In partnership with
Overview
In news that won't surprise Melburnians, the city has been ranked Australia's number one night-time economy hotspot. From Fitzroy's buzzing bars to the fine dining restaurants in the CBD, Melbourne is doing its part for the economy by enjoying life after dark.
This is according to the Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, venues open and even the amount of nightworkers boosting the economy after dark. Trailing just behind Melbourne is Sydney's CBD, which came in with a night-time Vibe Score of 74.3. So close.
Martin Vlnas
The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, reveals that the Victorian capital is dining out at restaurants more frequently than other cities after dark. The report surveyed 2,009 Australians to learn how we spend our evenings (and how much cash we splash on a night out).
Nick & Nora's
Who's going out after dark?
While Australians may be proponents of morning run clubs and coffee catch-ups pre-work, it turns out that there are a few of us who still make the most of the evenings. According to the report, nearly half of Australians are going out at night at least once a week, with an average of 5.8 night-time outings per month. Not bad.
Gen Z is at the head of the pack, with 73 per cent of the demographic making it out at least once a week. Millennials are right behind their younger siblings with an average of 7.2 nights out per month.
Melbourne and Sydney may be leading the night-time charge, but other cities aren't glued to their couches all week. People in Wollongong and the Gold Coast are keeping the night alive, with an average of 6.3 nights out per month, followed closely by Brisbane at 6.1 nights a month.
Kate Shanasy
What are we up to on a night out?
In good news for business owners, the majority of nights out are spent in our world-class restaurants. While most Australians prefer to keep their dining local, Gen Z is maintaining its adventurous reputation by being the demographic more likely to try cuisine in a new suburb.
Outside of restaurants, 46 per cent of Australians are heading to the cinema to watch a movie after dark, with night markets and bars and pubs also ranking high on our evening activities.
How much are we spending?
With so many Aussies enjoying a night out with friends, the report finds that the majority of us are factoring evening activities into our spending. More than half of Gen Z actually consider spending after dark an essential part of their budgets.
According to the report, the average we're forking out for an evening on the town is $120 or less per person. On the other hand, 66 per cent of respondents reported that cost is one of the main barriers to heading out for the evening. Feeling safe is also a major factor in shaping how, when and where Australians go out.
Ennui
The future of the evening economy
Sadly, many Australians feel their local nightlife isn't as vibrant as it could be—and want to see councils and businesses invest in making it better. Whether it's the after-effects and behavioural changes post-pandemic or the cost of living crisis, the report shows that nearly half of Australians believe their local nightlife needs investment to feel more vibrant.
The report notes that Australians are asking for more night markets and festivals, affordable night-time options, and safer public spaces over the next two to five years.
Despite Australians' reputation for being morning people, it's clear we're doing our bit for the economy by seeing our friends for a meal out, sipping on a pet nat in a Collingwood wine bar and enjoying the night markets in Sydney. So, consider this your sign to do your part and book an after-dark experience this weekend.
Discover the vibe near you.
Lead image: Getty/ Prasit Photo