the troubadour

Are you really classed as a 'hip' local in Sydney Town? is that pure self aggrandisement measure of classification. With large dollops of delusion and certainly narcissism thrown into the picture to complete the canvass? Sacre Bleu, either way all sound pointers as to why, that being the case, I kept a wide berth of that potentially attractive, but rather let down and ordinary sort of place. A place where reputation, doesn't quite match reality.

Beoz

Lock out laws is not a vote puller. Not is the opinion of some Western Australian locked in a place he'd rather not be.

We are having a great time over here .... you?

the troubadour

I find an element of 'roughness' in most, if not all rural environments , at least in the three states, (WA, QLD and NT) that I have spent time in. Something in the D&A of a certain type of Australian male , I suppose, that is somewhat socially awkward and when under the influence of alcohol, (probably not very much) magnified, but not essentially required, that behaves in a rather over the top, obnoxious, turbo' mucho hombre' . Even snoozy Albany , came across this quite a lot in the past, younger obviously, in pubs for the main, when lived there. Higher prices and security in more recent times, way well have rectified that situation, somewhat, at least in that particular town. Must say, don't get a whiff of anything amiss over recent years of visiting and have experienced thoroughly enjoyable, if a little predictable times.

I have written in an earlier thread, with regards to being rather impressed at what some of those towns, Wagin and Narrogin, have transformed themselves, within the probable limited scope available to do so. Purely a passing observation, and living would be an impossibility on many fronts for me, but credit where due.
I wasn't aware of the figures for domestic violence being top in the two towns you mentioned. But the high occurrence of DV, certainly comes as no surprise to even a casual observer. It has been one feels forever the case, probably since the nation's humble beginnings and certainly the male/female divide and almost 'lack of interest' speaks volume's, to me anyway in not sure how to term it, a 'lack of appreciation' of gender variation compared at least in part to other societies. The younger of a certain education/awareness level do appear to have a better handle on relationships, certainly where I now live at any rate. WE do need to remind ourselves, I guess, that Australia does maintain high levels of violence on all/most fronts.

the troubadour

Well again beg to differ. I would say business and tourist players not at all happy with the status enforced on Central Sydney. Whether suburbanites like yourself, care les, is hardly the point. A city, seeking desperately world class tourist recognition status, is somewhat farcical to maintain such laws, owing to an inability to control, its out of control burghers,
It could do a Jeddah of course and ban the demon alcohol all together or introduce curfew where locals are required to be off the streets and home by 9pm. Leaving tourists free from harassment and free to amuse themselves without concern.

I can only imagine I would find a limit to fun found in hand puppetry and other charades being played out there. Still 'fun' I suppose, akin to looks does remain in the possession of the beholder. The Sydney bubble deflating must induce fretful sound bites and sleepless nights.

Diwali here in Perth, besides The Swan River in the city. Great night last night with our rapidly expanding Indian/Sub Continental community. Place to be on occasions as such.

Beoz

I would estimate 98% of tourists and business workers are home in bed by 1, and if not they are either in a place they want to stay in or have moved on to a more desirable part of Sydney.

You really love the drama don't you. The reality is far different of course.

How often to you bar hop after 1am? There's only one reason to bar hop after 1am. It means you haven't found it yet.

the troubadour

Sounds to me like you'd be better of considering future career prospects , now that clarity in the Ponzi induced market has been ascertained.
But hey I get your gutted. Premier of NSW, Treasurer of NSW together with some seat warming bloke in Canberra, all belonging to your beloved Liberal Party, have concluded the game is up. Numbers need to be cut to sustainable levels for the benefit of all concerned. I'll give a thought to possible career options to lift you off the ground.
I imagine a shoe shine set up around a busy central location could at least be a kick start.

the troubadour

When younger living in Paris/ and other places often out at 2am . Some of the more interesting people about at those times. People elsewhere do live what's called a nocturnal life you . You could do worse than gain a bit of information into Spanish night life as well. If Sydney really sought world tourist and living status, options would be available.

Beoz

You've lived in Australia long enough to know it's not Cadiz.

WA and QLD are the early night specialists. I suppose that's what happens when you don't have daylight saving.

Night night Perth.

the troubadour

Yes I have lived here long enough, not to expect much in that area. Not about me, once again, about the bid to Sydney as a prime international tourist hub. At least recognising the limitations. Obviously late night life, is not everybody's priority. London was a prime example, of world class city with poor, very poor, in fact after hours places twenty five years ago.
I wouldn't likely be venturing in Perth after a certain time. I find it less safe than Europe generalising, increasingly a depressed feel late night, with swags of homeless and loud, aggressive people. only last night, witnessed a right out of the ball park, individual screaming the most foul abuse at Asian tourists and students especially, in the heart of the city . Obviously high on something, looking pretty dangerous to get involved with. Certainly never be classed as a night city, although increasing Asian presence is bringing life to certain areas. Weekends have more of a buzz than former times, but more ideally suited foe slow lane crawlers for sure.

carcajou

Where I am, sometimes the last open kitchen in town will start shutting down at 7:30!

Amazulu

The times they are a changin'

Plenty of late night places here now

I personally don't like eating later on at night (never have)

Late night is for drinking - eating is for pussies

Beoz

Then why do you live there?

Here's the thing. Countries are different. While dinner might start at 10pm in the Cadiz Old Town the beach is a pile of crap. On the flip side Perth shuts down at sunset but the beaches are pretty good.

I am pretty sure tourists to Perth are there to check out the beaches rather than the nightlife.

You are clutching at straws now.

Beoz

I might be getting old but I checked out a new pop up Cambodian restaurant last night. Booking was for 5:45 which suited us (the 3 families that went) fine. Food and a number of bottles of wine were done by 8. Feeling radiant at 7:30am which is a lot better than finishing at 2am.

the troubadour

Well hardly clutching straws. Any straws well beyond reach apparently with ongoing faux beliefs. WA is experiencing great difficulty in the tourist market in failed attempts to date to increase tourist numbers. Most tourists these days, especially Asian, are not concerned much with the beach. They want shopping, buzz, culture and/or outback with the chance to take selfies with some 'cute' Aussie animals.
Perth beaches are 'pretty good' providing one arrives before the wind sets in and sand blows, which is often the case late morning. Probably more North European or British back packer enticing anyway.
The latest twist is attempting to entice overseas tourists by road driving routes. Getting a bit short of ideas I suppose, as most I know already do something akin, although the costs influence. Success at getting thousands more Asian tourists to under take long haul road trips remains uncertain. Well very popular with this group in South Island, NZ, WA not quite the same.
But of course Australian cities will ever compete with the like of Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, KL, Seoul , Bangkok, et al , for fun and nightlife shopping and vibe. Hardly worth attempting to compete. Best focus on what they are able to deliver. Those being a nearby 'taste' of western culture with multi cultural facilities available (dining etc) better climate with cleaner air, (than many Asian cities) to state a few things. Easy for Malaysians for example to take up a four day stay in Perth, all found at reasonable rates.

GarryP

You would have thought they would have done much more/better in selling to Brits looking to get away to some sun in the middle of winter - particularly with the non-stop flight Perth now has. It's still ~£650 return during the winter, which is what it was decades ago when I first came - so more affordable now. As it is, there really isn't the equivalent of 'Brisvegas' in Perth - and little in the way of sun, sea, sand, and sex resorts to entice anyone. And as for cultural ...

An untapped market, mainly due to incompetence.