Backpackers Point of Review: Top Bars in Sydney
A Look at the Top Four Best Budget Bars
Sep 11, 2008
From sun and surf to walkabouts and witchery grubs, it is a never-ending source of things to do, places to be and people to party with. Perhaps that’s why Australia is one of the largest backpacker destinations in the world.
Being a backpacker these days seems simple enough. You purchase a ticket and a Lonely Planet guide and you head over to the other side of the world.
However, if you happened to have misplaced your Lonely Planet, or perhaps are too poor to purchase one (after all, you are a backpacker right?) or are looking for an actual backpacker’s point of view, then check out the top four backpacker bars in Sydney. These four bars are all unique in their own way but each features a cheap place to drink and dance, a relaxed atmosphere to socialize in and a night out that you won’t soon remember.
Side Bar
Located across the street from the Main Railway Terminal on Pitt Street, Side Bar is the perfect backpacker location for a quick pint or a full night of partying. The bar, which resides underneath the WakeUp! Hostel has hosted millions of backpackers from around the world. Considered by many as the Hub of Sydney, Side Bar lives up to its reputation as a must-visit bar when on the backpacking road.
The menu, which features typical backpacking staples such as burgers, nachos and fish and chips, is decently priced with a 5$ AUS dinner special nightly. Drink specials are as low as 3$ AUS a pint- it doesn’t get much cheaper than that in Sydney!
True to the backpacker style bar, the room features standard tables, booths, and long banquet style tables- all the better to drink on. Because it is located underground, there are no windows and usually after a night of sweaty dancing and heavy drinking, the place becomes enveloped in sweat and alcohol. Nightly events include pool competitions, live music, Sunday roasts and cheap cocktails. And of course, Happy Hour is every night!
The Gaff
Located on the trendy Oxford Street in Sydney’s Central Business District, The Gaff is the backpacker’s dream bar. Nightly contests, Power Hours, friendly staff and delicious eats are just the beginning of what The Gaff has to offer.
At first glance, it’s hard to understand what makes The Gaff such a hot spot for backpackers. Once inside, however, the explanation is obvious. The upstairs section of the bar features a large outside area for eating and drinking. Inside there are more areas to chill and drink and a small dance floor with a DJ pumping out the latest hits.
However, it’s downstairs where The Gaff really comes alive! Modelled after a concrete dungeon (or so it would seem), The Gaff turns into your own little Sweat Grotto as the night turns to morning. The bar features Power Hours three nights a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday), which means you drink for free, as much as you want for one hour. The bar also features little alcoves with different seating and a concaved dance floor where a DJ plays the latest dance hits and hosts nightly backpacking contests. Women can take off their shirts and paint their country’s flag on their chests and men can pole dance their way to free trips around Australia, including to the Fraser Island. What’s not to love?
Scruffy Murphy’s
Most every town has a Scruffy Murphy’s. It’s that somewhat scummy, open all night bar and nightclub that you make your way to after being kicked out of everywhere else. And, for those towns that don’t have a Scruffy Murphy’s, they should!
Scruff Muff’s is located on George and Goldburn Street, in Sydney’s Central Business District. This backpacker’s dream bar features a huge portion brekkie for only $5 AUS and steak dinners at the same price. The bar itself is three levels with a variety of different events.
A typical Irish themed bar, Scruffy’s hosts nightly events from DJ’s to live rock bands to “ladies” karaoke night. It’s the perfect place to meet your mates for a quick pint or to rock out with the band.
The bottom floor of Scruffy’s opens into an all night dance floor which pumps out the latest dance and pop music into the wee hours of the morning. The club gives off an underground vibe with neon lights, smoke machines and low ceilings. No matter what you look like, or what you’re wearing, you’re destined to have a good after-night out at Scruffy’s.
World Bar
World Bar, Sydney is located in the somewhat scuzzy neighbourhood of Kings Cross, Sydney. However, the World Bar is anything like the scummy district in which it resides. World Bar is clean, classy and comfortable and definitely worth the venture.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays they play Indie Rock and offer free champagne to ladies, or men dressed as women. The drink menu features teapots, a delicious assortment of shooters mixed in a large teapot. The bar also features a pokies room, upstairs sitting area and large outside smoking/ drinking area.
The atmosphere of the bar is formal yet funky. With circular shaped door openings, yellow tinted lighting and a downstairs dance floor that looks like a concrete basement, the place works for both after-work drinks and an Underground rock bar. However, keep in mind that there is a strict dress code: no thongs allowed so wear heels or nice shoes to avoid a problem at the front door.
Although located in different areas and featuring completely conflicting vibes, all four of these bars promise the every day backpacker one thing: a rockin’ good time, no matter what.
