Melbourne
Nationwide chamber-music company Musica Viva stages 'Coffee Concerts' five times a year at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Must-see entertainment in Australia
Melbourne
Popular with nearby uni students, the John Curtin is a great pub for a beer; it also hosts a solid line-up of local indie and rock bands upstairs most…
Sydney
This small player stages two intimate, oft-overlooked chamber operas every June and December at the City Recital Hall.
Darwin
This historic venue (a former mining exchange) features live theatre performances, music and short films – check the website for upcoming performances.
Sydney
At picturesque North Sydney Oval, this outdoor cinema is one of several popular Sydney summer-night choices. Take a picnic, but no booze: it's licensed.
Melbourne
A not-for-profit company that performs classic and light opera in various venues, including the Regent Theatre.
Sydney
This is Australia’s largest indoor entertainment and sporting venue (21,000 seats). Everything from Disney on Ice to big rock shows take the stage.
City Centre & Haymarket
An orgy of popcorn-fuelled mainstream entertainment, this monster movie palace has 18 screens and plenty of eateries and teen-centric distractions.
Perth
The good old Amplifier is one of the best places for live (mainly indie) bands. (Part of the same complex as Capitol, used mainly for DJ gigs.)
Canberra
An independent and art-house cinema in the Canberra Centre. Tuesday is discount day (all tickets $13).
Melbourne
Founded in 1988, Chamber Made Opera showcases contemporary music and music-based performance art at various venues around the city and state.
Blue Mountains
Inside an old public hall, the 130-seat Mount Vic Flicks is a wonderful step back in time, with ushers, a piano player and door prizes.
Melbourne
This early Victorian theatre (completed 1842) stages drama, opera, concerts and comedy. It's also home to Melbourne's oldest library.
Sydney
Sells tickets for music, sports, arts and theatre events. Has various outlets around town as well as emailing printable tickets.
Hobart
City-centre booking office for all kinds of stuff around Hobart and beyond: rock gigs, theatre shows, musicals, festivals etc.
Hobart
This versatile bohemian city bar doubles as a music venue with everything from live bands to DJs, dance, cabaret and comedy.
New South Wales
This excellent 500-seat theatre hosts live music, theatre and dance performances. Check the website for what's on and when.
Kings Cross & Potts Point
This intimate (and reputedly haunted) Elizabeth Bay theatre is devoted entirely to small-scale musical theatre and cabaret.
City Centre & Haymarket
Lavishly restored, this large city theatre is home to long-running musicals and the occasional ballet or big-name concert.
Brisbane
Catch improvisation troupes, children’s theatre or classic plays at this intimate community theatre built in 1936.
Melbourne
The national opera company performs with some regularity at the Arts Centre.
Coffs Harbour
Hosts comedy, live music, theatre and dance in a delightfully old-school venue. Check the website for the schedule.
Darling Harbour & Pyrmont
This high-quality 2000-seat theatre within the Star casino stages big-name musicals and the occasional concert.
Perth
In summer bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy a romantic moonlit movie. Booking ahead online is recommended.
Melbourne
Sells discounted tickets to shows and concerts on the day of performance. Must be bought in person with cash.
Melbourne
Built in 1928, this midsize 1920s Spanish-style venue is dedicated to comic theatre, stand-up and musicals.
Fortitude Valley
Pulling a mostly millennia crowd, X&Y serves up a mix of live music (mostly local indie rock) and DJs.
Perth
Local and international bands play regularly in this spacious art deco pub with a laid-back beer garden.
Fremantle
Art-house cinema between Essex and Norfolk Sts. Cheaper tickets on Wednesday ($12/14 before/after 6pm).
Launceston
Escape your present reality with Hollywood blockbusters and the saliva-stirring aroma of popcorn.
Byron Bay
A 250-seat venue that stages theatre and hosts touring concerts. Check the website for what's on.
Perth
Art-house, independent and foreign movies are shown at this cinema in the heart of Northbridge.
Perth
The beautiful art-deco Astor no longer screens films but is used for concerts and comedy gigs.
Brisbane
This cinema on Queen St Mall shows mainstream blockbusters. Cut-price tickets on Tuesday.
Perth
Local rugby team in the Super 18 competition. They usually lose to the New Zealand teams.
Broome
Party central, The Roey's labyrinthine bars offer sports, live music, DJs and cocktails.
Melbourne
This purpose-built venue attracts a good-quality crop of international and local bands.
Hobart
An inner-city multiplex screening mainstream releases. Popcorn and sugary fizz galore.
Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre
Tasmania
Home to Devonport's main theatre, where comedy and music acts regularly perform.
