Best Places to Party in Australia

1. Melbourne

Undoubtedly the coolest place to party in all of Australia, Melbourne is where you go if you want a little culture with your Carlton Draught. Visit Fitzroy and you’ll be surrounded by some of the finest street art, dive bars and live music known to man. Start off with a few beerskis over at Bar Open, hit up Night Cat or Cherry Bar for some live music then end the night (or morning, is it?) with a boogie down at the Laundry Bar.

2. Sydney

Sydney is like Batman to Melbourne’s Joker, an epic intercity rivalry that stretches on into the ether. While Melbs probably wins on the creative front, where Sydney does undoubtedly win out is its beaches (and beachside bars).

Undoubtedly the most popular seaside spot is Bondi, which will be packed tight with bathers any time the sun is out (which is always). Move inland from the surf just a little and you’ll find the Hotel Bondi and Side Bar (attached to the Wake Up! Hostel) where you’re likely to find countless fellow travellers and locals alike, all well up for a party into the early hours.

Once you’re sick of the sand in your shoes, head central. Jackson on George has a 24 hour license and opens late while Scruffy Murphy’s is just huge and always has something going on. Then finally, looking to compete with Melbourne’s music vibe, the Oxford Art Factory, which puts on some of the best bands from all around, followed by some pretty sweet club nights.

Also, keep an eye out for Sydney’s underground parties. Promoters like People Must Jam, Picnic and Under the Radar put on popular nights in warehouses and venues across the city. Then there’s also the chance of coming across the odd beach party, but these are very secret affairs, so keep your ear to the ground – best to ask a local.

3. Byron Bay

Sydney’s beaches might be great, but they aren’t Byron Bay great. A surf town with cool, chilled hippie-alternative vibes, it’s something of an Australian party mecca.

So, where to start? Undoubtedly your first port of call the Railway Friendly Bar or Treehouse on Belongil for some stellar live music, before heading over to Cheeky Monkey to dance on the tables. Or alternatively, you could spend the entire night in Woody’s Surf Shack and tick off all those things in one place…

4. Gold Coast

It might not be the classiest of parties, but it sure is one of the biggest. The main party area is centred around the Surfer’s Paradise suburb of the city. There are countless clubs here, all open late and all playing the latest floor fillers, so as long as you like that kind of thing, picking one shouldn’t be hard. If you really want to push it to the limit, join one of the organised pub & club crawls, like Hangover Crawl or wicked Club Crawl.

If your tastes are a little more specialist and you want to escape the repetitive sounds of the chart toppers, then seek out the Elsewhere bar. It’s open late, caters solely to the alternative crowd and has a slightly older clientele (aiming for 21’s and over). Although it still spins predominantly dance music, its grungey interior and playlist would still suit the more indie-orientated amongst you.

5. Airlie Beach & Whitsundays

While Airlie Beach is a party town in its own right, it’s the party cruise around the Whitsunday Islands that’s the real draw. The islands themselves are tropical perfection, with white sands and glistening turquoise water, all under Australia’s burning northern sun. With bars on the boats, pumping tunes and even a fun slide, this is the ultimate party that tours paradise.

6. Magnetic Island

Named for the magnetic effect it had on Captain James Cook’s compass back when he was busy discovering the great land of Oz, now the island pulls in countless party goers for its Full Moon Party. International and local DJs will spin tunes on the beach beside the Base Backpackers Hostel, attracting around 3000 revellers every month, who slap on the body paint and groove beside the fire twirlers until the sun comes up.

7. Nimbin