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Bright, Loud & Bold!

 Melbourne nightlife is anything but subtle. The city is packed full of nightclubs--seemingly as many clubs as most cities have restaurants. And the clubs scream out with loud music and bright, flashy colors.

Sounds like a party, right? And whether you prefer alternative music, or something mellower such as jazz or R & B, you'll find something to fit your fancy on the Melbourne nightlife scene. So where are the best clubs for a good time? We've listed just a few of our favorites.

At the top of our list is a club that has earned a terrific reputation--and for a good reason: Billboard. This club has experimented with a few different formats since its launch two decades ago. It pumps out upbeat music and features several large bars on its many split levels. One we liked was the "Jane's Bar," which was a laid-back area with large leather couches for relaxing. The musical style varies each night--everything from techno, blues, Top 40, and more. So you're sure to find a night that fits your personality. Billbound is located at 170 Russell St.

Another club that features a range of different musical styles is Altitude. During the week, they feature acoustic and funky beats, with commercial house tracks on the weekend. Party-time at this extremely friendly club lasts all through the weekend, until lunch time on Sunday. Altitude can be found at 163 Russell St.

If your personality is outrageous and unconventional, head over to a club that is just as bold as you: Amber Lounge on Lonsdale Street. The decor here is quite orange and bright and feels much like a trendy bar in Europe. The party gets loud, but the customers seem very down-to-earth. This is a good thing, because patrons are expected to mingle.

If you're not really into the cutting-edge, modern music scene, try a visit at Club Retro. As the name suggests, this is Melbourne's best-known club for enjoying retro music styles. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, the club is split into two levels. The main dance / bar area is downstairs and always has loud, high-octane classic retro music pumping. The dance floor is always full. If you want to get away from the crowd, the upstairs level features a smaller bar. Both floors also have pool tables. Club Retro is found at 383 Lonsdale St.

For those whose idea of the ultimate nightclub is the showgirls, The Centrefold, at 22 King St., is for you. Its showgirls are among the best in Melbourne, and the facility itself is classy looking. And if you have a special function, they have private rooms for you.

One last spot you should be sure to check out is De Biers, which has a great reputation among the locals. Located at 279 Flinders Lane, this downstairs club is huge, and features some comfortable couches, a pool table, and a supersized bar. They have a DJ on the weekend, and often during the week, live bands. Musical styles run the gamut, from chart, to dance, to blues. One of the best things about De Biers is its prices: Among trendy nightclubs, their $2-$4 drink prices are among the least expensive in the city.

There are so many other great nightspots to check out while you're in Melbourne. Our advice is, as you visit the above, ask the patrons about other hotspots. You're sure to find enough to keep your visit hopping!