Sydney’s nightlife offering can get a bad rap, but the evidence in favour of our city’s party scene is mounting – with Sydney ranking among the top five cities in the world for culture, and globally-renowned consultancy firm Resonance citing the city’s focus on nighttime economy as part of the reason for its super high ranking in this year’s Best Cities Report. Now, we’ve got another accolade to add to the list. Nightlife International’s 'Top 100 Clubs in the World' has just dropped, and two Sydney venues were the only Aussie clubs to make the cut. Carousel – one of Sydney’s most reliably on-point nightclubs – has just re-cemented its place on the world stage, rising from 87 in 2024, and Home has just cracked the list at number 100.
The ranking puts Carousel and Home shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most influential dance institutions on the planet – including Ibiza’s all-conquering UNVRS (this year’s number one, part of an all-Ibiza podium line-up), London’s storied Fabric (coming in at number 24), Singapore’s legendary Zouk (coming in 30th place), and Tokyo’s underground icon WOMB (ranking at number 84 on this year’s list). It’s rarefied company, and a powerful nod to the growing global pull of the Sydney scene.
According to the Carousel team, the Darlo dance den has welcomed more than 100,000 party people since opening its doors back in September 2023, and that’s not counting the glittering list of touring DJs who’ve stepped behind the decks. The past two years alone have seen sets from Raresh, DJ Masda, Booka Shade, Youandewan, Vintage Culture, Rich NxT, Fred P, Traumer, Sully, Jasper James, Dan Shake and Patrick Holland. Local heroes Troye Sivan, Stacie Fields, Memphis LK, Tangela, Barney Kato and Bella Claxton have all helped claim Carousel’s place as a top-tier Sydney hotspot.
Owner and director Kerry Wallace says the recognition reflects not only the club’s ambitions, but a bigger shift across the city. “We’re so pleased to have been featured on such a prestigious list for the second year in a row, and to have climbed three spots in such an inspiring global scene,” Wallace says.
“Sydney feels as if it’s entering a new era, and we’re so proud to be putting the city’s clubbing culture back on the map, right with the best of them. While some may not consider Sydney’s nightlife to be as vibrant as places like Berlin, London or New York, we know very well that a world-class nightlife and clubbing culture has always been there.”
Wallace also credits policy reforms from NSW’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, which have helped rebuild a more diverse, more vibrant nighttime landscape.
“In this new trading environment, we’re confident we can help lead Sydney into an entirely new heyday for clubbing, music and the enjoyment of everyone in our city.”
Down in Darling Harbour, the mega-venue that is Home made its debut appearance on the list in 100th place – still an impressive feat, especially considering no other Aussie venues made the cut.
You can check out the full list of the world’s best clubs over here.
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