Oxford Street nightclub becomes first Aussie venue to crack top 100 on global list

Located on Sydney’s iconic Oxford Street is Australia’s first-ever venue to make the cut on a list ranking the world’s best nightclubs.

Move aside Melbourne, Sydney has made history as home to Australia’s first nightclub to break into the world’s top 100 venues.

Often labelled as having a “dead” night-life scene, the Harbour City has turned a corner with Nightlife International recognising Carousel on Oxford Street as the 87th best venue globally.

Just a year since opening its doors, the nightclub has had over 50,000 revellers visit and has hosted some of Australia’s biggest names with Troye Sivan, Abbie Chatfield and other socialites among the list.

The 70s-inspired cabaret venue, known for its house and techno beats, joins the ranks of world-renowned hotspots like Hi Ibiza ranked at number one, Pacha Ibiza at 11, London’s Fabric at 26, Berlin’s Berghain at 51, London’s Drumsheds at 80, and Shelter Amsterdam at 100.

The Carousel nightclub on Oxford Street which has made history as Australia’s first nightclub joining the world’s top 100 list. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Kerry Wallace, owner and director of Carousel, weighed in on Sydney’s nightlife resurgence, saying Melbourne’s reputation is often overrated.

“Growing up Sydney definitely had the edge on Melbourne, but our lockout laws killed everything. It went back the other way, Melbourne actually doesn’t have any really good nightclubs, they just have a bunch of average ones,” Mr Wallace told The Daily Telegraph.

The 42-year-old spent years living in London and Ibiza where he learnt all the right ways to make a good club, which is why he’s brought it to Sydney.

The 70s-inspired cabaret venue has hosted sonme of Australia’s biggest names in its time. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I think this is Sydney’s first (club) that’s at the top and ticks off all the boxes, there were a lot of hoops to jump through to attain this ranking.”

The list comes as Sydney works to shake off its longstanding reputation for lacklustre night-life, with the NSW government also stepping into action.

Last month, the Minns government met with Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s team to discuss rolling out 24-hour entertainment precincts across the CBD, bringing Sydney one step closer to becoming a true city that never sleeps.

“It’s (Sydney night-life) getting better, we’re heading in the right direction. Now that the government’s actually realising what they did they’re trying to reverse everything which will lead to a much more vibrant Sydney. It’s not there yet but we’re on the right path for sure,” Mr Wallace said.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Oxford Street nightclub becomes first Aussie venue to crack top 100 on global list