Ever wondered what the floor is like? Is there even a dance floor? Carpet, concrete or wood? Let me help you out. Here is a list of some dance venues with some hints about what you may find when you get there. I’ve given a verdict based on how bouncy, slippery and large the dance floor is – having all of these makes for a high verdict. If you like atmosphere, Palmers & Co is hard to beat although you should check the band too.
Going to an unlisted venue? Drop me a line and let me know so I can update this listing.
Arthur Murray Studio
📍 276 Norton St, Leichhardt, NSW map ↗
The Dance Studio is upstairs with an excellent, wood effect floor is slippery and spacious with mirrors down one side and a slightly raised area for a band. Opposite the mirrors is a good-sized seating area and bar.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Ashfield RSL
📍 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield, NSW map ↗
The dance floor is upstairs and traditional sprung wood surrounded by carpet. At one end, plastic flooring has been added to extend the dance area and the other is a carpeted seating area.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Freeway Hotel
📍 115 Reserve Rd, Artarmon, NSW map ↗
The area is split into three, a larger, lower carpeted area a middle section (polished wood, sprung) shared with the band and a smaller upper carpeted area. This is an excellent venue for dancers – somewhere to sit and chat with easy access to a slippery spung dance floor.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 2 May 2026 | Al Davey's Groovers | Live | ||
| Sat 16 May 2026 | Bob Henderson Jazz Band | Live | ||
| Sat 6 June 2026 | Al Davey's Groovers | Live | ||
| Sat 20 June 2026 | Bob Henderson Jazz Band | Live | ||
| Sat 4 July 2026 | Al Davey's Groovers | Live | ||
| Sat 18 July 2026 | Bob Henderson Jazz Band | Live |
Government House
📍 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW map ↗
Historic vice-regal residence hosting the annual Jazz at the House event. Jazz@TheHouse is held most first Sunday's of the month and is a great venue for an afternoon's picnic with Jazz music. Options for dancing include on the grass or a small (3mx3m) hessian mat just in front of the band (and audience). Good space for one couple, bit more challenging for two.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 3 May 2026 | 12:00pm–3:00pm | Royal Australian Air Force Band | Live | free |
| Sun 7 June 2026 | 12:00pm–3:00pm | NSW Police Band | Live | free |
Granville Diggers
📍 5 Memorial Dr, Granville, NSW map ↗
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 9 May 2026 | 2:00pm–5:00pm | The Aston Martinis | Live |
Humph Hall 🌐
📍 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights, NSW map ↗
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 30 May 2026 | 7:00pm–9:30pm | Chasing the Moon | Live | $25, concession price $15 |
LazyBones Lounge
📍 294 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, NSW map ↗
Entry is on Illawarra Rd where they'll check your ticket/take payment and then you head up two flights of stairs. There is a small space in front of the bands and some space between tables – all on carpet though.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Leichhardt Bowling Club
📍 88-92 Piper St, Leichhardt, NSW map ↗
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 16 May 2026 | 8:00pm–10:30pm | Chasing the Moon | Live | $35 + Booking Fee |
Magpies
📍 11-37 Alexandria Parade, Waitara, NSW map ↗
Literally across the road from Waitara station, this is a large venue. After signing in head to the left of the entrance desk towards a large room with a wooden (sprung I think) dance floor about 10mx5m in size. The dance floor is between a large, carpeted seating area and raised stage for the band. The space is airconditioned.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Marrickville Bowling Club
📍 91 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville, NSW map ↗
After signing in and entering you are at the bar with a parquet dance floor (on concrete) between you and the stage for the band (unless the Mortal Blow Big Band are on). The floor is quite varied, sometimes tacky and other times slippery and management ask for no talc – you’ve been warned!
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Miss Celie's
📍 15-17 Hercules St, Ashfield, NSW map ↗
Although we love Miss Celie's for the range and number of nights with music, there is no specific dance area at Miss Celie’s. You may be able to squeeze in a few turns between tables or by the sofas if it is not too busy. Carpet or concrete depending where you are in the venue.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Paddington RSL
📍 232 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW map ↗
There are two areas you may end up dancing: Upstairs and Downstairs. Upstairs is an excellent place with wooden dance floor and raised seating around (venue rating is for this foor). Downstairs there is a stage with a carpeted area in front. There is plenty of space (between tables) to dance but it is all on carpet.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 28 June 2026 | 3:00pm–6:00pm | Bonnie Kay and the Sweet Patooties | Live |
Palmer & Co
📍 Abercrombie Lane, Sydney, NSW map ↗
Walk downstairs and enter the atmosphere of the 1920 speakeasy, prohibition style bar with waiters in costume and amazing decor. There is no dance floor so if it’s not too busy then you can dance on the micro-tiled floor – hard but slippery. A good chance to practice close dancing! To be welcome here, you’ll need to buy a drink and, perhaps, something to eat.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Polish Club
📍 182 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield, NSW map ↗
The Polish Club stands back from Liverpool Rd so you'll need to walk down the drive to the entrance. After signing in, head right towards the bar and an immediate left to the ball room. Nice slipy dance floor with plenty of space for dancing. The floor is usually surrounded by tables. Food and drinks are available from the bar or in the dining room.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Pratton Park Bowling Club
📍 42 Arthur Street, Ashfield, NSW map ↗
The main hall is a wooden floor with the band at one end and tables and chairs surrounding it. Yes, the floor is slippery and may be sprung. There is usually food on sale at the bar in the enjoining room – a tip, don’t order a glass of wine; go for a whole bottle!
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
No upcoming events listed.
Randwick Golf Club
📍 1 Howe St, Randwick, NSW map ↗
Generally the band plays outside on a concrete veranda with lovely views out to sea. Can be a bit windy though. If it's wet, the play inside the club.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 17 May 2026 | 3:00pm–6:00pm | DC3 & the High Flyers | Live |
St. Stephen's Hall
📍 189 Church St, Newtown, NSW map ↗
Walk up a few steps into the main hall which has seen better days… that doesn’t stop the dancing though. The floor is a wooden floor which is reasonably slippery. Parking is a challenge so best to take public transport – bring your own drinks, there’s no bar.
Verdict on floor space for dancers: ★★★★★
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 8 May 2026 | 7:30pm–10:30pm | Swing Patrol Sydney | Dance | $15 |
| Fri 12 June 2026 | 7:30pm–10:30pm | Swing Patrol Sydney | Dance | $15 |
| Fri 10 July 2026 | 7:30pm–10:30pm | Swing Patrol Sydney | Dance | $15 |
Surfboat Brewery
📍 14 Jubilee Ave, Warriewood, NSW map ↗
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 10 May 2026 | 3:00pm–6:00pm | The Aston Martinis | Live |
Unity Hall
📍 292 Darling St, Balmain, NSW map ↗
The upstairs band area has recently been rennovated – yet to check out the improvements!
| Date | Time | Artist / Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 3 May 2026 | 3:00pm–6:00pm | Dan Barnett's Big Band | Live | $20 |
| Sun 7 June 2026 | 3:00pm–6:00pm | Dan Barnett's Big Band | Live | $20 |
| Sun 5 July 2026 | 3:00pm–6:00pm | Dan Barnett's Big Band | Live | $20 |