The Brisbane nightlife is diverse with a lot of different party venue options spread out across the city. From stunning waterfront bars to a late-night club scene there is something on offer here for everyone.
Within this guide, we will break down the most popular bars and clubs to help you find what you’re looking to take away from your nightlife experience.
Where To Party In Brisbane
There are a lot of different areas to enjoy Brisbane nightlife and for the purpose of this guide we have broken down the areas into three major areas – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane CBD, and Southbank / Westend.
Southbank and Westend is generally the tamest and most family-friendly area to enjoy Brisbane nightlife as it is mainly populated with restaurants and bars located near the Brisbane river.
Venturing over the Brisbane river you’ll find yourself in the Brisbane CBD which has a plethora of Bars and clubs that are open late on the weekend.
For the Brisbane nightlife club scene, Fortitude Valley is the area you’ll find a wide range of clubs that are open until 5 am on the weekends.
Brisbane Nightlife & Safety Tips
1 – The legal drinking age in Brisbane is 18 and you will need to bring your ID in order to get into all venues. If you’re a foreigner you’ll need to bring your passport as only Australian licenses are accepted.
2- A lot of venues have a cover charge of approximately $20
3 – Clubs have a 1 am lockout rule which means if you leave a club and try to get back in after 1 am you won’t be permitted to do so.
4 – Tipping in Brisbane and Australia, in general, is not expected as it is incorporated into staff wages.
5 – Drinking on the street in Brisbane is not permitted and the police will definitely stop and fine you.
6 – Shots after midnight are not permitted in Australia.
7 – Brisbane is generally safe however late night altercations have been known to occur so keeping your wits about you is highly advised.
8. Brisbane City and Valley have strict dress codes so ensure you dress well (collared shirt and dress shoes for men) if you want to have the freedom to move between venues.
How expensive it is to party in Brisbane
Brisbane and Australia in general are notorious for being quite expensive when it comes to getting amongst the nightlife.
If you’re on a budget it’s always about the pre-drinking when it comes to the Aussie culture. Young Australians and backpackers will normally party at houses or hostels before heading out at around 11 pm in order to save on spending money on drinks all night.
Here is a basic overview of what you can expect to pay to enjoy Brisbane nightlife in $AUD.
- Club entry: $20
- A bottle of beer: $7-9
- A basic spirit with mixer (eg. vodka & soda): $11-15
- A cocktail: $20+
Southbank & Westend Nightlife
The Sangria Bar
Open until midnight this is a great venue in Southbank if you’re looking to get amongst the different flavored sangria that the venue offers.
From blueberry to passionfruit, grapefruit, and lychee the Sangria Bar is sure to have something that you’ll enjoy.
For those that like to stick to the beers, the venue has Estrella Damm on tap in addition to a lot more Spanish beers.
On the weekend the venue transforms into a Latin dance venue which is a great atmosphere for those looking to party.
The Ship Inn
Located a short walk away from the Captain Cook Bridge which connects Southbank to the Brisbane CBD is The Ship Inn.
Self-proclaimed as ‘Brisbane’s most iconic pub’ the venue was once a drinking spot for sailors as it was constructed all the way back in 1864.
The venue doesn’t engage in any gambling facilities as it has a strong emphasis on the social aspect so if you’re looking to grab a beer with friends before walking over into the City then this venue is a must-see.
Brisbane CBD Nightlife (The City)
Fridays
Located in the City as the name suggests Fridays is an awesome venue on a Friday night. The venue is one of Brisbane’s most iconic bars with incredible views of the Story Bridge and the Brisbane River.
Although the destination is most popular on the weekend it is also a great location for corporate lunches and sunset drinks all nights of the week.
On the weekends the cover charge is $10 AUD after 9 pm and $20 after 10 pm.
Riverland
Riverland is an awesome waterfront venue that serves craft beer, wine, and cocktails with one of the best views in town.
Popular amongst Brisbane locals this is a great venue for an afternoon beer or cocktail.
The venue is always looking to improve and is working on a new outdoor drinking and dining space that will be ready in early 2023.
Riverbar
With both spectacular views and amazing food Riverbar is a riverside venue that allows guests to enjoy waterfront views seven days a week from 7 am – 12 am.
Fortitude Valley Nightlife (The Valley)
The Met
One of the most popular clubbing venues in all of Brisbane is The Met and this is due to the fact that the venue has multiple dancefloors offering something to cater to all different music tastes.
The met is the most popular on Friday and Saturday nights and the venue is located right in the middle of The Valley making it an easy venue to get to.
On the weekend the cover charge ranges anywhere from $10 – $20 per person which is the standard price for most of the venues in the Valley.
The venue is notorious for pulling in some famous international DJs so it is always recommended to look at what events are on in advance to ensure you don’t need to reorganize tickets.
GPO
GPO is also located in the heart of the Valley and it is one of the most popular venues for young partygoers in Brisbane.
The dress requirements are quite strict for this venue so formal shoes and a collared shirt are a must if you’re male.
The venue features two levels with the upstairs area having a central bar in addition to comfortable sofas and a balcony.
Downstairs has more of a club vibe with a large dance floor and cocktail bar with smoke machines and lighting creating an energetic party ambiance.
Cloudland
Cloudland is an up-class venue in the Valley and is more frequented by 30+ year-old guests.
The club has two bars which are known as Madame Hedges and Crystal Palais, both serving incredibly tasty cocktails.
The venue is popular on the weekends but it is also a great venue during the week to get amongst the extensive tapas menu.
Brisbane Nightlife Summary
Regardless of your age or the kind of party scene you’re into Brisbane nightlife has something to offer everyone. From the relaxed sunset drinks overlooking the river in Southbank to the late-night club antics in the Valley, you’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for.
