Quick Picks – Top 5 Dance Clubs in Sydney for 2024
Best Overall Club: Carousel
Ranked #83 globally by Nightlife International in 2025 and named Australia’s first nightclub in the world’s top 100, Carousel in Darlinghurst is Sydney’s leader for cutting-edge sound, immersive lighting, and diverse international DJ acts. Over 100,000 visitors since opening in late 2023. Atmosphere: high-energy, young crowd, state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound, no-phone dancefloor, open till 5am. Book a table
Best for Electronic/Techno: Home (The Venue)
Consistently in the world’s top 100, Home sits on the iconic Darling Harbour and hosts Australia’s biggest electronic and dance events. Three floors, multi-room layout, top-tier international and local house/techno DJ lineups. Consistent draw of 70,000+ partygoers annually. Tickets here
Best for R&B/Hip-Hop: The Cliff Dive
Famed for its basement parties on Oxford Street and beloved for immersive hip-hop/R&B nights with local and touring acts. Groovy decor, laid-back policy, mixed crowd. Dancefloor usually packed from midnight onwards. Find out more
Best for LGBTQ+ Nights: Club 77
Mainstay of Sydney’s queer and underground techno scene. Created a safe and inclusive space since its revamp; open until 5am on weekends. Renowned for innovative booking and gender-diverse dancefloor. Check guestlists
Best Hidden Gem: Club 80 Proof
CBD-based, small club with passionate Asian and local dance fans. Known for community vibe, affordable drinks, and top-rated music by regulars. A Tripadvisor favorite for go-to dance and chill nights.
The Sydney Nightclub Scene in 2024: Trends and What’s New
Hot New Openings & Club Revamps
Carousel set a local record for rapid international acclaim, hosting 100,000+ clubbers in a year. Club 77’s recent transformation doubled its bookings and boosted LGBTQ+ presence. Small boutique clubs (like Sussudio, Candelaria) also opening in growth hotspots.
Innovative Music Styles and Themes
Electronic/techno carry the scene (Aussies have the highest global per-capita dance music listens, SoundCloud 2023). Hip-hop/R&B nights up 40% since 2021, especially at The Cliff Dive and Side Bar. More multi-cultural and theme nights: reggaeton, afrobeat, disco, Latin dance.
Upcoming Events and Festivals
- Carousel: International DJ residencies weekly (check events page)
- Home: Annual “Warehouse” festival (15,000 attendees), seasonal themed events
- Side Bar, Club 77: Pride, Mardi Gras, and community celebrations
Top 15 Dance Clubs in Sydney – In-Depth Reviews
Carousel: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Voted Australia’s top nightclub. Exclusive, futuristic sound system, no-phone dance policy for crowd safety, affordable drinks before midnight, weekly global DJ bookings. Primary genres: house, techno, electronic.
Home (The Venue): Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Massive multilevel waterfront dance temple. Draws electronic, dance, and pop fans; sound/light production among best in Oceania. Zero lockout, diverse dancers, regular themed and international events.
The Cliff Dive: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Basement club with Tiki-inspired decor and legendary hip-hop, R&B, and trap nights. Down-to-earth, early-20s crowd, immersive themed events, affordable entry, and guest MCs weekly.
Club 77: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Underground, inclusive, and welcoming. Leading venue for techno and LGBTQ+ events, including open-decks nights. Weekly live acts and drag-hosted parties, open till sunrise Sunday mornings.
Club 80 Proof: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Cozy, unpretentious CBD club. Rave reviews for affordable drinks, safe vibes, top DJs for deep house/EDM, young and diverse crowd (especially Asian-Australian scene).
Chinese Laundry: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Iconic CBD venue beneath the Slip Inn, famed for late-night EDM/techno. Cutting-edge laser visuals, heavy student and 20s crowd, higher-end drinks, and periodic festival-level events.
Ivy Sydney: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Chic, multi-room mega-club with rooftop pools. High-profile pop/R&B/house DJs, glamorous crowd, premium décor. Known for “Ivy League” Thursday shows, busy from 10:30pm onwards.
Boogie Mountain: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Offbeat, energetic, and friendly. Top-10 on TripAdvisor. Eclectic music, regular disco nights, “anything goes” attitude. Perfect for low-pressure, inclusive dance.
Burdekin Hotel: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Legendary Oxford Street mainstay. Gothic meets modern design, lively crowd, famous for mixed-genre dance nights. Thursday drag shows, Friday techno, Saturday “anything dance.”
Sussudio: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Hidden Potts Point dance den. Disco fever, upcycled glam design, regular Thursday funk nights. Loyal local celebration hangout, especially for 80s and early 90s music fans.
SPACE: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Newest CBD addition. All-night EDM/techno events, smart door security, focus on safe and inclusive revelry, high rotation of touring DJs. Best enjoyed after midnight.
Riche Nightclub: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
CBD crowd-pleaser with all-genre dance parties, Saturday R&B takeovers, 90s nostalgia nights, and affordable lines. Regular students and local partygoers flock here early.
Candelaria: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Intimate Darlinghurst club known for secret speakeasy vibes and boutique DJ nights. Themed international and Latin events. Great for couples or small crews looking for something fresh.
