About Chinese Laundry
Chinese Laundry is a legendary underground nightclub in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, located beneath the historic Slip Inn (official address 111 Sussex Street, entry via 1 Slip Street). It opened in 1996 (djmag.com ) and quickly became known for its raw, warehouse-style vibe and cutting-edge electronic music. Spread over multiple interconnected dancefloors (three indoor rooms plus a sizeable outdoor garden) (www.tripadvisor.com ), the venue has a capacity of around 800 people (djmag.com ) and is often called “Australia’s longest-running and most respected nightclub” (www.tripadvisor.com ). Chinese Laundry has a long history of championing under-the-radar dance music and emerging talent – its resident nights (such as LNDRY for house and Bassic for drum & bass) made it a cultural touchstone for Sydney’s rave scene (djmag.com ). To this day it hosts local and international DJs across genres from house and techno to dubstep, breaks and jungle (djmag.com ) (themusic.com.au ). After a forced shutdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Merivale re-opened the iconic club in June 2024 with upgraded sound and lighting, ensuring it remains a world-class party destination (ra.co ) (themusic.com.au ).
Events and Programming
Chinese Laundry’s calendar is driven by high-energy DJ sets and electronic music parties on Friday and Saturday nights (typically from 9pm into the early hours) (triphock.com ). The club runs themed “room” nights and takeovers by local crews, plus one-off showcases and label events. In the past, Merivale had two signature residencies – LNDRY (tech-house and melodic house) on Fridays and Bassic (harder drum & bass and bass music) on Saturdays (djmag.com ). Since reopening, a similar ethos continues: for example the “Chinese Laundry Invites” series features guest curators and underground crews spinning deep house, techno, breaks, and jungle. Notable international acts such as Sasha, Jeff Mills, Goldie and local stars like Flume and Dom Dolla have trod the basement stage over the years (themusic.com.au ), reflecting the club’s reputation for top-tier lineups. In general, listeners will hear everything from straight techno and house to garage, hyper-pop, bass music or old-school hip-hop depending on the night (djmag.com ). Events usually run weekly on weekends, with occasional special events (such as album launches or touring DJs). Ticket prices vary by event; typical nights are around $20–$25, rising for big headline DJs. Early-bird or presale tickets usually appear weeks in advance on official outlets, while door sales are often available until late (more on this below). Because Chinese Laundry programs rotating genres in different rooms, it’s common to hear as many as three DJs at once – meaning there’s almost always something happening in one of the dance rooms or the large outdoor courtyard.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Chinese Laundry shows can be bought online well ahead of time or on the door (if not sold out). The venue generally uses authorised ticket outlets and its own website to sell presale tickets; one industry source notes that entry tickets were $20–$25 for recent events (ra.co ). For very popular acts, tickets may sell out early, so the safest strategy is to grab an online presale as soon as it’s announced. Keep an eye on electronic music event listings or the venue’s official channels for sale dates. Advance tickets often come in price tiers (earlybird, general), and there may also be limited VIP or table packages for bigger events (if offered, those prices will be higher). At the door, expect to pay standard price or a small markup (often $20–$30) for general admission. Note that tickets are usually non-refundable. If you do arrive without a ticket, Raphael Advisor notes that door sales become available from 9pm onwards on event nights (ra.co ). Unless tickets explicitly say “sold out”, you can often queue to buy on-site – but arriving early (by 10pm) is recommended to avoid long lines on Friday/Saturday nights. In short: buy early if you want to skip queues and guarantee entry, but if in doubt you can usually try your luck at the door before midnight.
