About Burdekin Hotel
The Burdekin Hotel (often called “The Burdy”) is a landmark five‐storey pub and entertainment venue at 2–4 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney (www.tagvenue.com ) (www.starobserver.com.au ). Housed in a heritage Federation‐style building (with interwar Art Deco touches) dating from 1911 (artdecoheritage.blogspot.com ) (artdecoheritage.blogspot.com ), it now operates as an 18+ late‐night bar and club with multiple levels. Ownership passed in 2022 to developer Greg Shand (of Ministry of Sound fame), who invested heavily (around $15 million) in a major refurbishment including a new rooftop bar/garden (artdecoheritage.blogspot.com ) (www.tagvenue.com ). Today The Burdekin is a vibrant Oxford Street venue known for its high ceilings, creative decor and big‐city party vibe. (It even features painted pillars by artist Le Grizz in the main bar (burdekin.com.au ).) With a strict 18+ policy (burdekin.com.au ), it markets itself as a multi‐level LGBTQIA+-friendly destination with cocktails and music for the local scene (www.starobserver.com.au ) (www.starobserver.com.au ).
Events and Programming
The Burdekin hosts a wide variety of events – from weekly trivia and drag shows to dance parties and stand-up comedy nights. For example, it runs a popular weekly drag brunch called “Spritz or Swallow” every Saturday (1–3pm) on the rooftop, with guest performers such as Eureka O’Hara, Hannah Conda and others (burdekin.com.au ) (burdekin.com.au ). Thursday evenings feature “Let’s Get Quizzical” – a free trivia night covering pop culture and general knowledge, hosted by KevinInTheCity with prizes each week (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ). On the second Wednesday of each month they stage “Toucan Comedy Club” improv and stand‐up shows (burdekin.com.au ). In 2023 the venue also ran large themed parties for Sydney WorldPride (for example, an 8-hour “Dirty Disco” multi-level dance party) (www.starobserver.com.au ). Beyond these regular nights, Friday and Saturday nights are devoted to DJ dance parties (techno, house and pop music). The venue’s website advertises happy‐hour drink specials (e.g. $6 beers and Aperol spritzes Wed–Fri) and weekly food deals (the trivia flyer notes $16 pizzas on Thursdays (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au )). In short, patrons can expect everything from live quizzes and drag performances to loud dance club nights every week.
Tickets and Booking
Because the Burdekin functions like a nightclub/pub rather than a traditional theatre, ticketing varies by event. Smaller events (like trivia or some comedy nights) are usually free or “pay at the bar.” For curated events (drag brunch, comedy, DJs, etc.) tickets are generally sold in advance, often through the venue’s official booking channels or affiliated promoters. The drag brunch, for instance, is sold in all-inclusive packages (about $79 or $99 per person, with unlimited drinks in each package (burdekin.com.au )). Some party nights or private functions may carry cover charges ($10–30 typical). Inquiries for private events and functions are routed to the Burdekin’s own bookings (the site notes a “$0 hire fee” policy for all levels (burdekin.com.au ) and lists contact emails for bookings). In practice it’s best to watch the venue’s event listings and book well in advance for popular nights, as overflow events can sell out. Walk‐up tickets may be available at the door if space remains, but many shows strongly recommend online booking ahead of time. (For group or corporate bookings, packages are offered – e.g. the venue’s promotional info shows drink packages from ~$27 per hour and canape packages from ~$20 per hour (www.tagvenue.com ), and one example cited a private rooftop event for 70 people costing about $8000 (www.tagvenue.com ).)
Seating and Layout
The Burdekin has five distinct levels, each with its own bar and performance area. The ground floor “Main Bar” (the biggest room) has high ceilings, a main stage/DJ booth at one end and a large bar across from it (burdekin.com.au ) (www.tagvenue.com ). This main area is generally open-plan – there are bar stools and tables, but no fixed seating, and you stand/dance near the stage or mingle by the bar. The official capacity on the ground floor is tabulated at up to ~255 people (and about 200 if all seated) (www.tagvenue.com ).
