Harsh lock-out laws and alcohol restrictions have led to the belief that the nightlife and club scene in Sydney would suffer under the (some would say) draconian restrictions. We showed them otherwise. In spite of the laws, Sydney’s club scene is more vibrant and active than ever.
With fresh local talent emerging with a distinctive sound and international artists making the rounds to consistently large passionate crowds, here’s a modest collection of eight Sydney clubs that are flying the flag and leading the way in good times, great music and dedicated crowds.
By far one of the more high-profile nightclubs in the city, Chinese Laundry is an immediate must-visit for those who want a real taste of the glamorous Sydney night life. Vibrant, bright and guaranteed to draw a hip crowd every night, Chinese Laundry has quickly established a reputation as one of the most glamorous venues in Sydney. However, if you’re more concerned about the musical pedigree, Chinese Laundry also boasts one of the most consistently famed and intense dance line-ups in all of Sydney.
From bass music to dubstep to deep house, Chinese Laundry serves as a frequent space for some of Sydney’s most prominent dance labels and promoters such as Bassic, while also attracting international luminaries like Ejeca, John Digweed and James Holden. Anyone who’s spent enough time in Sydney knows that the Jersey Club sound has become fairly popular here and Chinese Laundry is as good a place as any to hear some of its greats deliver a night of hard-hitting beats and feel-good summer anthems.
Address: 111 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
On the outside it appears small and modest but appearances can be deceiving and this humble, not-for-profit venue is in fact one of Sydney’s coolest hubs for underground rock and electronic music.
Entirely run by local volunteers, the Red Rattler is a testament to the passionate creativity of Sydney’s community of artists, musicians and activists. Despite a slightly out of the way location, the Rattler is as accommodating a venue as any you’ll find with a generous bar, a classy sultry interior and an open dance-floor for the more energetic acts on the setlist.
Its function extends far beyond that of a killer nightclub however, the Rattler also serves as something of a playground for all sorts of multi-media artists and performers, taking the venue’s typical eclecticism far outside the realm of music and into all of the performing arts. Carrying everything from underground indie rock talents to electronic innovators and the occasional DJ set, the Red Rattler is sure to have something that will impress everyone, regardless of your musical tastes.
Address: 6 Faversham Street, Marrickville NSW 2204
Nestled comfortably near the Sydney CBD among a whole host of restaurants, clubs and bars, Goodgod Small Club has quickly established a name for itself as one of the most unique and spirited venues in the city with an inimitable personality and a tendency to attract some of the most acclaimed artists and DJs working today.
If you’re passionate about music, Goodgod has become an obligatory stop for some of the world’s most recognisably iconic DJs in their Australian journeys: deep house luminary Andres, techno star DJ Godfather and experimentalist Luke Vibert all among the ranks of former/future Goodgod guests. On top of these distinguished guests, Goodgod regularly maintains a packed schedule of ridiculously varied dance parties to satisfy your adventurous side.
Address:53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Located in the midst of Sydney’s Oxford Street, the Oxford Art Factory has been a dependable stalwart of the club scene for years now renowned for its success as a multi-purpose establishment. Want to experience the raw intensity of some of the heaviest, scuzziest rock and psych acts around? Hit the floor and experience a deep rhythmic techno set? Or just take it easy and enjoy a few drinks at the bar? The Art Factory has you covered at all times, and it’s this reliable exemplary service that has ensured its place as one of the more enduring venues in Sydney.
Anyone more interested in the artsy or more creative side of Sydney’s nightlife will find a lot to love in the Art Factory, which also cleverly sequences its regular DJ nights after the main gigs so there’s your after-party sorted as well!
Address: 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
For all the dedicated niche and obscure clubs that present their own wonderful flavour for a late-night experience, sometimes you really just want to go all-out and enjoy a straight-forward floor-filler experience. The Marquee, located in Pyrmont, is a glitzy glamorous audio-visual extravaganza of a venue, a massive opulent venue decorated with LED screens, lasers and as large a dancefloor as any you will find in the city.
This comes as no surprise when one considers the brand name on the venue: the Marquee has plenty of clubs outside of Australia in New York, and less surprisingly Vegas where it rules as among the more popular choices.
This is where the really big names come: Lil Jon, Avicii and Drake have all brought their star power to the Marquee and with the impressive sound system you can imagine the intense spectacle the Marquee puts on to back them up. Shamelessly pricey and admittedly quite mainstream, the Marquee is nonetheless the place to be if you wants to live large and let loose for a night.
Address: Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Now this is what could be called a “deep cut”. The Spice Cellar is the go-to club for any house or electronic aficianado. A classy, stylish basement lounge bar and club situated downtown, the Spice Cellar is a club consciously designed to emulate some the cultured clubbing experiences on might find in Europe and the States with a particularly firm eye on the famed nightclub cultures of Berlin and New York.
Even if you want to take a moment to catch your breath off the dancefloor you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the delightful bar and restaurant that’s been skillfully integrated with the rest of the club to complete the effortlessly loungey atmosphere. And with some of the finest local purveyors of deep tech house regularly holding sets, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Address: Basement Level,58 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Once upon a time the Civic Underground was known as the Civic Theatre, a vivacious live rock and cabaret venue that was also one of the most respected in Sydney’s entertainment industry. A refurbishment and renovation in 2008 has not changed that fine reputation in the slightest and the now Civic Underground has built its fame on being one of the most prominent nightclubs in Sydney.
Though somewhat small, the Underground regularly packs a punch due to not only the excellent line-up of local musicians who frequent its halls (which includes Simon Caldwell and Murat Kilic, FBi Radio DJs and house connoisseurs) but also to an impressively high-quality sound system that guarantees an unforgettable live experience. The Underground covers house to electro to techno, with Friday nights even providing a steady slice of disco for anyone game for it.
Address: The Civic Hotel, 388 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
One of the larger clubs in the city, spanning multiple levels and venues, the Ivy is in a class of it own when it comes to great nights out. Even if for a moment we leave out the wealth of lavish dining experiences in its immediate vicinity, the Ivy offers plenty of bang for your buck.
Usually hosting fantastic nu-disco, electro and funky house sets perfect for those long hot summer nights, the Ivy also has a gorgeous rooftop pool club with a suitably bright welcoming atmosphere. There’s plenty to explore in the complex, and the Ivy’s many rooms suit whatever vibe you’re looking for from a suave cocktail party to a sun-drenched disco boogie.
Address: 330 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Everyone of these clubs caters to a different element of the nightlife and that’s part of what makes Sydney so exciting. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find the scene you’re looking for. Sydney’s dance scene is practically bursting with distinctive producers and DJs, all of which makes its clubs a very exciting place to be at the moment. What are your favourite night haunts? Share with us in the comments section below!
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