Seating and Layout
Chinese Laundry is a fully general-admission dance club – there are virtually no fixed seats or assigned tables on the dancefloors. The venue is lounge-free, meaning most patrons stand and dance in front of the DJ decks across each room. The main rooms share an open layout with low ceilings and industrial pillars, creating an intimate “warehouse rave” feel. The club has roughly three distinct DJ rooms: the main “Laundry” room (large central floor), a second room often referred to as “Cave” (smaller, with darker, more enclosed vibe), and several smaller side spaces, plus an expansive outdoor garden/terrace area in back. Each dancefloor has its own DJ booth and bar, so you can move between rooms to change the music or mingle with different crowds. If you want to be right under the speakers, the front of the dancefloor (closest to the DJ) is the loudest spot – excellent for bass lovers but very loud. If you prefer a bit more space and air, the sides or the back of each room (or the garden) provide a slightly less intense mix and a place to catch a breath. For those seeking a VIP experience, there are often bottle service tables or roped-off areas along the perimeter or on raised platforms; however these are usually reserved for event bookings and aren’t something to rely on without a reservation. Overall, the club’s design encourages dancing throughout rather than sitting, and many guests alternate between the dark, pulsing main floors and the cooler outdoor terrace to ‘reset’. Acoustically, Chinese Laundry’s sound system is built for dance music – expect booming subs and crisp mids that have been upgraded to Martin Audio line arrays on reopening (ra.co ) (themusic.com.au ). The sound is clear and high-quality, although the heavy bass may mean heavy footfall or chest-thumping if you stand too close to the stacks.
Getting There and Parking
Chinese Laundry sits at 1 Slip Street (or 111 Sussex Street) in the Sydney CBD, just south of Darling Harbour. The simplest way to reach it is via public transport or ride-share: the nearest train stations are Town Hall or Wynyard (each about a 10–15 minute walk). From Town Hall Station (on the City Circle line), exit toward Bathurst Street and cross onto Slip Street (between Sussex and Kent Streets); you’ll find the entrance down a staircase marked by the Slip Inn signage. Multiple bus routes along Sussex or King Streets run near the club, and the new Metro Northwest line also links passengers to nearby stations (Martin Place or Barangaroo Lightrail) with a short walk. The Sydney Light Rail’s Darling Harbour stop (near King St Wharf) is about 12 minutes walk away. There is no dedicated parking lot for Chinese Laundry, and street parking in the CBD is scarce after dark. If driving, look for paid public garages or parking stations nearby (for example the Wilson in Chinese Gardens Car Park or various multi-storeys on Sussex/King Street), but be prepared to pay high CBD rates. Many patrons prefer taxis or ride-share (e.g. Uber) — an easy drop-off point is on Slip Street itself or Sussex Street right outside the Slip Inn entrance. After the club, NightRide buses (Route N91/N301 etc) service Town Hall and the CBD from 12am onward if trains have stopped. In all cases, plan ahead: late-night transport like trains may be limited, so check timetables or have a pick-up spot in mind.
Inside the Venue
When you enter Chinese Laundry, expect a hefty queue on busy nights. The door staff will ask for ID (valid government photo ID such as driver’s licence or passport) to confirm everyone is 18+. All bags are subject to search, so leave large backpacks at home. Once inside, you'll find a main lobby/reception area with wristbands or hand-stamps indicating paid entry. Security is tight around the bars and DJ areas: re-entry is generally not allowed, so plan to stay in once you go in. The decor is industrial-chic – lots of exposed brick, metal scaffolding and neon lighting, giving a gritty underground feel. There are several bars around the venue (one per main room), so line up at whichever is least busy; alcohol is served by the drink, and token or swipe card systems may apply on busy nights. The clubs’ restrooms are located near each bar area and are basic but maintained; expect them to be busy after midnight. A handy feature is the downstairs food joint – the famous El Loco Kitchen (Merivale’s Mexican restaurant upstairs) has a hatch facing the courtyard and serves nachos, tacos, burgers and late-night snacks until midnight (www.tripadvisor.com ). If you want to reserve a table to eat there, you can usually call ahead or book online (some partygoers even reserve El Loco tables for groups before dancing). Outside food and drinks are not permitted. There is no official coat-check or locker area apart from small coat rails; if you need to stow jackets or bags, you might be charged or left at owner’s risk. The club’s staff usually allow phone videos or photos so long as it’s for personal use – but avoid professional cameras or large tripods (the official policy bars professional photo/video). Electronic connectivity can be spotty underground, so don’t rely on a strong phone signal or on-site Wi-Fi – better to coordinate pre-arranged plans with friends.
