In the wake of Sydney’s dismal lockout laws, Sydneysiders have been on a constant quest to beat the impending fear of being denied entry to the best clubs on offer. But fear not, we take a look at the emerging underground party culture and chat to some of Sydney’s premiere figures in the fight to keep the underground nightlife well and thriving.
It’s 1:26 AM on a Saturday night. You’re stumbling around the streets of Sydney’s tram construction-ridden CBD, frantically trying to think of a nightclub that will grant you access a minute or two after the clock strikes 1:30 AM. You’re really pushing it at this point, and one friend kindly reminds you of this. Then suddenly, those four vodka red bulls from the last dying bar hit you like a freight train. The buzz must not be wasted. In a city that sleeps and abides to a strict bedtime, where are the hidden party oases lurking in the city’s surrounding suburbs? We caught up with local events and music promoter, Harry Sanger, from leading entertainment boutique Division Agency, to get the full lowdown on where to party after hours.
Club 77
A techno haven that exudes an electric vibe, and oh, a 5 AM entry. Only at Club 77, located in Darlinghurst. Any place that has a queue of people anxiously waiting at the hole-in-the-wall lair must hold an enticing reputation for delivering quality entertainment. Celebrating underground talent and culture, Club 77 proves the lockout hours can be manipulated in favour of Sydney’s nightlife and is a lesson to all in how a bit of clever marketing (Saturday morning parties called “Porridge”) can stave off Sydney’s impending ghost town status. Harry explains:
“The introduction of the early morning shift parties has added a great layer to Sydney’s struggling nightlife culture. Clubs starting at 5am and going till midday are often busy and vibrant which helps you push past that 5am barrier. “
What you’re missing out on: Entry at whatever time you damn please. The shock, the awe!
Goodbar
If Club 77 had a younger, fresher-faced brother, Goodbar would be it. Another paradise for the avid house and techno raver, the multi-level club has been named one of the top clubs to release your inhibitions at 3 AM and beyond. Harry names Goodbar as one of the top anti-lockout spots: “Goodbar & SASH lead the way for me as they consistently deliver good music and great vibes.” Drenched in a wash of red lights and showcasing some of the best international DJs, you’ll be recommending Goodbar to any lost wandering soul on Oxford Street.
What you’re missing out on: Top international and local talent being summoned to the decks. https://www.facebook.com/goodbarsydney/
Marrickville’s Warehouse Rave Renaissance
Probably the least best kept secret, but somehow thrives on the allure of a “secret” location – introducing Marrickville’s industrial, underground warehouse scene. The raves have been an Inner West staple in the up-and-coming hipster suburb for years now, and have never failed to deliver a night you’ll never forget, scrap that – you will most likely forget. Promising an experience of psychedelic bliss, the warehouse welcomes local musicians and artists to exhibit a showcase of their best experimental art. A text from a private number is sent to the designated receiver mere hours before the event kicks off. Without disclosing too much information, imagine the dodgiest tin shed, which probably served as a former sushi storage facility, to be your knight in shining corrugated-iron armour.
What you’re missing out on: Indoor skate ramps, beers and balloons, artsy empty bathtubs, the occasional man chained to a leather leash. The usual.
The Marlborough Hotel aka Marley Bar
If the City is the rule, Newtown is the exception. King Street’s favourite pub and primary watering hole, Marley Bar, is the final destination on a night out. Off-putting at first due to the third degree of interrogation from the bouncers, but don’t be alarmed. Once given the all good into the vibrant pub, you’re greeted with the best dance anthems from the 2000’s and now, in a diverse, safe crowd. You might spot a cheeky dance break from a security guard (who is obviously loving life and his job) indicating the good times will keep rolling into the early hours of the day. A spacious exterior adjacent to the bar, decorated with coloured fairy lights, allows you to take a breather before hitting the d-floor again.
What you’re missing out on: Absolute bangers for hours on end with unimaginable amounts of sweat. https://www.marlboroughhotel.com.au/
Goro’s
Tokyo tucked away in Surry Hills – Goro’s is the ultimate fusion of Japan’s addictive nightlife and Western pop-culture. With FREE karaoke (Hallelujah) and ridiculously cheap gyoza on the menu, Goro’s is one of those rare sparkly gems that have patrons dancing through the doors till three in the morning. There’s a surplus of arcade games, plus an oversized plush toy cat if that’s any more of an incentive to go this weekend. Also, did somebody say sake bombs? Whisky highballs? KARAOKE? Goro’s is a prime example of an establishment making the effort to conjure excitement from Sydneysiders eager to stay out, as Harry puts it; “Good music, momentum and original ideas. These are the three key things that will make a night successful”. Safe to say Goro’s ticks all these essential boxes.
What you’re missing out on: Aforementioned free karaoke, in case I didn’t make it clear the first time, https://www.goros.com.au/
It may be all fun and games in the midst of the hazy clubs, but the reality of the lockouts – with the exception of these few establishments – delves deeper than the recycled stories of alcohol-fuelled violence splashed across news reports. We asked Harry to divulge what the biggest risk promoters face in Sydney’s current nightlife rut?
“Easily the biggest risk promoters face is spending hard earned money on acts, DJ’s and bands, and not being able to make the money back to break even because of how poor the nightlife scene is. No one likes losing money, so when these promoters consistently do, they start scaling back and putting together less attractive parties, which further deepens the hole that Sydney’s nightlife is currently in”
Well, there it is, the detrimental domino effect of the lockouts in full swing. Hopefully this humble list will give you an escape from the militant regime of the city nightlife, enjoy that stunning sunrise.
Do you agree with our selection? Tell us in the comments below!
