It's something that Melburnians can take deep pride in. Other states might have the weather but our bustling late-night music culture and good-time mentality is second to none in this country. We're home to some of the most innovative and renowned nightclubs world over—with dancefloors loaded every weekend and serious talent both local and international taking to the decks.
If you're after an evening on the town, a late-night shuffle or need somewhere to keep the fire burning, here are the best nightclubs in Melbourne for 2024:
Revolver Upstairs
Level 2/229 Chapel Street, Prahran
An oldie but a goodie, what best nightclub in Melbourne list would be complete without its after-hours institution. Ascending the staircase into the adult playground of Revs is basically a Melburnians right of passage ever since the 72-hour party has been on rotation first opening back in 1992. Once inside you'll find a grooving dancefloor and heaving bar with plenty of nooks and crannies to park up and chew the fat. A hotbed for DJs and selectors, Revolver has seen some of the world's foremost talent take to the cage and continues to set the standard.
Miscellania
2/401 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
This one’s a little different to your typical club scene, but that’s exactly why it's loved by city slickers looking to escape to the dance floor. Miscellania offers an open performance space that showcases some off-the-charts talent. Expect quirky deconstructed club sets, experimental sounds, reggaeton beats, record launches, and the occasional (yet common) all-day rave. All the best Nightclubs in Melbourne provide a rooftop, so when you need a break from the always-packed dance floor, you can climb the stairs for a breather.
New Guernica
64 Smith Street, Collingwood
The once fairy-tale and jungle aesthetic of New Guernica situated deep in the CBD has picked and parked itself on Smith Street. After 12 years in the city, the beloved nightclub is breathing new life into the Collingwood region with its effortlessly vibe-filled dancefloor. Each weekend sees a new flurry of party-program energy pour into the intimately-spaced nightclub with a plethora of events such as artist side shows, afterparties and more.
Levels
240 King Street, Melbourne CBD
King Street is known for its bustling night-time scene, and it’s also where you’ll find a devilish little playhouse called Levels. The name is no joke. With three separate levels and four rooms for dancing, plus an open-air rooftop, this is a prime Saturday night clubbing destination and high on the list for Melbourne's best nightclubs. You can expect weekly DJs, playing it all from house and techno, to some funky disco tunes.
HER Music Room
Level 1/270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Head up to level one at HER and you'll saunter into what's known as MUSIC ROOM, which does exactly what it says on the tin and so much more. This space has been modelled off the listening bars found across Tokyo and Europe, focusing on hi-fi sound with an intimately-spaced dancefloor that's ideal for a late-night boogie. The entire musical program has been curated by Melbourne's DJ Jnett so expect an eclectic mix of rare grooves and residencies, making selections from the 3000+ records that line the shelf behind the bar.
Brown Alley
585 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Set within the walls of the Colonial Hotel on the bottom end of Lonsdale Street, Brown Alley continues to reign as one of the best nightclubs in Melbourne. Favoured as an event spot for the city, this Victoria-era building with two large-size dance floors is typically teeming with punters for one-night-only events, side shows, and venue takeover parties.
Yah Yah’s
99 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Perched on Smith Street, Yah Yah’s is a grungy, poppy club haven. Don’t let the line deter you, it’s worth the wait. Boasting true club feels with two dancefloors and pumping tunes on repeat, smashing a couple vodka reddies are almost a right of passage if you’re having a boogie here, and the couches are primed for some late-night yapping.
Angel Music Bar
12 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Situated inside the former bones of the heavy-venue Korova, Angel Music Bar is an accessible audiophile haven for great music, perfect sound (proudly boasting a Funktion One system) and genuinely good times. While small in stature this venue is a prized commodity in the Melbourne music community with regular appearances from some of the top local talent. The upstairs dancefloor is where it is at most weekends and the track selections and inviting atmosphere cement Angel as one of the best nightclubs in Melbourne.
Poof Doof
386 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Right in the thick of it of Chapel Street, Poof Doof and its infectiously good times is a staple of Melbourne's nightlife. The entirely LGBTQIA+ and ally-friendly party runs till dawn every Saturday night and features a collection of local and international DJs as well as performers, entertainers and more. There are two dancefloors so you're sure to find something suited to your musical taste with a mix of house and techno to the latest pop hits, hip hop and more. It may only be on once a week, but it's one of the best nightclubs Melbourne has to offer.
Glamorama
393 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Image credit: Glamorama | Supplied
A staple of Brunswick Street, Glamorama has steadily remained as one of the best nightclubs in Melbourne due to its good vibes and welcoming nature. With lines that snake down the main Fitzroy strip, Glamorama welcomes one and all to knock back a few and get sucked into their late-night disco ethos.
Sub Club
Flinders Court, Melbourne CBD
A more clandestine operation, Sub Club is tucked away on Flinders Court in the city and is an amalgamation of art including live performances, projection works, immersive displays as well as music and community all set within a subterranean basement space. Typically providing heavier varieties of house, dance and techno the Melbourne nightclub which is open to 7am has become a go-to for those wanting to keep the night going.
Sircuit
103-105 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Fitzroy is home to one of the biggest, brightest and most chaotic queer venues—Sircuit. You can expect Djs, drag performances, gogo dancers, and free entry (unless it’s something extra special). Not only are there always banging drink offers, but Flaunt Fridays and Saturday night anthems will really get you in the mood.
Section 8
27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne CBD
This outdoor joint is always kicking and spinning something fun on the decks. I’m sure we don’t stand alone when we say there’s always a line, but don’t fret, it moves quickly and then you're inside Section 8 for a hella good time. The staff are slinging drinks fresh from a converted shipping container and the walls are ransacked with graffiti—it’s very Melbourne-coded.
Image credit: Glamorama | Matt Ruderman
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