, there’s something for you! 

If you’re coming from abroad, there are a few cultural contrasts you might notice about Aussie pubs and clubs. Some of the top differences that backpackers tend to notice when they hit the town Down Under:

• There are a lot more outdoor, beachside, and rooftop venues: Australia’s climate entices people to stay outdoors a lot longer than they might want to in other parts of the world. When the night air is warm and pleasant, a rooftop bar suddenly sounds a lot more appealing than a sweaty underground club. If you’re lucky enough to be based somewhere along the coast, seaside venues are bound to be the most popular spots.

• People dress casually: Aussies are famous for their laid-back, easygoing way of life. It might come as a surprise to some overseas visitors, but this extends to their fashion choices too. You can expect to see lots of bar patrons in Australia’s coastal cities dressed in flip flops and flat shoes, and light, comfortable clothes. If you’re dying to get dolled up to the nines, don’t worry, you won’t stick out like a sore thumb. But unless you’re going to the most glamorous spots, there’s no need to put pressure on yourself or your closet.

• Different cities have different specialities: Spoiler alert: Australia is huge! Within it, there are so many cities, beach towns, and festivals that have their own vibe entirely. The diversity between each stop along the East Coast is hard to miss. It means that, while one destination might have a thriving techno scene, the next might not have a nightclub in sight, but be heaving with cosy pubs that boast great live music. So, if one city on your Aussie bucket list isn’t doing it for you after hours, you can rest assured that the next will be totally different! A prime example is Sydney and Melbourne: Both major cities have thriving nightlife scenes, but offer patrons a totally different experience! 

• People go out early: Generally speaking, Aussies wake up early and don’t stay out too late. To make sure they’re getting the most of their nights out, it’s typical for locals to start their night out a little earlier than foreigners might be used to, then head home at a more reasonable hour. There are a few reasons for this. For one, the warmer climate in Australia makes evening outings a dream. After-work drinks, beach-side socialising, and sunset happy hours are all the rage here. Secondly, lockout laws that used to restrict opening hours in different Aussie states have altered how locals look at their nights out. Starting the night early means there’s more time to have fun!

What are the lockout laws in Australia? 

In the past, Australian nightlife had a bad reputation thanks to lockout laws that were imposed in different states and cities. The laws, which required late night venues to restrict entry after a certain hour, were introduced in an effort to reduce antisocial behaviours and alcohol-related incidents. However, in most places the laws were heavily protested and in more recent years they have been relaxed.

Sydney lockout laws

Lockout laws were the strictest in Sydney. The restrictions, introduced by the New South Wales government in 2014, required licensed venues in and around Sydney’s CBD to restrict entry after 1:30am, and stop serving certain drinks after midnight. The laws had a huge impact on the city’s nightlife scene, and even resulted in some venues closing down due to low revenue. As of 2020, the NSW government has started easing up lockout laws in Sydney. Today, they have mostly been lifted.

Where to party in Australia

Every major spot along the East Coast of Australia has something different and exciting to offer its resident party animals. So, what are you looking for: A grungy, culture-heavy, music hub like Melbourne, a beach party paradise like Airlie Beach, a swanky city with hand-crafted cocktails on every corner like Sydney, or a wild backpacker’s haven like Cairns? If you need a little help deciding, you should check out our full guide on which Australian cities have the best nightlife.

Perhaps you’re more in the mood for a music festival. But were you leaning toward a large-scale headline pop festival, a trippy rave cave, or an all-out country hoedown? Lucky for you, we’ve already compiled a list of the top Australian music festivals for backpackers. Fair warning: You’ll be spoiled for choice!

Is there a clubbing scene in Australia?

Yes, there’s a thriving clubbing scene here. So, if you’re looking for a little more *oonts oonts* from your nights out, the major Aussie towns and cities have got you covered. Dotted all over the East Coast cities, you’ll find DJs tearing up techno havens, queer dance spaces, boiler rooms, underground raves, and R&B discos. We’ll recommend a few, but as seasoned partygoers will know, the best clubs are often the ones you haven’t even heard of!

Top nightclubs in Sydney

• For a flashy rooftop pool: Ivy, CBD

• For three storeys of club classics: Home, Darling Harbour

• For raving 'til the sun comes up: Abercrombie, Chippendale

• For dancing divas and drag queens: Arq, Oxford Street

Top nightclubs in Melbourne

• For live music and weekend benders: Revolver Upstairs, Prahran

• For sweaty dancing to electronic bops: Sub Club, CBD

• For R&B and Afrobeats: Section 8, CBD

• For open-air clubbing: Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood

Top nightclubs in Brisbane 

• For a lively mega-club: Wonderland or The Met, Fortitude Valley

• For drum and bass: Bunker, Fortitude Valley

• For cheesy old school bangers: Retro’s Fortitude Valley

Top nightclubs in the Gold Coast

• For a celebrated club venue: Elsewhere, Surfers Paradise

• For late, late house and techno nights: Tempo, Surfers Paradise

• For commercial dance clubbing: Cocktails, Surfers Paradise

Top nightclubs in Cairns 

• For hardcore backpacker partying: Gilligan’s, 

• For a jam-packed dance floor: The Woolshed

• For techno and trance music: Bar 94

Ready to party your way up and down Australia? Check out our East Coast itineraries and that let you stop off at the top nightlife hubs.

Or, build your own itinerary with our customised itinerary builder to make sure you can hit the best clubs.