Flamingo Lounge: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Stylish, up-tempo lounge on Bayswater Rd. Disco, retro, and pop hits dominate. Lux décor, VIP booths, and raved-about cocktails for a more exclusive night out.
WAO Superclub: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
High-capacity hotspot, buzzy LED dancefloor, encourages creative dress and is LGBTQ-friendly. Regularly rotates house, techno, and live international acts.
Side Bar: Atmosphere, Music, Crowd & Highlights
Haymarket’s go-to for backpackers and international students. Weekly multicultural dance, open-mic hip-hop, reggaeton, and global party themes. Cheap drinks, all-welcome vibe.
Sydney’s Best Clubs by Music Style & Vibe
Clubs for House, Techno & Electronic Lovers
- Carousel (house, techno, Funktion-One sound)
- Home (multi-room, techno/EDM)
- Chinese Laundry (classic underground tech, future bass)
- SPACE, Club 77, WAO Superclub (late-night electronica)
Where to Find Classic Disco & Funk
- Sussudio (Potts Point, Thursday funk, 80s/90s retro)
- Flamingo Lounge (disco/retro, VIP booths)
- Boogie Mountain (open-format disco and pop)
Best Spots for Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop
- The Cliff Dive (R&B, hip-hop)
- Ivy Sydney (live pop, hip-hop stars)
- Side Bar, Riche Nightclub (party hits, pop, R&B specials)
Latin, Salsa & Multicultural Nights
- Candelaria (Latin/International themes)
- Side Bar (Latin pop, global hits)
- Boogie Mountain (diverse world nights)
LGBTQ+-Friendly Dance Venues
- Club 77 (queer-friendly, LGBTQ+ takeovers)
- WAO Superclub, Burdekin Hotel, Side Bar (inclusive crowds and events)
Local Recommendations: Where Sydney Clubbers Go
Insider Tips from DJs, Promoters, and Regulars
- Arrive before midnight for free/cheap entry to top clubs (Home, Carousel, Club 77).
- Follow event pages for exclusive guestlists and international bookings.
- Weeknights at Boogie Mountain and Sussudio are best for meeting locals.
- Try Oxford Street’s side lanes for hidden after-hours parties (Burdekin, Candelaria).
Under-the-Radar Venues Loved by Locals
- Club 80 Proof (affordable, friendly dance, Asian-Australian DJs)
- Sussudio (retro/funk locals’ night Thursdays)
- Candelaria (underground Latin nights on Fridays)
Clubbing Safety and Etiquette in Sydney
Entry Policies, Dress Codes & ID Requirements
- Photo ID required (18+). No lockout laws; entry up to 3–4am at most clubs.
- Dress smart-casual for main clubs (no sneakers at Ivy/Flamingo, open at Club 77/Boogie Mountain).
- Some clubs have guest lists with priority lines (register early online).
Clubbing Safety Tips (2024 Update)
- Stay with friends in crowded areas (CBD, Oxford St after 2am).
- Hydrate and pace drinks (average bar price AUD 11–16).
- Respect no-phone or camera rules on dance floors (especially at Carousel, Club 77).
- Use rideshares/taxis for late return; trains/buses run all night on weekends.
- Lower assault rates post-lockout; security presence strong, especially at international venues.
Dos and Don’ts: Sydney Club Etiquette
- Do join themed nights and respect themes (costume parties common at Side Bar, Sussudio).
- Don’t push to front on busy floors—respect space.
- Do support bar staff and tip for table service at Ivy, Carousel.
- Don’t wear sportswear to premium venues unless themed.
Planning Your Night Out – Essential Clubbing Guide
Getting Around: Best Areas and Transport Tips
- Oxford Street (Darlinghurst): Best concentration, walkable between clubs.
- CBD (Home, SPACE, Ivy): Easy public transport access till 1am, then rideshares.
- Western Sydney hubs (Parramatta): Growing scene, check event listings.
Budgeting for a Night Out in Sydney Clubs
- Entry: AUD 10–15 (weeknights) to AUD 40–50 (weekends, special DJs).
- Drinks: Beer AUD 10–13, cocktails AUD 18–25, water usually free on-request.
- Plan AUD 80–120 for a full night out with 2 drinks, transport, some cover charges.
- Book tickets or guestlists early to skip peak prices.
How to Skip the Line and Get the Best Deals
- Pre-buy tickets via club websites to guarantee entry.
- Arrive early for happy hours and drink deals (Sussudio, Side Bar, Burdekin Hotel).
- Use club apps and social media for exclusive guestlist access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dance Clubs in Sydney
- Which area is best for nightlife? Oxford St and CBD lead, but Western Sydney is growing (21% spending growth in St Marys/Bringelly in 2024).
- How late do clubs open? Most to 3–5am; Club 77, Carousel to 5am weekends.
- Is it safe? Assault rates down 26–32% post-lockout; security and transport options strong.
- Top electronic/techno venues? Carousel, Home, Club 77.
- LGBTQ+-friendly? Club 77, Burdekin, WAO, Side Bar.
- Can tourists get in? Yes, just bring photo ID (passport/licence); check for guestlist specials.
- What’s new in 2024? Carousel’s global ranking, western suburb nightlife boom, themed/multicultural events surge.
Ready to dance? Book your Sydney club adventure now at the official club sites above or check major ticketing apps for event passes!