Nearby Amenities
Chinese Laundry’s location in the CBD means you’ll find plenty of amenities within a few blocks. For pre-show dining, the surrounding streets (Sussex, Bathurst, Pitt) offer casual cafes, pub meals and multicultural eats. Nearby favourites include Chinatown restaurants (Dixon St is 5 minutes away) if you want late noodles or dumplings, or the Darling Harbour precinct (a 7–10 minute walk) which has taverns and food courts. On the same building complex, Slip Inn (ground-level bar) and El Loco upstairs both serve food — you could grab a dinner at El Loco before descending into Laundry. For drinks after, there are cocktail bars and pubs (like The World Bar or Pitt Street’s nightlife spots) scattered throughout the CBD. If you stay late, remember that the venue is close to the Darling Harbour/Barangaroo area where some venues stay open and taxis gather. For accommodation, there are dozens of downtown hotels a short stroll away: from budget backpacker hostels near Central Station to full-service hotels around Darling Harbour or Town Hall. Many visitors book in the nearby World Square or Pyrmont (Star Casino) districts because they are within easy reach by foot or a quick taxi ride. In any case, give yourself extra travel time late at night when possible — even local transport can get busy on weekends.
What Makes This Venue Special
Chinese Laundry isn’t just another club – it’s a Sydney institution. Its hidden basement setting and eclectic decor create a sense of adventure as soon as you step down the stairs. The venue’s long history (almost 30 years) has meant it survived trends and legal crackdowns that shuttered many other venues, earning a cult status among clubbers. It is known for consistently high-quality sound (the new Martin Audio rig is top-notch (ra.co ) (themusic.com.au )) and an inclusive, anything-goes attitude on the dancefloor. Many famous artists and A-list DJs cut their teeth on these decks: Australians like Flume and Dom Dolla played early shows here, and international legends like Sasha, Jeff Mills and Goldie have all headlined Laundry nights (themusic.com.au ). These moments (and countless rave memories) have become part of its lore. Architecturally, there are no flashy gimmicks – just stark industrial walls, graffiti art, dangling lanterns and neon lights that give each room a distinct vibe. What stands out are the themed rooms and the outdoor courtyard – it’s rare for a big city club to have a dedicated open-air hangout, making people love the breakouts under the stars. Culturally, Chinese Laundry has helped incubate Sydney’s electronic music scene; it was voted Australia’s best club in some polls and ranks on DJ Mag’s global top 100 (djmag.com ) (www.barsandnightclubs.com.au ). To locals, it feels like home base for underground dance music – a place where the crowd is passionate, the music is serious, and the party seems to never end. For these reasons, veteran clubbers plan entire nights around Chinese Laundry events, and newcomers often feel they’ve “arrived” in the scene once they’ve danced here.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrive Early: Doors typically open at 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. If you want to avoid long queues and ensure entry (especially on busy weekends), try to arrive by 10pm. Tickets usually guarantee entry up to around midnight (triphock.com ); after that, even ticketholders may be subject to capacity limits. Early birds get a more relaxed vibe upstairs and can hit the bathroom before the rush.
Entry Requirements: Chinese Laundry is strictly 18+. Bring valid photo ID (driver’s licence or passport) – staff check rigorously. Expect a security pat-down or bag check at the door. Dress smart-casual club attire; there is no formal dress code, but avoid sportswear, flip-flops (“thongs”), or overly casual beach clothes. The crowd is rarely pretentious, so Australians’ typical night-out style (jeans, shirts, sneakers or boots) works fine.
