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The map of after-hours New South Wales looks richer than ever, with four new Districts joining the 28 others already on Neon Marketplace
From late-night pho in Fairfield to rooftop cocktails in Wollongong and underground jazz in Newcastle, these new entries prove one thing: choosing where to go for a night out in NSW has never been harder.
Here’s a closer look at four that capture the state’s evolving night-time energy...
Welcome to Little Asia, a compact culinary District in Canley Vale where broken rice abounds, hotpots are a must, and tableside grills are unrivalled.
Street life, Little Asia Canley Vale Fairfield City Council
Bar 53 Fairfield City Council
Sidewalk dining, Little Asia Canley Vale Fairfield City Council
Hai Au Lang Nuong Fairfield City Council
This is not a restaurant strip that closes early. Families and groups move between Vietnamese spots like Tam Broken Rice and Nàng Gánh, then cross the street to Master Hot Pot for a do-it-yourself feast or Bar 53 for a late-night round.
Here, chefs cook in full view, music spills into courtyards and wherever you go, there's always the scent of something good cooking nearby. It’s casual and communal, with operators who know their regulars by name.
If Little Asia is slow grills and intimate conversations, Canley Heights Nights turns up the pace.
VIP Karaoke Fairfield City Council
Holy Basil Fairfield City Council
Canley Heights Nights Fairfield City Council
You can start your night out in this District at Kickin’Inn to enjoy their famous Cajun-style seafood boils, and cool off afterward with Holy Basil’s famous fried ice cream. Then, head to Neo Bar to kick it with local DJs, or VIP Karaoke to be your own performer.
Built by Vietnamese and Cambodian families, Canley Heights Nights fuses heritage with modern flair, to create a street that never sleeps.
Between Wollongong’s coast and the escarpment is Keira Collective, a troupe of Illawarra’s most beloved food and drink spots.
Humber Keira Collective
Kneading Ruby Keira Collective
His Boy Elroy Keira Collective
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The Living Room Keira Collective
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Balinese Spice Magic Keira Collective
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Roys Keira Collective
Start upstairs at Humber for rooftop cocktails, mosey over to Kneading Ruby for wood-fired pizza, then work on your flop shot in mini golf at Smash Factor.
It’s hard to pin Keira Collective down to a single thread or “vibe”. It’s eclectic, fun, and entirely unique.
Alongside Keira Collective, you’ll find Midtown – the punk heart of Newy. This is the area’s gritty creative heart, with venues that blend history and experimentation.
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Great Southern Nights 2025 Jess Bowenn via ARIA
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West Best Bloc Fest Ben Hunt, @usbenthem
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Great Southern Nights 2025 Jess Bowenn via ARIA
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West Best Bloc Fest Thomas King, @ThomasKingVideo
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West Best Bloc Fest Mark Stevens, @YourMusicPix
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Great Southern Nights 2025 Jess Bowenn via ARIA
Grab a house ale at The Rogue Scholar, sample small-batch gin at Granddad Jack’s, or slip underground to The Koutetsu, one of Newcastle’s most respected cocktail bars. Or if it’s immersion you’re after, waltz on over to Maru Hi-Fi, a Japanese-inspired listening bar where vinyl and whisky take centre stage.
The one constant of Midtown is sound, with regular live bands at The Den, DJs at Bernie’s Bar, and jazz sets that spill onto the street. During Great Southern Nights 2025, the District transformed into a living gig trail, linking seven venues in one continuous celebration of sound.
From Fairfield’s fragrant streets to Newcastle’s back-alley bars, NSW’s night-time economy continues to grow in vibrancy and activity.
If you’re a business interested in joining or collaborating with a District, explore our interactive District map to discover those near you and connect with their coordinator.
We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of First Nations Australians. We also acknowledge all of the traditional owners of the land in NSW, and pay respect to First Nations Elders, past and present.