Upstairs, Level 1 is the “Mini Bar” – a brick-walled live music room with arched street-side windows. It includes bar stool seating, a neon-lit service bar, plus a raised dance floor with stage for bands or DJs (burdekin.com.au ). It holds roughly 140 people. Level 2 is the “Viper Room,” a clubby lounge under exposed brick and metal walls. It has its own private bar, suspended speakers and mood lighting (with access to a large LED screen) (burdekin.com.au ), plus a small outdoor smoking area off to the side. It also fits around 140 guests. Level 3 (the top enclosed floor) is called the “Lava Lounge”. This is a cozy chill‐out lounge under a large Italian chandelier, adjacent to a wood-parquet dance floor with disco balls (www.tagvenue.com ). The Lava Lounge seats about 40 (with up to 140 standing). Finally, above that is the open-air Rooftop Bar (fourth storey). The rooftop has casual outdoor seating (~85 seats) and standing areas (~100 capacity) with 270° views (www.tagvenue.com ).
Acoustically, the ground and Viper rooms feature powerful club sound systems (e.g. VOID and QSC speakers listed in the Main Bar (burdekin.com.au )). The Mini Bar and Viper levels have professional DJ rigs (CDJ decks and mixers) and house PAs. Because the venue is multi‐room, sightlines vary by event: the stage in each room is best viewed from floor level or from seating nearby. There are good vantage points on each level’s dance floor or lounge area, but no overlap between floors – i.e., the stage on Level 1 isn’t visible from Level 3. For the best experience, standing near the main stage/dance floor is recommended for ticketed gigs, or snag a seat in the lounge sections for a more relaxed view. The rooftop, by contrast, is fully open and great for daytime cocktails and people-watching. In general, avoid standing too close to the loudspeakers on dance nights unless you want very loud sound, and if you prefer quieter dining, the upper lounge levels offer distance from the ground‐floor thump.
Getting There and Parking
The Burdekin Hotel sits right on Oxford Street (corner of Liverpool Street) in Darlinghurst, postcode 2010. This is about 300 metres north of Hyde Park. For drivers, on-site parking is not provided. Paid parking is available nearby: for example Wilson Parking operates in Liverpool St (about 200m away), and there’s a motorcycle carpark on Pelican St (100m south) (www.tagvenue.com ). There are also short-term street parking meters on Oxford and nearby side streets (subject to City of Sydney parking limits).
Public transport is convenient: several bus routes run along nearby William/Kings Streets (one block east). The nearest train station is Museum Station (~300m south on Hyde Park), which connects to the City Circle and Eastern Suburbs lines (www.tagvenue.com ). Town Hall Station is a longer walk (~700m) if catching trains from the city. Taxis and ride-sharing can drop off on Oxford Street directly outside the venue, though traffic on Oxford can be busy on weekend nights. Note that after midnight trains stop and one must catch a NightRide bus or taxi home. There is a taxi rank at Kings Cross (around 5–10 minutes’ walk east on Darlinghurst Road). For those using ride-shares late, it’s safest to arrange pickup at the start of the night or from nearby main roads, since Oxford Street can be congested. Overall, it’s a very walkable area, and plenty of local buses and rail options mean most visitors simply time their arrival 10–15 minutes before showtime to avoid long queues at the door.
Inside the Venue
On entering The Burdekin, guests show photo ID (strictly 18+ (burdekin.com.au )) to security at the door. Large bags may be searched or checked. Inside you’ll find a lively club atmosphere with multiple bars, DJs, and dance floors depending on the level. The ground “Main Bar” features intense lighting (including lasers and LEDs (burdekin.com.au )), a photobooth corner, and a bar running the width of the room. Fancy cocktails are a specialty here – for example, they serve an “Espresso Wooftini” (peanut‐butter whiskey espresso martini) and happy-hour margaritas for about $10 (burdekin.com.au ).
