‘It’s shocking’: Sydney nightlife roasted over desolate image of CBD

$15 beers, Karens and a general ‘fun police’ atmosphere have all been blamed for an utterly desolate image of the CBD that sums up Australia’s largest city.

It’s the broken record we’re all tired of hearing, but it’s time for another dig at Sydney.

An image of a an utterly desolate Circular Quay on Halloween has perfectly summed up the state of Sydney’s nightlife, as numerous Sydneysiders complain about the city’s lost vibrancy.

Even before Covid-19 lockdowns snuffed out some of the city’s iconic live music venues, locals were complaining of an inhospitable atmosphere hanging over their nights out, with everything from ridiculous schooner prices to strict security guards getting in the way of an otherwise enjoyable night.

Now, it’s clearly a whole lot worse.

Record inflation has made going out a daunting prospect for millions of regular-wage Aussies, with many complaining they don’t want to “trade their left kidney for a chicken parmy”.

The rising cost of living, which has seen rents rise over 30 per cent in suburbs close to the CBD, has made it even harder for young people beginning their careers to live close to the action.

Some have put down Sydney’s deteriorating reputation as a chronic case of “NIMBY-ism”, blaming uptight neighbours living near pubs for pressuring ludicrously early closing times.

“It’s a sh**hole full of Karens,” one anonymous user wrote online under the image of Circular Quay showing a grand total of zero cars travelling towards the Cross on Cahill Expressway.

An image of a an utterly desolate Circular Quay on Halloween this year has perfectly summed up the state of Sydney’s nightlife, as numerous Sydneysiders complain about the city’s lost vibrancy.

One returning tourist said they couldn’t believe how quiet the city had become after leaving Sydney in 2020.

“Currently here in Sydney as a tourist. I took this pic around 11pm in the hotel room, and … its so quiet?” Redditor PREaviation posted online.

“I used to live here as a student for 3 years so I‘m finally back since 2020, and it’s a little shocking to see the city like this, especially on Halloween night? Walked from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour and I only saw a handful of people in costumes … did covid impact the nightlife? Poor timing on my part? Something else?”

The problem seems to be that Sydney has a reputation for gentrification, but simultaneously wants some grunge injected to the city to avoid feeling like they’re partying in a shopping centre.

I have lived with many Europeans and Americans who sit in awe of Sydney’s lockout laws and early closing times at pubs. It doesn’t matter that the neighbours are happy and cozy in their $2 million apartment overlooking a beer garden, an 11.30pm last drinks call is not a good look for a so-called “international city”.

To say Sydney is completely in the bin would be unfair. It is still a major hub for international touring acts and people aren’t shy to turn out in their thousands and spend their hard-earned on big events.

Last weekend’s back-to-back Paul McCartney shows at Allianz Stadium are proof there’s still big, extraordinary things happening, even if it takes an 81-year-old to get the vibe going.