Whether you are in the mood for topless barmaids and nude lap dances, or simply want to catch a live concert or club music show, Brisbane’s got it all. The hotspots are spread across the city centre and Fortitude Valley, the hip neighbourhood with the coolest bars and clubs.
Prohibition blasts rock and pop in the main room, while the smaller space plays electro in a more chilled atmosphere. Here are some of the best clubs in Brisbane for night life.
The Met
The Met is one of the largest art museums in the world, with nineteen curatorial departments. It features a massive collection of works from around the globe and throughout history. You’ll see European paintings, a suite of galleries dedicated to Asian art, and even a reassembled temple from Egypt (the Temple of Dendur).
The Museum first opened in 1870 on Fifth Avenue and 54th Street, and later moved to its present location along Museum Mile in Central Park, with additional locations at The Cloisters in Upper Manhattan and several other sites around the country. Its current building consists of numerous additions and expansions that surround the original structure.
The famous painting of the dance class by Johannes Vermeer is perhaps its most well-known piece, although many of the museum’s other pieces are equally impressive. In fact, you can find anything from 40,000-year-old Australian Aboriginal rock paintings to a group of memorial poles carved by the Asmat people of New Guinea and priceless collections of ceremonial and personal objects from Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The Bowery
By the time the elevated train came up over the Bowery in 1878, mansions had given way to low-brow music halls, German beer gardens, brothels and flophouses. The area was also home to one of America’s earliest street gangs, the Bowery Boys, and was often referred to as Skid Row.
As the century wore on, the Bowery drew in artists like Cy Twombly and Mark Rothko who were looking for cheap studio space. Soon, it was a stomping ground for punk bands and counterculture figures including Patti Smith, Allen Ginsberg and Joey Ramone.
Today, The Bowery is a hotspot for well-to-do guests in their 30s and 40s who appreciate its curated decor. The cocktail list is extensive and worth exploring. The Bowery’s gin joint vibe is enhanced by the curated live music and darkly nostalgic atmosphere. The bar is a great place to catch up with friends and sip cocktails in the cool, cosy environment.
The Beat Megaclub
The Beat Megaclub is one of the biggest gay night clubs in Brisbane. It is located on Ann Street within the Fortitude Valley entertainment district. It is open until 05:00 am and features live DJ performances and drag acts. The club also has a dance floor and a bar. It is the oldest gay venue in Queensland and has a great reputation.
During the 80’s, Australia was a very different place. Blokes would snort cocaine, drop acid, pick up a cuddle bunny for the night and get laid with their friends at The Beat. Police officers would regularly visit the club for “poofta hunts” & turn a blind eye to ‘poofta bashings’.
The Beat Megaclub was originally known as the Cockatoo Club. It was owned by Valley identity Tony Bellino until his death in 1973. It was later acquired by Gerry Bellino and Vic Conte. The three came to the attention of the Fitzgerald Inquiry and served jail time.
Black Bear Lodge
Black Bear Lodge is a rehabilitation center that offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues. Its facility is located in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia and offers an upscale atmosphere for recovery. The center has a variety of treatment programs and is certified by the Joint Commission. It also meets the standards set by LegitScript.
The rooms at Black Bear Lodge are spacious and comfortable. They feature wood furnishings and a TV. Each suite includes a full kitchen. They are also equipped with a sauna and steam bath. There is also a game room and a pool.
The resort is surrounded by forest foothills, which provides an ideal environment for recovery. Its staff focuses on client-centered care and encourages clients to rediscover themselves. The center also encourages clients to develop healthy recreational habits by offering adventure therapy. These adventures include zip lining, horseback riding, and hiking on Mount Yonah.
Cloudland
Nestled into the unique natural setting of iconic Lookout Mountain, Cloudland, Curio Collection by Hilton is an unforgettable mountaintop resort. From classic design elements to sweeping views of McLemore Cove, the hotel offers timeless sophistication and endless opportunities for memorable events. Whether it’s a business conference or wedding reception, Cloudland is sure to make your event a soaring success.
Atop Brisbane’s famous hilltop, the Cloudland dance hall was a frequent venue for formal balls, weekend dances and civic events, and later served as a marketplace and university examination room. Today, this distinctive structure’s parabolic laminated roof arch remains the centerpiece of the Cloudland site, which also includes a hotel and restaurant. Croft is a hearty, yet elegant breakfast, lunch and dinner venue. Named after the small farms scattered throughout Scotland, this upscale dining experience bridges cultures and cuisines while overlooking beautiful, cliff-edge views.