Food is available from the venue’s kitchen (“Burdies Kitchen”). All levels have food/drinks service – one menu is offered throughout. During trivia nights and quiet hours you’ll find $16 pizza specials and pub-style snacks (as noted on the Thursday menu (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au )). There are restrooms on each floor (Level 2 offers a gender‐neutral toilet (burdekin.com.au )), so lines usually move quickly. The venue provides free Wi-Fi in the event spaces (www.tagvenue.com ) and is fully air-conditioned.
Other amenities: coat check is sometimes available on big nights, and the Lava Lounge (level 3) in particular has booth seating under a chandelier for more relaxed dining/cocktails (www.tagvenue.com ). On club nights, music runs until close-marked times (typically 4 am Fri/Sat on the rooftop and main bar). Note that smoking is only allowed in the designated outdoor area on Level 2. Staff are generally friendly but firm on door policies. Physically, the venue has lifts and stairs between floors – it is wheelchair-accessible and provides an accessible toilet and lift to all levels (www.tagvenue.com ).
Overall, inside is high-energy but with plenty of seating nooks. The sound systems (VOID/K12 speakers on ground, QSC/K8 upstairs) deliver clear, loud audio on each level. Cellular signal stays good on all floors, and there’s even a playful retro photo booth to souvenir your night. For connectivity, the cash bar accepts cards and most beers, wines, spirits, mocktails and cocktails are served until late. In short, expect a dark, music-filled club environment – with the one-of-a-kind perk of an outdoor rooftop lounge when the weather is nice (www.tagvenue.com ).
Nearby Amenities
The Burdekin is in the heart of Darlinghurst, so there are plenty of places to eat or stay nearby. Within a block on Oxford Street you’ll find casual dining such as the Santorini Greek restaurant and the Corner Hotel bistro/pub. Directly across Liverpool Street is the historic Oxford Hotel, which serves steaks and Mediterranean food in a classic pub setting. Along Crown Street (a short walk down Liverpool or Bourke St) there is a dense strip of cafés, bistros and late-night eateries – for example, The Bookshop Café, Chargrilled Burgers and Oriental Noodle House. If you arrive extra early, Kings Cross (5–10 min walk east) offers more bars and 24-hour food outlets.
For drinks, there are plenty of pubs and bars on the Oxford/Crown streets that open earlier. A few doors away is a bottle-shop and before a show you can grab snacks or takeaway pizzas. Inside the Burdekin itself, table service is available early in the evening for meals or snacks.
Nearby hotels include the Oaks Sydney Hyde Park and Best Western Hotel Stellar, both just around the corner on nearby streets (www.tagvenue.com ). (Other options within a few blocks are Adina Darlinghurst, Holiday Inn Express at Macquarie and various boutique inns.) For a weekend stay, many visitors also look at Potts Point or Kings Cross addresses, which are just 5–10 minutes away.
When to arrive: for seated events or dining (like the Sunday drag brunch), arriving 15–20 minutes before start time is wise to get ordered. On big club nights, lining up 30 minutes early can mean avoiding the main queue. Late-night transport: after 1 am trains are limited, so plan onward travel. Taxis and ride-share pickups are available but can be slow on Oxford – many punters arrange pickup at Kings Cross or the CBD instead. Overall, Oxford Street itself is the amenity hub – cafés, shops and petrol stations line the street all day, and nearby Hyde Park Square has a grocery store and convenience outlets.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Burdekin’s unique character comes from its blend of historic charm and modern club virtues. Architecturally, it is one of Sydney’s grand old pubs – built on a site with beer gardens dating back to the 1840s (artdecoheritage.blogspot.com ) – yet it now functions as a contemporary multi-level nightclub. It stands out as the only fully open rooftop bar on Oxford Street (www.tagvenue.com ), offering 270° city views from the fourth floor (a rarity in Sydney). Its classic façade and corner tower recall early 20th-century style, making it part of Darlinghurst’s heritage streetscape. Inside, it has cutting-edge weber-styled audio/visual systems and artful decor (for example, the painted pillars by local artist Le Grizz give it an artsy flavour (burdekin.com.au )).
