Melbourne : Nightlife

Many of Melbourne 's venues function variously as bars, clubs and live-music rooms depending on the night and the hour. The varied nature of the bars and clubs means that the dress code also varies enormously, but generally the trendier the place, the stricter the dress code. Pubs, clubs and bars open and close every week but these ones have lasted longer than most. Check gay street press for current listings. When in doubt, just head to Commercial Road in Prahran and follow the crowd. The people here are very warm, helpful and open especially if you meet them at the local pub! There are many influences that give Melbourne it's special feel, but it's the people that make it what it is.

Melbournians take life as it comes and there are few things that faze them, if there's a problem, well there's always a solution and it's a matter of finding it. They will also gladly invite you to a "Barbie" at their home and they'll be disappointed if you don¹t show up, even if you just met them on the train.

45 Downstairs

Music Club, (Jazz), City Center

Cutting-edge cabaret acts are featured at 45 Downstairs.

Address: 45 Flinders La., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9662-9966

The Atrium

Bar, City Center

The Atrium, a cocktail bar on the 35th floor of the Hotel Sofitel, has spectacular views.

Address: 25 Collins St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9653-0000

Australian Ballet

Dance, (Ballet), Southbank

In the 2,000-seat State Theatre at the Arts Centre, the Australian Ballet stages five programs annually and presents visiting celebrity dancers from around the world.

Address: Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St. Kilda Rd., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9669-2700 Ballet; 13-6100 Ticketmaster

Bennetts Lane

Music Club, (Jazz), City Center

Bennetts Lane is one of the city center's jazz mainstays.

Address: 25 Bennetts La. , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9663-2856

Comedy Club Melbourne

Comedy Club, Carlton

Comedy Club Melbourne is a popular place to see top-class Australian and international acts.

Address: 380 Lygon St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9650-1977

Comedy Theatre

Theater, City Center

Revues and plays are staged at the Comedy Theatre.

Address: 240 Exhibition St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9299-9800

The Cricketeer's Bar

Bar, City Center

Find classic charm in the heart of the Windsor Hotel at the The Cricketeer's Bar.

Address: 103 Spring St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9633-6000

Crown Casino

Bar, Southbank

Crown Casino, Melbourne 's first gambling center, has blackjack, roulette, and poker machines. There are also dozens of restaurants, retail shops, bars, and two nightclubs open until late. Look for the impressive water and lighting displays on the first floor. The casino is on the south bank of the Yarra. www.crowncasino.com.au.

Address: Riverside Ave., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9292-8888

Deco Bar

Bar, City Center

The Grand Hyatt's Deco Bar is a sophisticated spot.

Address: 123 Collins St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9657-1234

Diva Bar

Dance Club, South Yarra

Diva Bar attracts mainly gay clientele.

Address: 2153 Commercial Rd., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9824-2800

Dog's Bar

Bar, St. Kilda

The faithful patrons of Dog's Bar are laid-back and supercool -- they'd have to be to hang out at a bar advertising itself as a canine hot spot.

Address: 54 Acland St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9525-3599

Esplanade Hotel

Comedy Club, St. Kilda

In addition to being a hallowed live music venue, the Esplanade Hotel is a testing ground for local comedians.

Address: 11 Upper Esplanade, Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9534-0211

The George Hotel Bar

Bar, St. Kilda

The George Hotel Bar is in a superb 19th-century building.

Address: Fitzroy and Grey Sts., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9525-5599

Gin Palace

Bar, City Center

Reminiscent of Hollywood opulence, Gin Palace has more than enough types of martinis to satisfy any taste. Enter from Russell Street .

Address: 190 Little Collins St., Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Phone: 03/9654-0533