Top Five Party Towns in Australia Plus One

If you’re a backpacker making your way around Australia, you need to know where Australian’s go to party. Although it’s impossible to limit a list of Australian party towns to just five and do the country justice, these five are all in major urban centers and will get you started in the right direction. Once you’ve been to these, the people you meet will turn you on to more.

Sydney, New South Wales

The suburbs of Bondi, Kings Cross, Newtown and Surry Hills are the party capitals of Sydney. Bondi is one of the world’s most famous beach suburbs and probably needs no introduction. Kings Cross has the biggest concentration of backpacker lodges in Sydney, so if you stay there, you’ll be staying in the heart of the action. King Street, Newtown has arguably become the hippest street in Sydney, with great pubs, budget restaurants, clubs and cafes. Surry Hills is kind of an insiders’ secret, so hook up with a local and have them show you around.

Melbourne, Victoria

Sydneysiders won’t admit it, but Melbourne is arguably even cooler than Australia’s largest city. There has always been a huge university student and arts scene in Melbourne and while the sun doesn’t shine every day, there’s always something to do at night. If you like to party, stay in party central, St. Kilda. Don’t limit yourself to St Kilda alone, though. Prahran, although not as well known to non-Melburnians as its famous beach sister, has great  laid back nightlife in a fashionable setting. Another not-to-be-missed party suburb to visit is Fitzroy and check out the Brunswick Hotel for a taste of pub partying at its best.

Brisbane, Queensland

Everybody knows about the party scene on the Gold Coast of Queensland, but not everybody knows about Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. Since it’s likely that you’ll pass through the capital of sunny Queensland at some point or other on your journey, it’s important that you know where to go to party there. Fortitude Valley has risen from being a seedy suburb to become just about the hippest place for partiers to go in “Brissie,” as the locals affectionately call their town. Kangaroo Point and the West End are also worth checking out. Ask around at the backpacker’s lodges about the Downunder Bar:  it’s a great meeting place and something of a local legend.

Perth, Western Australia

Some say that Perth has the best live music scene in all of Australia. That may or may not be a slight exaggeration, but the fact is, it has a great live music scene and that’s all you need to know. The best nightlife in Perth can be found in Northbridge, so try to find a place to stay near there. Fremantle is practically a bedroom community of Perth, but has a distinctively different atmosphere and is one of the best places to hang out in all of WA. For a more upmarket night out, head for Subiaco.

Darwin, Northern Territory

In a country that consumes more beer per capita than any other, Darwin is known as its beer drinking capital. Not all of Darwin’s beer drinkers are partiers, though, so it’s good to know where to go in Darwin.  Write this down or commit it to memory: Mitchell Street. That’s where you’ll find the best pubs and clubs, with DJs, live local music and a “rock till you drop” attitude.

Plus One: Byron Bay

There have been so many places left off this list, it’s disgraceful, but one town has to be mentioned in any list of party towns in Australia. Byron Bay, on the far north coast of New South Wales, is a year around party town for everyone. As you make your way north from Sydney to Brisbane, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hang out in Byron.

 

 

Rob writes for bookitnow.com.au about popular things to do and see in Australia. If planning on visiting Australia you will find information and a great range of accommodation in Sydney and other cities across Australia and of course some great Byron Bay accommodation on our website.