Culturally, the Burdekin is a Darlinghurst institution. Oxford Street has long been known as Sydney’s “Golden Mile” of queer nightlife (www.starobserver.com.au ), and local press calls Darlinghurst “the most fabulous gaybourhood” (www.starobserver.com.au ). The Burdekin plays a leading role in that scene: it’s explicitly LGBTQIA+ friendly, catering to diverse communities with themed parties and drag shows. (www.starobserver.com.au ). Its recent WorldPride events reinforced that role. In short, artists and audiences love it because it feels both historic and inclusive – a community gathering place with world-class entertainment.
Legendary moments: as a live-music venue (the “Mini Bar” stage has hosted international acts (www.tagvenue.com )) and dance club, it has seen countless gigs and DJ sets. For locals, it’s a rare five-story pub that survived urban changes, so it carries nostalgia too. Visitors enjoy its “one-stop” appeal: darts, disco balls, rooftop cocktails, drag cabaret and rock bands all under one roof. That cross-section of offerings makes the Burdekin special in Sydney’s ever-changing nightlife landscape.
Visitor Tips and Information
The venue is wheelchair-accessible (elevator to all floors) and provides accessible restrooms (www.tagvenue.com ). Bring valid photo ID (driver’s licence or passport) – staff strictly enforce the “18+ only” rule (burdekin.com.au ). Avoid bringing large bags or backpacks, as these may be inspected. Dress code is casual nightclub attire (some patrons go stylish or glittery on big nights). No formal dress is required, but appropriate footwear is advised if you plan to dance.
The Burdekin can be loud on dance nights – consider earplugs if you’re sensitive. For VIP seating or quieter dining, try the upper-lounge levels (Lava Lounge or rooftop). Good spots to avoid loud speakers are at the very bar areas or extreme side corners. If you want a good view of the stage or DJ, the centre of each dance floor or front row seating (when available) is best. Tip the bar staff or DJs politely if you enjoy the music – it’s Aussie club etiquette.
Typical arrival time: arrive about 15–30 minutes before your event starts (especially on weekends). This avoids queues and lets you grab a good spot. For dining shows or brunch, booking a table or package is wise. For cover-charge nights, having a list name or pre-purchased ticket speeds entry. If you’re planning a late night, remember public transit stops early – factor in taxis or rideshares for the return trip.
The venue has a coat check on busy nights, and cell phone reception is normally fine indoors. (Free Wi-Fi is available in the event spaces (www.tagvenue.com ).) Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor smoking area on Level 2. Bringing cameras for personal use is generally okay for most shows, but always respect performers’ rules.
One insider tip: the rooftop bar gets very popular early on sunny afternoons, so for daytime events try to snare a table early or consider grabbing a drink at the main bar first. Lastly, check the schedule online, because themes and special events often run only one night per week (like drag brunch on Saturdays or comedy on Wednesdays). With good planning and your ID in hand, a visit to the Burdekin can be a smooth, memorable part of your Sydney night out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the Burdekin Hotel?
The main Oxford St floor can hold about 255 people standing (around 200 seated) (www.tagvenue.com ). Each upper floor (Mini Bar, Viper, Lava Lounge) fits roughly 140 standing. The rooftop level seats ~85 with room for ~100 standing (www.tagvenue.com ) (www.tagvenue.com ). In total, the multi-level venue can accommodate several hundred guests across its five floors.
How do I buy tickets or get on a guest list?
Ticket policies vary by event. Smaller weekly events (like trivia or some comedy nights) are often free-entry, while shows (drag brunch, comedy, club nights) typically sell tickets or offer bookings through the venue’s official channels. It’s best to watch the Burdekin’s announcements or mailing list and book online in advance for popular shows. For private functions or large groups, you can contact the Burdekin’s reservation team (the venue notes a $0 hire fee for events (burdekin.com.au )). Always arrive early on busy nights in case you need to buy at the door.
What are typical ticket prices at the Burdekin?
Cover charges and ticket prices depend on the event. Many club nights charge a modest entry fee (often AUD$10–$30). The signature drag brunch (“Spritz or Swallow”) is sold as a package roughly $79 (basic package) or $99 (all-inclusive package with booze) (burdekin.com.au ). Some days have specials (e.g. $16 pizzas on Thursday trivia nights (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au )). If you’re booking a function or table package, expect much higher spend (e.g. private rooftop parties can run several thousand dollars total (www.tagvenue.com )). Always check the event details: eventsites usually list prices per person or per package.
