The best karaoke bars in Melbourne

You might think you know what to expect from a night out at the karaoke bar, but trust us when we say Ocean 12 is in a league of its own. Yes, belting out some beloved tunes is definitely a key part of visiting this luxe spot, but that’s only the beginning. From the second you ascend to level three of the Crown Entertainment Complex and enter Ocean 12’s flashy foyer, you’ll be dazzled by this secret late-night hideaway.

Just a couple of minutes down the street from the Old Melbourne Gaol is KBOX Karaoke, the perfect setting for a hilariously drunken night. It has everything a good karaoke venue should have: an extensive collection of hits, gleaming disco balls, and plenty of booze to get you in the singing mood. If you're looking for a late-night spot for kick-ons, KBOX is open until 2am on Sundays to Thursdays and until 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Inspired by Hong Kong and the many karaoke bars dotted throughout the city, Yum Sing House is a hybrid of karaoke and modern Cantonese food in Melbourne’s CBD. Headed up by the team behind Tang Australia (the same folks behind CBD bars Ms Collins, Bond Melbourne and Scarlett Saturdays), the venue has a restaurant on the first floor and five karaoke rooms plus a bar upstairs. Each room is themed around neighbourhoods and nightlife spots in Hong Kong. 

Have you ever thought, “I’d really like to sing Disney classics while chomping on duck hearts with some craft beer”? Well, you’re in luck. Heroes, the three-level venue from the crew behind Fancy Hanks, has all your sing-along, South East Asian street food and rooftop cocktail needs covered. They've got three private karaoke rooms ($10 per person for a two-hour session) but the open mic-style karaoke lounge is there for those with no shame. 

Make your evening an all-rounder by combining bowling with karaoke. Knock down some pins, make a pit stop at the bar, then go a bit of Katy Perry in a (thankfully) private room. Eager beavers can download the song catalogue in advance to plan the setlist for the night. Karaoke is priced per hour ($150 p/h) instead of per person, so the more the merrier. 

Sing like no one is watching at F.M. Karaoke. Ideal if you're on a budget, F.M. Karaoke charges just $40-$60 per hour for the use of its private rooms, including the Roman and Egyptian themed spaces. If it's right before payday, skip the private room and opt for free open karaoke instead. It's a longer wait between turns, but when your time comes you'll have the audience you deserve.

It’s a sink or swim policy at this karaoke bar on Russell Street. Dozens of punters take to the mic each night to tackle their favourite karaoke hits in front of complete strangers. Sound a little nerve-racking? Not to worry, there is plenty of alcohol to calm your nerves, and the karaoke is free. Don't forget to line your stomach with some Japanese finger foods beforehand.

Planning a Christmas party, after work celebration or a big night out? PartyWorld, which is conveniently located in Melbourne Central, offers 44 rooms in a variety of sizes to suit every group or budget. Enjoy a vast selection of premium local and imported spirits, beers and wines as well as delectable and authentic regional Chinese cuisine. Plus, the staff will bring your food and drinks to you so that you never have to leave the rooms and the good times never stop.

This groovy '70s-themed karaoke bar in Crown Casino comes from the fun-loving folks behind B Lucky & Sons and Archie Brother. There's colourful glass, mirrors, disco balls (of course), bright paint and flower power everywhere you look – and even a disco-themed punch seved in a mirror ball. Each of the ten karaoke rooms has its own theme, plus a prop box filled with tambourines, maracas and feather boas. Food is suitably '70s too: fondue (both chocolate and cheese), Chiko Rolls, mini burgers and hot dogs, plus a modern take on a prawn cocktail. Karaoke costs $15-$23 per person, per hour.