The Best Nightclubs in Sydney Because Nothing Beats a Sweaty Dance Floor

Is there anything better than a pumping dance floor? We think not. The shared experience of listening to amazing music in a safe space with a room full of strangers under the glow of a disco ball is electrifying, ephemeral and energising. 

And it doesn't matter how old you are; dancing is one of life's greatest joys and a sure-fire way of creating lifelong memories with your besties. 

Over the years, our city's nightlife has weathered its fair share of storms, from stringent lockout laws to the pandemic almost wiping out the scene entirely. But it's fair to say that in 2024, Sydney is officially back.

So, if you're wondering where the best places are to go dancing, whether it's for a birthday, hens, or just because, we've curated the ultimate guide for every type of night. Sequins and body glitter at the ready; here are the best nightclubs in Sydney for your next dance floor session. 

Club 77

All good nights end at Club 77, or so the saying goes. Located on 77 Williams Street in Darlinghurst, this iconic Sydney venue has been running for over 25 years and always pops off. Club 77 is its own ecosystem, running off the blaring music from the DJ (names like Hookie, The Presets and Cut Copy have played there) and the buzzing vibe of the crowd. 

Open 'til the wee hours of the morning, Club 77 is a guaranteed wild time and an inclusive space to let loose and enjoy a hedonistic night of dancing in the heart of the city.

Vibe Check: Underground rave cave where you have no idea what time of day/night/day it is.

77 William Street, Darlinghurst

Tokyo Sing Song

Dubbed Newton's "glitter dungeon," Tokyo Sing Song is Marly's underground nightclub. It consistently delivers a hot, sweaty dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. With a thumping Pioneer XY Series sound system and a rotating schedule featuring house music, techno, dubstep, trance, and drum and bass, you will not be disappointed. 

Vibe Check: Glitter-soaked rave dungeon reminiscent of Kings Cross in the glory days.

145 King Street, Newtown

The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial’s Basement nightclub is one of Sydney’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ venues, offering an energetic, inclusive dance floor that always goes off.  A late-night sanctuary for freedom and self-expression, expect drag performances, live music, DJs, and themed events in a space that champions performance art and exuberance. It's a vital part of Sydney nightlife, with parties that bring together the best of underground culture.

Vibe Check: Sydney's ultimate queer underground, where drag, DJs, and bold self-expression light up the night.

35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville

Oxford Art Factory

For live music lovers, Oxford Art Factory is the place to be. As one of Sydney's most well-known music venues, OAF showcases touring international artists and bands, amazing local acts, and nostalgic-themed nights. With two stages and an ever-enticing schedule of events throughout the year, there's always something fun here. 

Vibe Check: Where live music and Sydney’s coolest crowds collide.

38/46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

ARQ

Every Sydneysider knows ARQ, and if you haven't had a boogie at this queer nightclub yet, you absolutely must! A mainstay of Sydney's nightlife for over two decades, ARQ throws epic events, including their well-known Poof Doof raves, tribute nights, drag performances, and critically acclaimed DJs across its multi-level dance floors.

Vibe Check: Mardi Gras every single weekend. 

16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst

Carousel

If you're a house music aficionado, Carousel will scratch your itch and then some. Set in a sexy, 70s-cabaret-style nightclub on Oxford Street, Carousel blares out the house and techno all weekend long. Keep an eye on its upcoming events as it hosts some pretty epic parties, including S.A.S.H Sundays. 

Vibe Check: Deep house in a stylish setting.

169 Oxford Street, Sydney

Lucky Cat Sydney

A dumpling bar slash disco, Lucky Cat is one of the most unique destinations on the Sydney scene. You'll be greeted by the illuminated cat on the walls and a seriously chic interior. Every weekend, without fail, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the curated DJ sets always ensure a vibey dance floor. Plus, if you get peckish from all that dancing, you can order dumplings until 2am. 

Vibe Check: The perfect place for dinner and a disco.

77 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

The Beach Road Hotel

Looking for a good dance floor in the Eastern Suburbs? The Beach Road Hotel in Bondi is it. Smack bang in the middle of Bondi, The Beachy (as the locals call it) is a pub, dance floor and live music venue rolled into one. There's a bistro, beer garden and pool tables—but when the live music is pumping, the crowds really start to gather. 

Vibe Check: A sleek, chic and beachy venue to boogy til the sun comes up.

71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach 

The Old Manly Boatshed

It's not pretty or polished, but the Old Manly Boatshed is a Sydney dance floor institution and a place everyone needs to visit at least once in their life. Walk down the dimly-lit stairs into their basement-style set-up and let the live music acts wash over you.

This hallowed venue is Manly's longest-running live music venue. Here, you can catch performances from cover bands, rock, jazz, blues, and so much more. It's intimate and authentic, the kind of place where you can get up close and personal with the performers. 

Vibe Check: Aussie pub rock meets sticky dance floor, and we love it. 

40 The Corso, Manly

Danced your way through Sydney's best nightclubs and after more inspo? Check out our edit of the best new bars in Sydney, then look at our wrap-up of Sydney's most iconic desserts you must try.