Where do I park when visiting the Burdekin Hotel?
Street parking on Oxford St is limited (time-metered zones). There are paid garages nearby: for example, Wilson Parking on Liverpool St (about 200m from the venue) (www.tagvenue.com ). A motorcycle parking lot is on Pelican St just a block away. Otherwise you’ll likely need to use a pay garage or allow time to find metered curbside spaces. Many visitors find it easier to use public transit or drop-offs.
What are the public transit options to get to The Burdekin?
The venue is well-served by buses and trains. Buses on William St/King St stop about 300m from the corner (www.tagvenue.com ). The closest train station is Museum Station (a ~300m walk south) (www.tagvenue.com ), which connects to the City Circle and CBD. Town Hall Station is also in walking distance (~700m). At night you may need to use a taxi or rideshare (Oxford trains stop after midnight). There is also a taxi rank at Kings Cross (a short walk) for late departures.
What is the seating and viewing arrangement inside?
Seating is generally flexible. The main ground-floor room has a large bar and some stools/tables but no fixed seating – it’s mainly standing room around a central dance floor or in front of the stage (burdekin.com.au ). Upper floors have lounge areas (e.g. the Lava Lounge has chairs under a chandelier (www.tagvenue.com )) and also open dance space. The Mini Bar (Level 1) and Viper (Level 2) allow small band setups or DJ sets with standing audiences. The rooftop has outdoor tables (about 85 seats) plus standing room. Essentially, any level can be partially seated or standing depending on the event. For best views of entertainers, stand close to the stage or bar on each level; for a quieter experience, take a seat in the upstairs lounges or on the rooftop if it’s a day event.
Does the venue have an age restriction or dress code?
Yes, The Burdekin is an 18+ venue only (burdekin.com.au ). Everyone needs valid photo ID for entry (passport or driver’s licence). There is no formal dress code – casual or club attire is fine. Just note that it’s a nightclub atmosphere, so people often dress stylishly. Avoid open-toed sandals or beachwear if you plan to dance late. Basically, smart-casual outfits are common. Do follow any specific event guidelines (e.g. themed nights might have costume suggestions). If in doubt, check with the door staff or the venue’s info.
Are the facilities (restrooms, access) wheelchair-friendly?
Yes. The Burdekin has lift access to all floors and provides accessible toilets (www.tagvenue.com ). The venue info notes it is “wheelchair accessible” with gender-neutral restrooms available (www.tagvenue.com ) (burdekin.com.au ). Keep in mind that on busy nights it can get crowded, so arriving a bit early for a table or space on an upper floor may be wise for ease of movement.
What food and drink options are there?
The Burdekin is fully licensed with bars on each level. It serves a full menu from “Burdies Kitchen,” including pizzas, burgers, snacks and mains until late. (For example, it regularly has $16 pizza specials (whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ).) There’s also a wide cocktail list (specialty drinks like an “Espresso Wooftini”, plus happy-hour $6 beers and $10 margaritas on weekends (burdekin.com.au )). Wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks are available at the bars. You can eat on any floor – food is served centrally. If you just want bar snacks or a drink without booking, there is bar seating and standing areas on every level.
Is there a lost & found or cloakroom?
On busy nights the venue usually provides a coat check or holds a space behind the bar for coats and small bags, but policies can vary. Items left at the entrance are typically kept at the main desk. If you lose something, most venues recommend calling ahead the next day. In general, plan to keep valuables on you or locked in your car, as nightlife venues rarely store clothes or belongings overnight.
Does the venue offer free Wi-Fi or cell service?
Yes. The Burdekin provides free Wi-Fi in the event areas (www.tagvenue.com ), so you can check events or maps on your phone inside. Cell phone reception in Darlinghurst is generally good, so mobile data and SMS also work well throughout the venue. It’s easy to stay connected upstairs or on the rooftop.
