From glitzy nights out to poker and outrageous cocktails, here’s how to live your best Las Vegas life without leaving Australia.
You don’t need to fly halfway across the world to get a taste of Sin City. With a little imagination (and a lot of sequins), Australia’s major cities offer everything you need to recreate the ultimate Las Vegas experience — think dazzling nights out, OTT cocktails, unforgettable shows, and poker games for a cheeky win or two.
Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to the neon-soaked playground that is Las Vegas. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the glitz, glamour, and guilty-pleasure energy of Sin City.
With a little creativity and a lot of sparkle, you can create your own Vegas experience in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or wherever your Aussie adventures take you.
Neon lights, bottomless cocktails, outrageous outfits, and the thrill of chance — you don’t have to hop on a 15-hour flight to Vegas to feel the buzz.
First things first: Las Vegas fashion is extra. We’re talking sequins, feathers, faux fur, rhinestones, and dresses that shimmer under disco lights. The dress code is go big or go home. You want to feel like you could end up on stage — or in a music video.
Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or somewhere in between, it’s time to embrace the glitter, glamour, and anything-goes energy of Vegas — Aussie style.
Where to find the most lavish Cocktails:
In Las Vegas, your cocktail is basically an accessory. It’s big, colourful, and sometimes on fire. Channel that same energy at one of Australia’s most theatrical bars:
In Sydney, try Maybe Sammy in The Rocks — an award-winning bar known for its show-stopping drinks and vintage Vegas feel. Think Mad Men meets martini madness.
In Melbourne book a booth at the French inspired Eau De Vie, where the drinks are both strong and stylish, and food to match — and the ambience feels like it belongs in a noir film.
In Brisbane try the lush cocktails at The Gresham, which delivers old-world charm, and where mixologists treat drink-making like an art form.
Find a Show That’s Unapologetically Over-the-Top:
Vegas is the home of spectacle, so the Aussie equivalent means seeking out shows that lean into drama, talent, and a touch of the ridiculous.
In Sydney visit the Two80 in Surry Hills for a risky Burlesque show. This is Sydney’s Best Theatre Restaurant with LIVE Cabaret, Burlesque, Circus & Live Music.
In Melbourne, book a table at the Speakeasy HQ, Australia’s only 20-act vaudeville theatre & wine bar with up to 20 acts a night, including cabaret, circus, burlesque, sideshow, jazz, stand-up & more.
If you’re in Brisbane, hit up the Pink Flamingo. Soaring out of the success of The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub in the Gold Coast), winner of TripAdvisor’s ‘Travellers’ Choice Award, Pink Flamingo Spiegeland opened in Brisbane’s Northshore in summer 2023.
Inspired by the original 1920s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, their custom-designed entertainment destination comprises of food & beverage outlets and a 360-seat, purpose-built Spiegel Pavilion. Pink Flamingo Spiegeland is home to four world-class resident productions over seven performances each week.
Stay in a unique themed hotel:
In Sydney, stay in a studio room at The Star Casino and Hotel, where their rooms ooze Las Vegas luxury and style, and are unapologetically extravagant. They have a range of premium themed suites offering a world away from reality – from the retro-fabulous wonderland of ‘70s Glam’ to sci-fi chic ‘Cyberpunk’, and the sumptuous lair of ‘Dark Romance’.
In Melbourne, for a quirky stay, book the single room Harry Potter themed apartment on Little Lonsdale Street, which features a day bed looking with spectacular city views, and a queen bedroom with Harry Potter bedding.
In Brisbane, The Ovolo The Valley in Fortitude Valley is one of Brisbane’s most distinctive luxury hotels, channeling 1920s bold art pieces, exotic designs moments, and pops of colour to create a space that’s endlessly fun to explore.
Best Casinos to visit:
Every Vegas trip involves a little flirtation with Lady Luck. If you’re not near a land-based casino or simply prefer the comfort of your couch (with a cocktail in hand), you can dive into the thrill of the tables via online casinos. With hundreds of games available 24/7, it’s an easy and fun way to tap into the Vegas atmosphere while still wearing your robe and sheet mask.
Sydney offers 2 casinos, The Star and Crown. The Star has a unique old school casino style design, with giant fish tanks, over the topic displays and a food court on the upper levels designed to cater even the most fussiest of eaters.
Melbourne is known for their extravagant Crown Casino. The casino itself is a massive complex with a wide array of gaming options, including a high-roller area called the Mahogany Room. The Crown features three luxury hotels: Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, and Crown Promenade, offering a total of approximately 1,600 guest rooms.
Brisbane is now home to the spectacular newly built Star Casino, aka: The Treasury. This is a destination unlike no other, nestled at the heart of the multi-billion-dollar Queen’s Wharf precinct.
Expect exciting restaurants, bars, world-class shopping and luxurious hotels. Not to mention stunning rooftop venues with spectacular views, striking event spaces and riverside parklands for everyone to enjoy.
