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Sydney Nightlife

Sydney’s nightlife canvas is wide and varying. Oxford Street, the heart of Sydney's gay area, buzzes with cafes, bars and clubs (gay, straight and mixed) while the established red-light district spills out from Kings Cross. The Rocks, is more upmarket; drinks at the harbourside terraces are expensive but worth it for the views.

As with its bars and clubs, the city’s cultural life is equally diverse, from high classical at the Sydney Opera House to cutting-edge contemporary and experimental performance art.

Nightlife and cultural listings appear in Metro, the Friday edition entertainment section of the Sydney Morning Herald and in Time Out. Tickets are available for purchase from Ticketek (tel: (02) 9266 4800; www.ticketek.com) and Ticketmaster (tel: 136 100, in Australia only; www.ticketmaster.com.au). The Halftix booth, 91 York Street (tel: 1300 302 017, in Australia only; www.halftix.com.au), offers reduced price tickets on the day of the show.

Bars in Sydney

Absinthesalon

You don’t need to leave the city for a taste of European, 19th century, romantic, belle epoque naughtiness. No, for those in the know, Absinthesalon – a hidden, reservation-only bar on Surry Hills’ Albion Street – is the new venue where drinks connoisseurs are flocking in their droves. Serving only absinthe – and 18 varieties at that – this intimate bar is the latest in Sydney’s niche, small bar scene.

87 Albion Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9211 6632.
www.absinthesalon.com.au

Shady Pink Saloon

Hidden away on a small lane parallel to Oxford Street and with no signage indicating its presence, Shady Pine Saloon is the latest addition to the steadily increasing boutique bar scene in the city. Drawing crowds of too-cool-for-school types throughout the week, this is an unpretentious bar where the emphasis is on good quality cocktails and Bourbon (there are over 30 different varieties) aplenty.

Shop5, 260 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010
http://shadypinesaloon/com

The Village

This watering hole – always bustling with a post-work broad slices of the Sydney pie - offers a sophisticated take on the classic Australian pub. It offers four different sections - the Manhattan rooftop ‘DogHouse’ bar and the Westside Lounge with fantastic city views, the more intimate Greenwich Bar, and the East Village Bar with its retro style.

234 Palmer Street, East Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9331 5457.
www.thevillagehotel.com.au

Clubs in Sydney

Arq

Boasting one of the city’s best sound systems and lighting rigs, this spacious, two-level club is by far the best decked-out club in the GLBT scene. Expect a mix of house, dance and trance – along with commercial music downstairs – and a bevy of pretty shirtless boys and carefree, straight women enjoying a hassle-free night out. No cheese, no shirts and no attitude. Pay attention for special guest events a la London’s GAY.

16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9380 8700.
www.arqsydney.com.au

Home

A self-proclaimed ‘super-club’, Home is definitely one of the most popular clubbing haunts in the city. And with four different ‘rooms’ playing a variety of music, including funk, techno, two-step and disco, it’s easy to see why. In addition, there’s chillout areas, balcony's and a great VIP lounge. Though drinks err on the side of pricey, If you're in the mood for a big night, then this is it.

Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: (02)9266 0600.
www.homesydney.com

Soho

Located within strolling distance from Kings Cross station, Soho is another notable club. Spanning two floors and boasting a world-class sound system and state-of-the-art lighting installation, Soho has neatly carved itself as the new 'it' venue of Kings Cross. Chic but relaxed, this art deco-inspired venue attracts a mixed crowd, including the odd international celebrity. Dress to impress, and you'll fit right in.

171 Victoria Street, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW 2011
Tel: (02)9358 6511.
www.sohobar.com.au

Live Music in Sydney

Annandale Hotel

The Annandale Hotel is one of the best centrally located venues for up-and-coming bands. Since opening its doors in the 1930, the Aussie pub has played host to a plethora of bands spanning genres. Recent artists include The Cat Empire, The Dandy Warhols, Death Cab For Cutie and Sarah Blasko. This is a true Sydney rock ‘n’ roll institution.

17 Parramatta Road
Tel: (02) 9550 1078.
www.annandalehotel.com.au

Basement

One of the country's foremost clubs for jazz, acoustic, folk, funk, blues, world and soul live music, this place was renovated and re-launched in 1992 with an adventurous regular line-up of local and international musicians. There are cabaret-style tables close to the stage or an elevated bar at the back. There’s also an admission-free bar and Mediterranean style bistro serving snacks and supper. Acts appear every night, and it's best to book ahead.

7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: (02)9251 2797.
www.thebasement.com.au

Sydney Entertainment Centre

One of the most well-known live music venues around, the Sydney Entertainment Centre has earned its reputation as the most versatile entertainment complex in the city. Here bookings from such luminaries as Leonard Cohen, Pink, Tom Jones, Lady Gaga and John Mayer are common week-to-week. With these international pop stars come the legions of fans happy to pay top dollar for a night of high-energy arena spectacular.

35 Harbour Street, Haymarket, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9320 4200.
www.sydentcent.com.au

Opera in Sydney

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House, one of the city's iconic landmarks, is a premier performance venue for the Sydney Symphony, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Opera Australia and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The Australian Ballet performs mainly traditional pieces during its summer and winter season at the Sydney Opera House. Similarly, the Sydney Dance Company, the city's leading contemporary dance group, performs at the opera house for two seasons per year.

Bennelong Point, Circular Quay , Sydney, NSW 1225
Tel: (02) 9250 711.
www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Dance in Sydney

Bangarra Dance Theatre

Performing a fusion of contemporary and traditional dance at various venues throughout the city (including its home theatre). The multi award-winning company was established as a dance company to celebrate Australia’s indigenous peoples and their culture. Each year, Bangarra performs to approximately 50,000 people around Australia and the world and its productions are regularly sold out.

Pier 4/5 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (02) 9251 5333.
www.bangarra.com.au

Theatre in Sydney

Belvoir Street Theatre

Tucked in-between terraces and flats in a converted leather factory, the fringe-style Belvoir Street Theatre has seen acting luminaries, such as Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett grace its (well-used) stage. Performances often star well-known Australian actors, playing in either "Company B", upstairs, or "B Sharp", downstairs. There is a foyer bar for before, during or after performance drinks.

25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: (02) 9699 3444.
www.belvoir.com.au

Sydney Theatre

A major in Australian drama since its establishment in 1978, the Sydney Theatre is the city’s flagship theatre company. Presenting an annual 12-play programme at its home base, The Wharf, on the harbour (in addition to performances at the Opera House), the company offers audiences an eclectic program of Australian plays, lively interpretations of the classic repertoire and the best of new international writing.

22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9250 1999.
www.sydneytheatre.org.au

Music and Dance in Sydney

Conservatorium of Music

Known locally as ‘The Con’, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious music schools in Australia. Located adjacent to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens the Conservatorium hosts symphony, wind and chamber concerts (as well as big jazz bands), both from some of the world’s leading musicians and talented staff and students. Look out for the regular lunch time concerts.

35 Anderson Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (02) 9351 1222.
www.music.usyd.edu.au

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