Monastery Nightclub

Fresh-faced and up-for-it revellers flock to Monastery week in, week out – and it’s not hard to see why. The slick club in the thick of the Valley is made for dancing, and there’s always plenty of reason to dance. 2011 has got off to a roaring start thanks to AC Slater, Cyberpunkers, Designer Drugs, Mustard Pimp and other DJs well schooled in making kids move. Some of the biggest nights, though, are when the locals are in charge, with Baby Gee and Danny T always guaranteed to pack the floor.

WHERE: 621 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Platinum

Platinum is the Gold Coast’s super-club, and its calendar is always stacked with A-list names. A massive venue capable of holding around 1500 patrons, it ranks consistently high in the inthemix50 and gets regular props from international DJs fleeing bitter European winters. Local heroes The Stafford Brothers are residents, and major guests for 2011 include Afrojack, AC Slater and Sied Van Riel. No signs of slowing down here.

WHERE: 19 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach, Gold Coast

Ruby Tramp

Billing itself as “the Gold Coast’s most glamorous night venue”, The Ruby Tramp is not the kind of place that’s going to look kindly on groups of five guys. “Champagne taste” is apparently a must for the clientele. While the music policy generally leans towards cocktail-drinking house, the Ruby Tramp isn’t afraid of a rave-up, with Boys Noize Records and the Cyberpunkers both creating a ruckus in recent memory. Fun, if you get in.

WHERE: 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise