Heading out to the nightclubs with friends can be some of the best fun you can have in Canberra on a night out. The nightlife in the city allows you to let your hair down with a few drinks, while dancing to the best music on offer. There's a club in Canberra for every partygoer with venues that are purely for people looking to dance, others that allow you to sit and enjoy a cocktail, and some that offer both. In this article, we outline what makes a top quality club and come up with some of the best nightclubs in Canberra.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best nightclubs
- 88mph
- One22
- Reload Bar & Games
- The Boardwalk Bar And Nightclub
- Zoo Bar - Mile High Club
What makes a great nightclub?
A great nightclub is more than just a place to drink and dance. To truly stand out, a nightclub must create an experience that is memorable and engaging. There are a few key elements that can make or break a nightclub.
- Great music is essential: A good DJ will keep the crowd moving all night long with a mix of old favourites and new hits. The best clubs will have great regulars that feature throughout the year, but also special nights where they bring big name performers or DJs to thrill the crowd.
- Exciting atmosphere: The best nightclubs have a unique atmosphere that makes people want to come back again and again. You want to be in a club where everyone is having a good time, enjoying the music and some drinks in a buzzing and safe environment.
- Friendly staff: From the bouncers at the door to the bartenders pouring drinks, everyone should make guests feel welcome and safe.
- Range of drinks: Great nightclubs will have your typical beers, ciders and spirits, but they should also have some more exciting options to enjoy.
When all of these elements come together, you have the recipe for a great night out on the town.
See also: The best pubs in Canberra.
The best nightclubs in Canberra 2024
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When looking for the best nightclubs in Canberra, check out our list of Canberra Daily’s best local businesses below.
Zoo Bar
Located in the heart of Canberra, Zoo Bar offers something for everyone.
Spread out over five levels, they have a relaxing space to grab a cocktail, an area with pool tables and arcade games, and of course, a nightclub to dance the night away.
The nightclub is called The Mile High Club and it’s open every Saturday night, featuring the best local and international acts.
Lyn Walford left this short and sweet review on Google; “A lovely atmosphere with delicious food and cocktails.”
One22
Located in Canberra’s iconic Sydney building, One22 has become a local favourite for people looking for afternoon drinks or a late night disco.
They feature one of Canberra’s most exciting music programs with a range of talented artists keeping patrons dancing all night.
Sebastian van Lieven wrote this review on Google; “Absolutely lovely atmosphere, great music and vibe. Bartenders are friendly and professional, and the drinks are great. Will be taking my friends here whenever possible! Great place to start or end the night.”
Reload Bar & Games
Reload Bar & Games is the perfect place for people to go to have a few drinks and enjoy playing some social video games with friends.
Along with a range of games to enjoy, Reload also features a beer garden and outdoor deck areas, a dance floor to show your moves, as well as a cocktail menu and Cajun style food.
Scarlett Zoo left this five star review on Google; “Great atmosphere and drinks. They have Mario cart and guitar hero, and other games free to play. We went on a Saturday night and wasn’t overly crowded. The DJ was also very good. Highly recommend it!”
88mph
88mph is Canberra’s dedicated 80s bar, celebrating all things from a decade full of fun.
They have karaoke rooms available for groups to sing their favourite 80s songs, a light-up dance floor for those looking to loosen up a little, and plenty of snacks, drinks and cocktails available to enjoy throughout the night.
Michael Engemann wrote this review on Google; “Great 80’s themed club.
Huge variety of drinks, karaoke rooms you can hire and a light up dance floor where they play non-stop hits from the 80’s. If you love music from the 80’s, this is the night club for you! Music is loud, the dance floor is packed and The wait for drinks at the bar is long, everything you expect at a club!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Canberra have lockout laws?
No, Canberra does not have any lockout laws for bars and clubs.
What time do nightclubs close in Canberra?
Due to there being no lockout laws in Canberra, the nightclubs in the city stay open rather late and can close some time around 3am in the morning or even later.
Are most of the clubs located in the Canberra city?
Yes, most clubs are ideally located in Civic, making it easy to go from club to club and really enjoy your night out with friends.
How can I be safe on a night out?
There are a few things you can do to make sure you stay safe on a night out and an important one is having trustworthy friends with you. Make sure you organise a taxi or Uber if you plan on drinking. Keep an eye on your drink at all times and don’t leave it unattended. Stay away from dark alley-ways and don’t keep many valuables on you.
What is the dress code for nightclubs?
Nightclubs often have dress codes to maintain a certain ambiance and style. The dress code can vary from casual to smart casual to more formal attire, depending on the nightclub’s theme and target audience.
