A smorgasbord of live gigs are back for your entertainment delight, and to kick it off New South Wales will again play host to the Great Southern Nights festival, celebrating Australia’s energetic music industry. The bright city lights of Sydney will set the stage from 8-24 March for some of the biggest names in the business and the exciting faces of emerging talent. Come to the Harbour City for the music, soak up the arts and culture scene, rediscover the iconic sites, and let the beating heart of the city and suburbs make you feel alive.

Great Southern Nights Gigs

Spend your nights in Sydney moving to the music of some of the country’s most notable artists including Yothu Yindi (8 Mar), King Stingray (11 Mar) with their unique “Yolŋu surf-rock” sound, and Gold Fang (23 Mar). Grab tickets to see  Jawbreakers at Arq (22 Mar); chill out to one of country's most esteemed performers Fanny Lumsden at Leichhardt (24 Mar); bounce to the beats of rapper Sophiya at Mary's Underground (23 Mar) and hip hop artists YNG MARTYR at Oxford Arts Factory (22 Mar). Then there's Becca Hatch (21 Mar), Big Skeez (15 Mar), KYE (23 Mar), Pop Crimes: The Songs of Rowland S Howard (10 Mar), and many more. That's a lot of gigs across 17 nights, so you better start planning.

Eat and Drink 

Caterpillar Club

From the team behind Le Foote, Restaurant Hubert and Alberto’s Lounge, Caterpillar Club brings a unique late-night dining experience the Sydney CBD. Think leather booths, oysters, cheeseburgers ‘til 4am and live music.

Trocadero Room

The space around 'The Troc’ is hoping to reignite the late-night scene in Enmore. Visit the venue to catch a band, DJ or comedy gig, washed down with a retro cocktail. Then, pop into The Magpie next door – a micro-pub offering small bites and live sport, or Jacobys Tikki Bar for a guaranteed good time.

The Abercrombie

A visit to the Abercrombie will satisfy all your cravings – a tipple at Lil Sis inspired by the wine cellars of Parisian neighbourhoods and pouring natural and biodynamic wines without fuss. Let loose on the dancefloor, spinning beats until the early morning or enjoy pizza on the rooftop bar.

Shell House

Set inside a grand 1930s building, this three-level dining destination will transport you to the past. Occupying the ground floor of the beautifully restored palazzo-style building is The Menzies Bar, named after the iconic 1970s hotel that once operated here. Further up on level nine there’s an elegant dining room and terrace, on the rooftop the Sky Bar has views of the city skyline, and even higher the building’s iconic 400-tonne clocktower houses an indulgent and unique cocktail bar. 

Frank Mac’s Bar and General Store 

This oh-so-charming small bar located in history-laden The Rocks oozes character and cheek. Interiors of leather, velvet and oak, vintage-style murals and an open fireplace set the scene for an intimate tipple. Choose from the extensive beverage list, which has an impressive selection of gin, or join one of the weekly gin masterclasses or bottomless brunches held on the weekends.

Maybe Sammy

There’s nothing like an expertly-made cocktail from an award-winning bar to kick off your evening. Cocoon in the vintage-styled lounge — polished brass, dusty pink velvet sofas, white marble, leather stools — and hail over the martini cart for a Gibson, or order a ‘mini’ (pint-sized versions of classic cocktails) to discover what you’re in the mood for. Peckish? Be sure to order the truffled-cheese toastie.

Play 

Live music 

The city is home to many vibrant music joints including The Vanguard, an intimate Newtown venue popular for blues and jazz; The Enmore, which has been hosting live acts from around the globe for more than 100 years; or Mary’s Underground, a live music bolthole and award-winning restaurant.

Pleasure Club

The newest addition to Sydney’s late-night scene, Odd Culture Group’s basement cocktail bar and live music venue in Enmore is open Wednesdays to Sundays 4pm to 4am. It features unique drinks and live entertainment from psychedelic rock to theatre performances.   

Burrawa BridgeClimb

At the top of many Sydney must-do lists is BridgeClimb, and if you haven’t already ticked it off your list – or you’d like to do it again – consider the unique Burrawa BridgeClimb. This three-hour tour is led by an Aboriginal storyteller, who will guide you through the beautiful sights and history of the city from an Indigenous perspective.

Explore  

Art scene 

The 150-year-old Art Gallery of NSW will continue to fill the cups of art enthusiasts in 2022 with an expansion to its already impressive collection that comprises everything from Aboriginal art to photography. The Museum of Contemporary Art is one for the modernists, with its permanent collection of more than 4000 works by Australian artists, while the smaller, but equally captivating, White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale features an extensive collection of contemporary Chinese art.  

Harbourside walk  

Unwind from city life by pounding the 11-kilometre waterfront walkway between Woolloomooloo and the Anzac Bridge, taking in some of the city’s most memorable sites along the way including the Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and bustling Darling Harbour. This walk only became possible in 2020 when the new Barangaroo section – named the Wulugul Walk – was constructed and opened to the public.  

Stay 

W Sydney

The long-awaited W Sydney has opened in Darling Harbour. The looming hotel boasts 588 stylish rooms and suites, a two-level rooftop bar, infinity pool, the W’s signature Living Room (a meeting place by day, a sake and raw bar venue at night), an all-day dining venue and a dessert bar by Singaporean dessert genius, Janice Wong.

Hotel Morris

Feel like you’ve been transported to a luxury Italian palace at Hotel Morris, an Art Deco, boutique hotel in Haymarket that’s part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. During your stay, head to the hotel’s marble-topped bar at Bar Morris for a southern Italian breakfast, the pasta of the day or full-on feast followed by a cocktail and some funk and soul.  

The Old Clare Hotel

Transformed from an old pub to a new hotel, The Old Clare Hotel is the epitome of industrial chic, paying homage to the 19th century building in which it resides. The playful Chippendale hotel has 62 guest rooms, Automata restaurant, a rooftop bar and pool, and The Clare Bar, which is a cool mix between Aussie pub and stylish hotel lounge. 

QT Sydney

A stay at QT Sydney comes with a side of theatrics, which is fitting considering the hotel is located adjacent to the State Theatre. While the rooms are supremely comfortable and the dining top-notch, it’s the quirky aspects that make it memorable and fun. Staff wear flamboyant uniforms by Romance was Born, guest rooms are fragranced with Coco Chanel No.5, elevator music will play depending on how many guests are riding, and the hotel’s public spaces are adorned with an eclectic collection of art. 

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For more information on Great Southern Nights and to purchase tickets go to greatsouthernnights.com.au. Learn more about New South Wales’ diverse destinations and experiences at sydney.com and visitnsw.com. 

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