About 133 Oxford St
133 Oxford Street is a small commercial building in Darlinghurst, an inner-city Sydney suburb known for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ culture. OnTheHouse records show the lot is just 131 m² and zoned commercial (www.onthehouse.com.au ). Historically, a 1968 City archives file notes “ground floor for ladies’ hairdressing” and storage of wigs upstairs (archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ), reflecting its older retail use. Today this address is occupied by Oxford Forex (a foreign currency exchange) (oxfordforex.com.au ), which operates long hours every day (7am–11pm on weekdays and 24-hours on weekends) (oxfordforex.com.au ). Though it doesn’t stand out architecturally, 133 Oxford sits on Oxford Street between major landmarks – the famed Oxford Hotel (#134) and The Palms bar (#124) on either side (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). That places it at the heart of Sydney’s “Rainbow Precinct” on Oxford Street (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ) (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). In other words, while 133 itself wasn’t a historic music venue, its neighbours are key to the street’s culture, and it shares that unique LGBTIQA+ heritage (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ).
Events and Programming
Currently, 133 Oxford St has no regular events listed, and it isn’t known as an established music or performance venue. Instead, events happen all around it – for example, the City of Sydney runs an Oxford Street Night Market and Farmers Market near Taylor Square (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). Nearby venues host the live entertainment that Oxford Street is famous for: DJs, live music, drag shows and dance parties. The iconic Oxford Hotel (next door) is known for nightly DJs and drag performances, and Palms nightclub below serves as a live Thai-inspired cocktail bar (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). Any future events at 133 might follow suit with small club nights or local band gigs, but as of now you’d find appearances by local DJs or small acts if they occur. Keep an eye on local event listings or social media – nothing is published yet for 133 Oxford St specifically.
Tickets and Booking
Since 133 Oxford St isn’t a fully-fledged performer-hosting venue yet, there’s no dedicated box office or ticket outlet on site. If an event is ever scheduled here, tickets would likely be sold via online platforms or at the door by the event promoter. In Darlinghurst venues, entry is often free or charged at the door for small gigs, while bigger shows might have advance tickets (often from $20–$50 depending on the act). Check local event sites or social media for announcements. For any popular show, it’s wise to book early; otherwise plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before showtime to secure a spot, as capacity will be tight. Always carry valid photo ID, since under NSW law bars and clubs check ID on entry. (For reference, a 2023 liquor licence filing shows part of 133 Oxford St is being outfitted as a “hotel” licence venue (www.planningalerts.org.au ), meaning it will operate like a pub or club.)
Seating and Layout
Information on 133 Oxford St’s interior is limited, but with only ~131 m² of footprint (www.onthehouse.com.au ) any venue inside would be quite compact. Likely it would have a single open-plan floor: a small stage or DJ booth at one end and the audience area at the other. In similar Darlinghurst bars, most people stand or use scattered seating; for example, the Universal Sydney’s “Banana Bar” (also known for bright retro décor) provides booth seating along the sides (www.tagvenue.com ). If 133 hosts a show, expect mostly general admission (standing-room) and perhaps a few stools or high-top tables. The best views are usually up front near the stage or DJ. Acoustically, any sound system would have to fill a short space, so sound is often quite loud up close. Because old Darlinghurst shops often have low ceilings or old timber floors, sightlines can be tight, so front-of-stage is often best for hearing vocals or the speaker. (No fixed seating, balcony or VIP area has been reported here.)
Getting There and Parking
133 Oxford Street is located just east of Taylor Square in Darlinghurst (corner of Oxford & Crown Streets). It’s very central – only about 500m from Hyde Park and the Sydney CBD edge. Public transport is convenient: several buses run along Oxford Street between the City and Bondi (e.g. the 311/312 to Bondi Junction), stopping right near Crown and Oxford. Also nearby is the Light Rail (L2 Central to Randwick line) – the “Taylor Square” light rail stop on Oxford Street is about 100m east of 133. The closest train stations are Museum and St James (about a 10–15 minute walk or quick bus ride). If driving, on-street parking is metered (around $4–$5/hour evenings) and often fills up; pay parking at nearby car parks (e.g. about $15–$25/day) is available around Taylor Square or at Hyde Park Barracks. Rideshare/taxi drop-off can be done on Oxford or nearby side streets (Crown St ramp). Because Oxford Street dining and nightlife are busy, it’s usually easiest to use public transit or rideshare.