Tickets: Pre-sale tickets sold out? Check the door. On reopening nights, Resident Advisor noted that online tickets sold quickly but door sales were available nightly from 9pm (ra.co ). If planning to walk in, carry cash as backup (although EFTPOS is widely accepted, some small bars may handle cash faster). Remember all sales are final – tickets are non-refundable, and wristbands are checked each time you come downstairs.Bag Policy: Small bags and wallets are allowed, but large backpacks might be refused or held. Limit bulky items to speed up entry.Photography: Casual phone cameras are okay, but professional photography (and video recording rigs) is generally not permitted without permission. The vibe is moody and dim, so smartphone pics may turn out dark. Bring a portable charger if you’ll rely on your phone.Smoking: Sydney law bans indoor smoking. Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor garden section. If you smoke, you’ll need to step outside into the courtyard or right outside the entrance on Slip Street.Drink Service: There are multiple well-stocked bars (one per room) serving beer, spirits and cocktails. Standard drink prices apply (cocktails ~$15–$20 AUD). Water is available but consider having some cash on hand for bar tabs. There’s no in-house bottle shop inside, so drink before you arrive if you have a bottle shop membership. Food: Don’t come starving – options inside close at midnight. The El Loco Kitchen counter serves snacks and casual Mexican food until 12am (www.tripadvisor.com ). After that you’re pretty much done eating, except maybe grabbing street food around nearby Chinatown.Accessibility: Chinese Laundry is downstairs and reached by stairs only. It is not wheelchair accessible, and the low ceilings and pillars make navigation tricky for those with mobility issues. If this is a concern, contact the venue directly beforehand to check if accommodations can be arranged (in practice, most club events remain inaccessible). Cash/ATMs: While bars take cards, having a small amount of cash is wise for faster service or tips. There are ATMs in the vicinity (some nearby hotels or pubs) but availability is not guaranteed. It’s often easiest to bring only what you need in cash and rely on card payments.When to Leave: The club has a license until 4am (triphock.com ), but most will finish by 3.30–4:00am. If you’ve got other plans (like an early train), allow extra time – trains start up again around 4–5am. Late-night taxis queue up near the venue (Slip Street or the King Street ferry stop) but can be scarce, so arrange a ride-share pickup or use a dedicated taxi app in advance if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical event times and days at Chinese Laundry?
Chinese Laundry primarily operates on Friday and Saturday nights. Doors usually open at 9:00pm and the parties run late (often until 3:00am or later) (triphock.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). There is no formal last-entry time now that lockouts have been lifted. Usually DJs play straight until closing, which can range between 3:30am and 4:00am depending on licensing. (triphock.com )
How much do tickets to Chinese Laundry cost, and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary by show and lineup. For regular DJ nights, expect to pay roughly $20–$30 as an advance ticket. Special headline events may cost more. You can purchase tickets through the venue’s official site or authorised sellers ahead of time. If an event isn’t sold out, tickets are also often available at the door from when doors open (usually 9pm) (ra.co ). Buying early online is wise for popular shows to guarantee entry.
Is Chinese Laundry a seated venue or general admission?
Chinese Laundry is an all-standing dance club rather than a seated theatre. There are no formal seats on the dancefloors – most people stand, dance or lean against pillars and railings. Each of the main rooms has a dancefloor right in front of the DJ booth. There are a few ledges and standing tables along the sides, and a curtained-off VIP section for reserved tables (if available), but these are limited. For the best view, many patrons gather near the front of the main room or along the railings overlooking the DJs.
What is the capacity of Chinese Laundry?
The club’s official capacity is roughly 800 people (djmag.com ). This includes all three dance rooms and the courtyard combined. On busy nights, the venue can fill to capacity, at which point they may slow or stop admitting more guests. That’s why arriving early is recommended if you plan to attend a popular event.
What kind of music and DJs can I expect at Chinese Laundry?
Chinese Laundry focuses on electronic dance music. The lineup often includes a mix of house, techno, breaks, drum & bass, jungle, garage and bass music (djmag.com ). Some nights lean more to bass-heavy genres and others to melodic/tech-house, depending on the promoter. Big-name DJs (local and international) have headlined here – past acts include Sasha, Detroit Swindle, Flume, Goldie and many more (djmag.com ) (themusic.com.au ). In short, expect a loud, dancefloor-oriented set rather than live bands.
Where exactly is Chinese Laundry, and how do I get there?
Chinese Laundry is located at 111 Sussex Street, Sydney (downstairs under the Slip Inn). The entrance is on the corner of Sussex and Slip Street, just south of Haymarket. The easiest way to arrive is by public transport: it’s about a 10–15 minute walk from Town Hall Station or Wynyard Station. Several buses also stop nearby on Sussex or King Streets. If driving, nearby paid parking is limited; using a taxi or ride-share (drop-off at Slip Street) is usually easier. The venue’s proximity to Darling Harbour and Chinatown means there are plenty of associated transport options (like ferries and light rail a short walk away) if needed.
