The best nightclubs in Sydney to get on the dance floor

What is it? Carousel Bar is the new favourite child from Sydney’s long standing, techno-forward party collective, S.A.S.H – the same group behind hot-pink Darlinghurst bar Stanley’s on Stanley and the dearly departed Sly Fox Hotel.This funky late night haunt on Oxford Street brings the thumping vibe of Ibiza’s clubbing scene to a lush retro cocktail lounge – with top notch DJs and club acts, and carefully curated cocktails to boot.

Why we love it: A relatively new addition to the scene, Carousel was the only Aussie club to rank on Nightlife International's top 100 list for 2024, and it was also the venue that Troye Sivan chose to host the official afterparty for his Sydney Opera House shows. If that isn't a ringing endorsement, we don't know what is. 

Time Out tip: While a state-of-the-art sound system is the main pull at Carousel, the lighting system is also something to rave about – they have lights imported from Amsterdam that are the only ones of their kind in Australia.

Address: 169 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 2010

What is it? Returning bigger and better, the multi-level heritage-listed Abercrombie has undergone an incredible transformation, with three venues now under the one roof to create one big party palace that's open 24 hours.

Why we love it: On the ground floor is the Abercrombie’s incredible performance and club space, public bar and beer garden, which should flood a few elder millennials' brains with memories. The rave-cave of yesteryear plays host to some of the best party crews in Sydney – including House of Mince, Sweat it Out, Future Classic, Purple Sneakers and Motorik – to put on an incredible roster of events curated by the wizards behind beloved Sydney venue Freda's. Sure, this is the spot for old skool raves, but you’ve also got the chance to duck upstairs to Casa Rosa for a late-night meal.

Time Out tip: Feeling the sunshine? Pre-game on the rooftop with a sundowner tipple or two.

Address: Level 2/100 Broadway, Chippendale 2008

What is it? This one’s a battler. It became one of the last remaining live music venues on Oxford Street, which was previously littered with them, and it continues to host incredible gigs in a relatively intimate space. 

Why we love it: International bands coming to town will play here unless they’re Coldplay-sized, and the moshpit is known to get sweaty. The venue also boasts indie electronic producers and DJs, as well as local acts in its gallery bar. It’s a guaranteed great night out.

Time Out tip: Impress your mates with some venue trivia. Did you know that Lady Gaga played her first Australian show here in 2008? Or that Dave Grohl still wears his Oxford Art Factory shirt that he got playing a gig here in his covers band, Chevy Metal? It's also where G Flip played their first ever solo gig in 2018. 

Address: 3/46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 2010

What is it? Remember when Guy Pearce christened a giant silver bus ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’? That Champagne-smashing moment from the movie happened outside this very venue. So it comes as no surprise that it's still a much-loved haven for the LGBTQIA+ crowd. 

Why we love it: This Inner West pub-slash-bar-slash-cocktail lounge hosts outrageously fun queer nights. Head downstairs to the expansive basement club that hosts international artists and DJs, catering to the most fabulous of crowds. If hectic raving ain't yo thang, make your way upstairs to catch a drag show and sing your heart out to some classic party tunes.

Time Out tip: Are you an early bird? The Impy does a drag brunch on Saturdays.

Address: 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville 2043

What is it? Swinging open its doors in 2000 – the same year as the Sydney Olympics – this Euro club-style waterside location is a reliable go-to spot for night owls, providing high-octane fun for more than two decades. 

Why we love it: For its 24th birthday, the team behind this Darling Harbour institution decided it was time for a glow-up – and Cargo Bar 2.0 comes complete with cutting-edge lighting and sound systems, a killer new DJ booth, a luxe VIP area, and fresh bar, lounge and dining spaces. And yes, the dance floor and pop hits remain.

Time Out tip: It's a smart casual dress code here, so leave the flip-flops at home.

Address: King Street Wharf Darling Harbour, Darling Harbour, 52-60 The Promenade, Sydney 2000

What is it? The CBD’s infamous former home of electroclash has gone through a few changes over the years, notably changing from a rave bunker to a swish underground bar.

Why we love it: This is your nocturnal hive for techno, disco and rave-cave weirdness. The rogue spirit lives on in their music programming, with local legends playing bangers well into the evening, encouraging very late dance-offs from Sydney’s guardian tastemakers. 

Time Out tip: Find a way to get on the guest list and you’ll get in for free before midnight – see what’s on now.

Address: 77 William Street, Darlinghurst 2010

What is it? This Oxford Street venue is a hub for silly drag fun, heaving dancefloors and chats in the smoko. 

