In an Aussie first, Sydney’s Carousel nightclub has been named by Nightlife International as one of the top 100 clubs globally.

Only a year after opening the doors in Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, the venue was ranked 87th – alongside iconic venues Hi Ibiza at no.1, Pacha Ibiza at no.11, Fabric at no.26, Berghain at no.51, Drumsheds at no.80, Womb at no.86 and Shelter Amsterdam at no.100.

Carousel has welcomed more than 50,000 revellers through the doors since its inception and has become a favourite spot for touring DJs, including nternational dance music heavyweights Raresh, DJ Masda, Booka Shade, Youandewan, Vintage Culture, Rich NxT, Fred P, Traumer, Sully, Jasper James, Dan Shake, Patrick Holland. Local celebrities who have appeared there include Troye Sivan, Stacie Fields, Memphis LK, Tangela, Barney Kato and Bella Claxton.

Carousel’s musical offering is just one aspect of its success, with other highlights being a culture of limited phones on the dancefloor, affordable drinks and cocktails, a huge Funktion One sound system and operating hours running until 5am. on Nightlife International’s list is a testament to an emerging success story in the future of Sydney’s nightlife. 

Owner Kerry Wallace said: “We’re stoked to be the first Australian club in history to make the top 100 rankings.

“Sydney genuinely feels like it is entering a new era of nightlife. We’re proud to be playing a role in putting Sydney back on the map as a destination where there is not only an actual clubbing scene, but an award-winning venue that rivals nightlife meccas like Fabric, Berghain and Pacha. 

“The various bodies who are assisting venues with issues, including the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), in addition to the new Vibrancy Reforms, will hopefully see the entire CBD become a thriving Special Entertainment Precinct, protected from petty noise complaints.” 

Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb said: “Carousel’s inclusion in the Top 100 Clubs list is a reflection of the enormous amount of work they have put into creating a world-class venue. They are helping put Australia’s night time economy on the global stage, it’s vital their contributions are recognised and their cultural significance protected and cherished.”

Looking ahead, Australia is set to become an even larger hub for dance music and nightlife, with SoundCloud recently reporting that Australians listen to more dance music per capita than any country in the world.

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