Is parking available near Chinese Laundry?
Street parking in the CBD is very limited at night. There are a few paid parking stations a short walk away (for example around Darling Harbour or the Star Casino area), but they can be expensive. Most people use public transport, taxis or ride-share to get there. If you do drive, aim for an early arrival and allow extra time to find a spot. Ride-share drop-offs on Slip Street or Sussex Street near the club are common.
What is the dress code for Chinese Laundry?
There’s no formal dress code, but patrons generally dress in casual club attire. Smart jeans or pants and a T-shirt or shirt are typical. Avoid sports gear, singlets, flippers (“thongs”) or anything that’s too beachy or sloppy. In short: casual but neat nightlife wear. Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be standing a lot. The staff can refuse entry to anyone who is obviously intoxicated or wearing overly sloppy clothing.
What ID do I need to enter, and is it strictly 18+?
Yes, Chinese Laundry is strictly 18+. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (Australian driver’s licence or foreign passport, for example) at the door. They will check your ID against the guest list or ticket. No ID usually means no entry, so be sure not to forget it.
Are babies, minors or intoxicated people allowed?
No. Only guests 18 and over are permitted. Security will turn away minors or anyone under 18, even if accompanied by an adult. Severely intoxicated or disorderly individuals will also be refused entry for safety reasons.
Can I bring a camera or record video inside?
Personal phone cameras and small digital cameras are generally okay for snapshots. However, professional-grade cameras, video recorders or large tripods are not permitted without permission. The venue’s policy is to prohibit commercial shooting or unauthorized camera crews. At reopening they specifically mentioned no “video and/or audio recording” beyond personal use. Be mindful of other guests’ privacy if snapping).
Is smoking allowed inside the club?
No. Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor courtyard or outside on Slip Street due to Sydney’s indoor smoking laws. If you wish to smoke, you’ll have to step outside your dance room into the designated smoking area. Expect it to be cold/windy if it’s late at night!
Are there food and drink options inside the venue?
Yes. Each room has a bar selling the usual range of beers, spirits and cocktails. There is also a built-in food counter – the El Loco Kitchen (Merivale’s Mexican kitchen) serves snacks like tacos, nachos and burgers until about midnight (www.tripadvisor.com ). After that time there’s no food service except perhaps a nearby take-away. Bars serve drinks all night, but they can get busy and use token or tap card systems on peak nights. Many dancers buy a drink when they first arrive to minimize trips to the back.
Is Chinese Laundry wheelchair accessible?
No. Chinese Laundry is located in a basement below the Slip Inn and accessed by stairs, so it is not wheelchair accessible. The interior has low ceilings and narrow stairs which make it impractical for guests with mobility impairments. There are no elevators or ramps to the club floors. Anyone with accessibility needs should inquire directly with the venue, though in practice accommodation is very limited.
What payment methods are accepted inside?
All bars accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) for drink purchases, and many also take mobile pay like Apple Pay. It’s best to have both card and some cash, since bartenders handle cash quickly when it’s busy. Entry fees can often be paid by card or cash at the door. There is no ticketing kiosk that only takes card – so make sure you have one or the other.
Are there hotels or restaurants within walking distance?
Yes. The club is in the CBD, so there are dozens of hotels (ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels) within 10-15 minutes walk – especially in the Town Hall, Darling Harbour and Chinatown areas. For pre- or post-club meals, there's a large Asian food court in Darling Harbour, pubs on Sussex/Pitt Street, and nearby Chinatown eateries. The Orbit bar/club and The Slip Inn itself (above the club) are also steps away. Just note that most venues close by midnight or earlier due to licensing laws, so plan accordingly.
Why is it called “Chinese Laundry”?
The origin of the name isn’t widely publicized, but it contributes to the venue’s underground mystique. It may have been chosen simply as an obscure, memorable moniker – the entrance is hidden just like an old-timey back-alley laundry. Over the years it’s just become a unique brand for the club. In any case, the name has no connection to actual laundry services; it’s all about the hidden, industrial vibe of the place.
