Whether you're looking for unique interiors, the freshest sounds or an award-winning drop, Australia's burgeoning club and bar scene provides everything you need for a great night out. We've put together a list of the 10 most interesting night spots from around the country.
1. Opera Bar
Where else could you experience such a breathtaking night-time vista but at Sydney's Opera Bar? Whether sipping on a cocktail, dining under the stars or just enjoying the live jazz, funk and soul, you will be treated to uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the skyline of one of Australia's great cities.
Website: www.operabar.com.au
Phone: (02) 9247 1666
2. The Prince Bandroom
Part of the Prince Hotel complex, the Bandroom is one of Melbourne's seminal band and club venues. When it's not filled with music lovers watching performances from international stars or the next big thing, the city's young and hip are throwing some of Melbourne's freshest and most fashionable parties there.
Website: www.princebandroom.com
Phone: (03) 95361168
3. Fly By Night
Housed in the Fremantle Artillery Drill Hall, the Fly By Night Musicians Club is one of Western Australia's great live music venues, catering to all age groups and cultures. The building, with its unique curved roof, was added to the National Trust register in 2000 and was the first Australian venue to become completely smoke-free.
Website: www.flybynight.org
Phone: (08) 94305976
4. Platform One
Deep in the heart of Melbourne, vaults alongside the historic Flinders St Station come alive every weekend at Platform One. Originally a warehouse for bananas, these vaults were the site of many underground raves in the 1980s, securing their party status in the clubbing scene. Now transformed into a unique venue, Platform One sees the most discerning clubgoers come to enjoy the distinct acoustics and exotic interior.
Website: www.platformone.net.au
Phone: (03) 96207080
5. Hippo
If an award-winning cocktail is what you're after, step into Canberra's Hippo Bar. Overlooking the busy cafe strip, this Buddha-decorated nightspot is the perfect place for people-watching. Pull up an ottoman and groove along to the live jazz as you enjoy a signature martini mixed with theatrical flair.
Hippo
Website: www.hippobar.com.au
Phone: (02) 62579090
6. Mango Bar
Welcome to the world of the microparty, a movement making a big impression on the club scene. For those of you sick of queues, laser lighting and thousands of people on the dance floor, Brisbane's small yet perfectly packaged Mango Bar is an intimate venue offering a new way to party in style.
Website: www.mangobar.com.au
Phone: (07) 32521764
7. Boho Bar
Adelaide's Boho Bar is exactly what the name suggests: a bohemian hideaway awash with velvet, brocade and ornamental furnishings. And it's not only the decor, the entertainment also fits this Moulin Rouge theme, with jugglers, magicians and burlesque dancers roaming the balcony boxes and old theatre sets.
Website: www.bohobar.com.au
Phone: (08) 82710274
8. Wrest Point Hobart
For entertainment on a grander scale, you can't go past Hobart's Wrest Point Hobart. Its two main venues, The Entertainment Centre and the Showroom, have played host to a range of international and touring acts, with everyone from The Violent Femmes to The Dissociatives gracing the stages.
Website:
www.wrestpoint.com.au
Phone: (03) 6225 0112
9. Annandale Hotel
Widely accepted as one of the top spots for live entertainment in Sydney, the Annandale Hotel showcases local and international talent in a traditional Aussie pub setting, providing a launch-pad for bands including Jet and The Vines. With entertainment every night of the week, it's easy to see why the Annandale was voted Best Sydney Venue.
Website:
www.annandalehotel.com.au
Phone: (02) 9550 1078
10. Tzar's Vodka Bar
In the heat of the Darwin night, you can chill out in style at Tzar's Vodka Bar. Part of the Ducks Nuts complex, this bar is a unique offering to the city, specialising in vodka, vodka and more vodka. Grab one of the highly recommended martinis and enjoy some of Darwin's best lounge and chill-out tunes spun by resident DJs.
Phone: (08) 89422122
Website: www.ducksnuts.com.au