Inside the Venue
As of now 133 Oxford St is a retail space (the Oxford Forex shop), but if converted into a bar/venue it would follow local norms. Expect a simple entry area and a single main room. On arrival, staff will likely greet you and check your ID; this is standard in Sydney if alcohol is served. Security may do a quick bag check, and small purses or clutch bags are usually fine. There is probably no cloakroom or coat check in such a small venue. The atmosphere inside would likely be intimate and energetic – think a local pub or small club vibe. There may be a modest bar area for drinks (beer, spirits, cocktails) and possibly some limited snacks, though most small Darwinhurst pubs focus on beverages. Interior decor might be moody or colourful. Expect basic amenities: men’s/women’s restrooms (no evidence of luxury suites). There’s no official merchandise stand known here, but if there’s a local DJ night you might see flyers for upcoming gigs. If the venue provides Wi-Fi (not certain), it would usually be a free/common login. Otherwise, mobile data is reliable in Darlinghurst.
Nearby Amenities
There’s no shortage of places to eat or drink around 133 Oxford St. For pre-show food, Oxford Street is lined with cafés, restaurants and late-night eateries. Within a block you can find Thai and Malaysian restaurants (e.g. nearby “Red Lantern”), pizza shops, burger joints and dessert bars. The famous restaurant at the Oxford Hotel (#134) has a bar menu and pizzas upstairs. Atop Taylor Square just a short walk west is the Kings Cross area with more cafés and diners. Several bars and bottle shops are on the same block – for example, The Palms (at 124 Oxford St) is a trendy cocktail lounge with small plates (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). For a casual drink, there are sidewalk beer gardens and pubs like the Oxford Hotel and others along nearby Crown Street. If you need to catch your breath, pocket parks like Fitzroy Gardens (100m north on Crown) provide benches. Hotels for stays aren’t right on Oxford St itself, but the surrounding suburbs have options: Potts Point’s boutique hotels are nearby, and the CBD is just a short ride away. Plan to arrive early, as popular nearby bars fill up fast on Friday/Saturday nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
On its own, 133 Oxford St may seem ordinary, but its location gives it special cachet. It lies in the heart of Sydney’s celebrated LGBT+ precinct along Oxford Street (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ) (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). The City of Sydney even notes that Oxford Street’s buildings “tell an important story of LGBTIQA+ presence and pride” (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). In practice, that means a visit here is about more than just one bar – it’s stepping into decades of queer community and nightlife. Oxford Street has produced famous drag stars, Pride parties and grassroots events, and while the Oscars-famous Royal Social might be gone, the spirit remains. Artists love the vibe here: even a small venue on this street feels part of something big. Audiences love it because Oxford Street guarantees a friendly, inclusive crowd and a genuine city-scene atmosphere that few other Sydney streets offer. In short, 133 Oxford St is special mainly for where it is – at the confluence of history, culture and late-night energy (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ) (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). Any event here would carry the glamor and grit of Oxford Street’s legacy.
Visitor Tips and Information
When visiting 133 Oxford St, plan like you would for any small Darlinghurst bar. Be sure to bring valid photo ID – you’ll need it to prove you’re 18+ at the door. Dress code is casual but neat: no thongs (flip-flops) or overly beach attire at night, and many patrons dress up a bit for nights out. Bag size is limited by space – small backpacks are usually shuffled aside but very large bags or luggage are not allowed. It’s a good idea to arrive early (around 8pm for main doors) to avoid long queues, and to have easy access to public transit or rideshare due to limited parking. Check the weather – this venue is indoors so rain won’t affect entry, but beware of late-night chill after midnight. If you need wheelchair access or have specific mobility needs, contact the venue in advance (Sydney venues may have restrictions due to old buildings). Keep an eye on local event pages for any updates. Above all, enjoy the friendly, inclusive atmosphere – Oxford Street is famous for letting everyone be themselves.
Where can I buy tickets for events at 133 Oxford Street?
As of now, 133 Oxford Street hasn’t announced any specific events, so there’s no on-site box office here. If an event is scheduled, tickets would likely be sold by the organiser through online platforms or at a nearby ticket outlet. For similar venues, buying tickets online in advance and/or checking if any presales or member allocations exist is the norm. Always get tickets from reputable sources.
Is there a box office or will-call at the venue?
Since 133 Oxford St isn’t a traditional theatre or club, it doesn’t have a public box office. In fact, it’s currently used by a currency exchange (Oxford Forex) rather than staffed event ticketing. If events are ever held here, organisers might set up a will-call area by the door or use nearby cafes for pickup. Otherwise, online ticket sales and mobile tickets would be used.
What is the seating capacity of 133 Oxford Street?
No official capacity is published. Given that 133 Oxford St is only about 131 m² in total (www.onthehouse.com.au ), it could hold a very small crowd – likely under 100 people comfortably. This means it would be an intimate space: think a small cocktail lounge or mini club. If events do take place, expect a limited audience size and space to move.
Where are the best spots to sit or stand inside?