Why we love it: Universal has nicely cultivated itself into an inclusive hub where you can drink cocktails with rubber ducks in them and see drag most nights of the week, from lively amateur performers to the matriarchs of the Pink Mile.

Time Out tip: The upstairs night club, formerly known as the stalwart Midnight Shift, is where the beats really heat up. 

Address: 169 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 2010

What is it? This legendary three-floor party delivers die-hard club action with a world-class view.

Why we love it: Once you're at Home, the bangers will be booming and you'll be bouncing off the walls with a sweet view of the dazzling Darling Harbour lights glistening in your starry eyes. Heralded as Sydney's only true "superclub", Home has an eclectic mix of events. 

Time Out tip: On Saturday nights, Homemade is the city's biggest dance party, with pumping R'n'B and Hip Hop bangers. Home is also home to Morning Glory, the prime day club for Sunday morning kick-ons.

Address: 101/1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney 2000

What is it? This Japanese booze and snack palace turns into a neon-bathed rager after hours. 

Why we love it: With free karaoke booths, fluro arcade games and regular early '00s and '90s nostalgia nights, it's a party playground. What's better than scarfing down a delicious plate of yakitori and then dancing to Nelly until late? Nothing.

Time Out tip: Love a sweet cocktail? Try one of the venue’s liquor-spiked bubble tea drinks. 

Address: 84/86 Mary Street, Surrey Hills 2010

What is it? Up on the first floor of the heaving Bank Hotel in Newtown you’ll find Waywards, a bar and music venue on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Why we love it: A night out here starts with live jangly guitar music and ends with some classic indie toe-tapping. Vinyl DJs play a double digit amount of Bowie tracks and there's a joyous teen-movie-party-scene atmosphere as a result. 

Time Out tip: It's not strictly a club, but it's a solid option if you're looking for a sweaty Saturday night – and you're on King Street, so within easy walking distance of some of the city's best late night bars if you decide to change venues.

Address: 324 King Street, Newtown 2042

What is it? Sydney’s only under-the-sea-themed, tiki nightclub has been slinging tropical themed cocktails and wrangling huge crowds for a while now. 

Why we love it: Where else in Sydney can you grind to trap music in a tropical oasis? There's a lot to take in visually, it's a sensory explosion of lighting and shipwrecked decor, but once you settle in on the sunken dancefloor, pineapple in hand, you'll never want to leave. 

Time Out tip: Look away, bubblegum pop lovers. Cliff Dive's vibe is hip hop, trap, grime, and R'n'B focused.

Address: Basement, 16/18 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst 2010

What is it? Run by the people behind the aforementioned Oxford Art Factory, this multi-story Chippendale institution is a stalwart in Sydney's live music scene. 

Why we love it: It's great for low-key vibes and a groove after the graveyard shift. With cool gigs and indie dance parties scheduled all year ‘round, there’s always a fun excuse to stay on at this muso haven after dinner.

Time Out tip: Get there at 5pm for happy hour specials until 7pm.

Address: 2-6 City Road, Chippendale 2008 

What is it? Check out this hip LGBT spot for long sprawling guest DJ sets and the odd flashback night, all mostly incorporating house music.

Why we love it: We shed a tear when this late-night dive bar, known for its pickleback shots and secret sets from famous touring artists like Mark Ronson and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, closed its doors in 2015 after being strangled by the lockout laws. But we dried our eyes when the Flinders re-opened under new management. 

Time Out tip: Find out who’s spinning next over at the venue’s Resident Advisor profile.

What is it? If you want somewhere that pumps out party vibes even on a Wednesday and is all about cheap fun, then Soda Factory is the place.

Why we love it: This late-night cocktail bar is extremely popular with anyone who wants to boogie to soul tunes, golden oldies, and disco from the '70s to now – the queues can get hectic. 

Time Out tip: Since Soda Factory also operates as an American-style diner, you may as well line your belly with a classic hot dog and some tasty deep-fried jalapeño poppers.

Address: 16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills 2010

What is it? A night at this sprawling, multi-level venue in Sydney's CBD is a choose-your-own-advenuture affair.

Why we love it: With three indoor dancefloors and one under the stars, you'll find your beat somewhere in this Euro-club style megavenue. The crowd skews towards the younger end of legal clubbing age, but it's a fun time regardless of how old you are – with some of Australia's most beloved DJs often appearing on the line-up.

Time Out tip: Not sure how to dress, who to bring or what to expect? Follow the club’s Instagram profile to get a sense of the vibe. 

Address: 1 Slip Street, Sydney 2000