Specifics of the interior layout aren’t available, but generally the best spot is often up front near the stage or DJ area. If there are any raised platforms or stages, front-and-center standing is ideal for clear sight and sound. If there is limited seating or booths (like other Oxford Street bars), snagging a seat early near the performance space is wise. Keep in mind this type of venue would be packed early for a good vantage.
Is 133 Oxford Street wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility in older Darlinghurst buildings can vary. Being a ground-floor shop front, 133 Oxford St likely has street-level entry, which could allow wheelchair access. However, make sure to check: older buildings may have small steps or narrow doors. If in doubt, contact the venue or promoter ahead of time for details. Nearby public transport stops are accessible.
Are there toilets and other facilities inside the venue?
Any planned venue at 133 Oxford would be required to have restrooms (NSW law for licensed venues). Expect basic men’s and women’s toilets, likely small and single-stall due to space. There’s no coat check or baby-change known in such a small place. No shower or extra amenities. If you need more facilities, nearby cafes or pubs often allow quick use downstairs (in an emergency).
What items are not allowed inside?
As with most bars, expect a no-go for large backpacks, any weapons, illicit drugs or unsealed drinks. Cameras may be fine for personal photos, but professional photography is usually not allowed without permission. Outside food and drinks are typically prohibited. Because it’s a smaller venue, security tends to be strict on bulky items for safety, so travel light and carry only essentials.
What is the dress code?
There’s no strict dress code for 133 Oxford St beyond “street smart.” In Sydney’s Darlinghurst nightlife, people usually wear neat-casual attire. Think clean jeans or slacks and a nice top – avoid sportswear, bathers or dirty clothes. On busy nights, some patrons dress up a bit more. Most important is comfort (for dancing!) and respectfulness. If in doubt, you can check the neighbour bars’ style or err on the side of casual-smart.
Are children or minors allowed at 133 Oxford St?
Most events in Darlinghurst clubs or bars are for 18+ patrons only, especially past early evening. If 133 Oxford St events are alcohol-focused, it will likely be 18+ with ID check. For day-time events with no alcohol, minors might be allowed, but always check the event details. If Oxford Forex is operating in front, children can accompany parents for the currency exchange, but they won’t see a show there. In summary: bring a valid photo ID for everyone if you’re not sure of age limits.
How do I reach 133 Oxford St by public transport?
133 Oxford St is very accessible by transit. The closest light rail stop is Taylor Square on the L2/L3 line (on Oxford Street just a block away). Several bus routes run along Oxford Street (like the 311, 317, 348, etc.), stopping within 50–100m of the venue. The Museum and Newtown railway stations are the nearest train stations, each a 10–15-minute walk or short bus ride. If coming from the city center, it often takes only 15–20 minutes by public transport.
Where can I park if I drive to 133 Oxford St?
Street parking is metered along Oxford Street, typically from 8 am–6 pm and costing a few dollars an hour; note it fills up quickly on evenings. Paid garages near Taylor Square or at Hyde Park Barracks provide secure parking (around $10–$25 for evening). Rideshare drop-offs are best done on Oxford or a nearby side street (Crown St). Always check local parking signs on arrival to avoid fines.
What time do events usually start at 133 Oxford St?
No events are currently scheduled here, but for bars and small clubs in Darlinghurst, shows often start between 8–10 pm. Doors might open around 7–8 pm for a 9 pm performance. Late-night DJs or parties typically get going by 10–11 pm and run into the early morning. Always check the specific event info – if an event is posted for 133, it will list a start time. Arrive earlier if you want a good spot.
What is the current business at 133 Oxford St?
Currently, 133 Oxford Street is occupied by a foreign currency exchange called Oxford Forex (oxfordforex.com.au ). They have a shop there selling and buying travel money and related services. It’s open normal business hours (7 am–11 pm on weekdays and 24-hour on weekends (oxfordforex.com.au )). If you visit, you’ll see the exchange storefront, not a live music venue. Any performance use of the space would be a new development.
Was 133 Oxford Street involved in any licensing or heritage plans?
In June 2023, a liquor licence transfer was filed for “1/133 Oxford St” to operate as a hotel (pub) (www.planningalerts.org.au ). That means authorities approved shifting a pub licence to this address, suggesting a bar is planned here. However, 133 itself is not currently on any local heritage list. The City of Sydney is heritage-listing other Oxford Street sites (like #134 and #124) because of their LGBT history (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ), but 133 isn’t one of them. It simply sits among historically significant neighbours now.
Why doesn’t 133 Oxford St have an event schedule listed?
Because 133 Oxford Street is not yet operating as a public performance venue, there is no calendar of events to show. Currently it’s a small retail space (Oxford Forex). If and when it becomes a bar or club, one might see show listings on local event sites or venue blogs. For now, check neighbouring venues’ schedules (like The Oxford Hotel) for performances instead.
