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Night at the Barracks
Image courtesy of Night of the Barracks

Night at the Barracks – it’s a name that inspires us to get our groove on with the promise of live music under the stars.

But it’s also a little bit of a misnomer, in a very good way.

After all, it’s not just one night; it’s many. Twelve in fact, spanning a musical range that could rival Queen, from pop and electronic to rock, roots and gospel.

Think of it like a regular music festival only broken up into sound-bite-sized pieces and minus tent city and muddy fields.

Kicking off on Friday 13th September and with a curtain call on Sunday 6 October, Night at the Barracks will feature acts including Pete Murray, Birds of Tokyo and Jessica Mauboy, as well as evenings dedicated to Taylor Swift and good ol’ Aussie rock.

Simply pick an act, pick a genre or pick a night, then head up the hill from Manly Village to the historic Barracks Precinct at North Head Sanctuary.

While we never like to stereotype anyone, below we’ve put together some itineraries based on your preferred genre so you can really make the most of your time in Manly and your Night at the Barracks.


Take those old records off the shelf

If you’re of a certain age, the mere mention of good ol’ Aussie pub rock will get your head banging and your ears ringing. So prepare to get a bit old school with last century belters performed by acts like Jon Stevens: Noiseworks & INXS Collection (21 September), Australian Rock Collective (22 September) and Icehouse (13 September). So when you head to Manly for the night – or nights – here are some suggestions to extend the fun and get into the pub vibe.

Pre-show: Go in search of some rare vinyl at Desire Books and Records.

Stay: Nothing says Manly history like the Hotel Steyne overlooking the beach. Choose from a range of 4-star bed-and-breakfast options.

Eat and drink: Add to the pub-crawl vibe and tick off another Manly institution – The Ivanhoe Hotel – for classic pub grub like burgers, pizza and schnitty.

Post-show: While so many pubs moved away from the live music scene, The Old Manly Boatshed has kept the tradition running and will be playing long into the night.


Girls just wanna have fun

Calling all Swifties. You’ll need to calm down from all the excitement of this Taylor Swift tribute show, Taylor Made (29 September), featuring Alex the Astronaut, Charley, Clare Bowditch and more. Gather up the girls – and boys – get your Gorgeous on and prepare to be Enchanted.

Pre-show: Hit the local shops – there’s always room for another bit of bling, or something special to take home. The Corso has a range of stores such as Sportsgirl and Ghanda as well as the big surf shops. Or stroll the laneways and nearby village streets and discover lovely independent boutiques.

Stay: Indulge in the fun of being in a group and book a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment with spectacular views at Manly Paradise Beachfront Motel and Apartments.

Eat and drink: El Camino Cantina will get the fun started early with sombrero-filled party vibes and a value-packed Tex Mex dining experience, as well as a colourful line-up of margaritas for the adult chaperones.

Post-show: Finish the evening with a stroll through The Corso and enjoy world-famous boutique ice cream from Anita Gelato.


Dance the night away

The Barracks will morph into seat-free festival mode when dance music legends The Presets and Bag Raiders take to the stage on 27 September.

Pre-show: Get your legs warmed up for the night ahead atop a hire bike from Manly Bikes, riding the Manly beachfront with the wind in your hair.

Stay: Sandy Bottoms Guesthouse offers affordable private rooms for singles or couples.

Eat and drink: Start the night with some tasty pub-style fare and an award-winning beer on the balcony at 4 Pines Brewing Company.

Post-show: Slide into the warm, rustic interior of Donny’s Bar for a one-for-the-road bevvy and maybe a bit more live music.


Take it as gospel

Pardon us for being so presumptuous but if you’re planning to attend the contemporary gospel choir GOSPO Collective (15 September), we’re assuming you lean towards a slightly more cultured aesthetic, so have crafted your itinerary accordingly.

Pre-show: Visit Manly Art Gallery & Museum for innovative and distinctive exhibitions as well as an extensive collection of Australian art, ceramics and beach culture.

Stay: Manly Pacific offers beautiful boutique accommodation with front-row seats to famous Manly Beach.

Eat and drink: Hatted Italian restaurant Pilu at Freshwater has partnered with Night at the Barracks to present a delicious three-course meal plus a takeaway concert snack and transport to The Barracks for $99 per person. 

Post-show: Enjoy a nightcap in the comfort of 55 North, Manly’s newest cocktail lounge. Located downstairs from your accommodation, it’s the perfect place to end your night before wandering upstairs to a comfy bed.


Have a home-grown long weekend

Celebrate all things Australian when you come to Manly for one of our home-grown performers, from Matt Corby (4 October) and Jess Mauboy (5 October) to Xavier Rudd (6 October) and Pete Murray. So while you’re here why not celebrate even more of what this country has to offer and explore our lovely beaches and our interesting past.

Pre-show: Appreciate the joy of nature and arrive early for a surf, swim or snorkel. Pack you own gear or rent a board from Manly Surfboards or snorkelling equipment from Dive Centre Manly.

Stay: Just down the road from The Barracks within Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station played a vital role protecting Australia from diseases like bubonic plague and smallpox for over 100 years. It now offers heritage accommodation ranging from rooms and suites to cottages for larger groups.

Eat and drink: Q Station’s Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar offers a VIP Dine and Show Experience that includes a two-course early dinner or lunch, as well as shuttle transport to and from your show and Platinum reserved seating.

Post-show: Sit out on your verandah with a vino in hand and vibe with the ghosts – yes I did say ghosts. Didn’t I mention that Q Station is one of the most haunted sites in Sydney? Boo!


Here’s a great alternative

Mark 20 September in your calendar for alt rock group Birds of Tokyo and sing along to hits like ‘Lanterns’ and ‘I’d Go With You Anywhere’.

Pre-show: Before the gates open for the main show, head up to Fairfax Walk, perched above the cliffs at North Head Sanctuary, and Zen out to the dramatic and stunning views.

Stay: Perfectly positioned overlooking Manly Beach, Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish rooms and suites featuring spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms.

Eat and drink: Follow in the famous musical footsteps of Beyonce and Jay-Z and reserve a table at Hugo’s on Manly Wharf and watch the ferries come and go. The food is fab and drinks divine.

Post-show: One of the coolest places to be is underground at The Cumberland, an exclusive 1920s speakeasy bar hidden behind a fridge door in the laneways of Manly. But be sure to book as it fills up fast.


It’s a numbers game

Back in the early 2000s a group of Kiwi lads with a common interest in music met up at university. They set up house together at 660 Castle St, Dunedin. In 2008 they formed Six60, one of the most popular groups ever in New Zealand. Now they’re coming to Manly on 28 September.

Pre-show: At 10km and 2.5 hours walking time, Manly Scenic Walkway is the perfect heart-starter for a night indulging in great pop rock. Catch the 144 bus to The Spit and walk back to Manly Wharf, enjoying stunning clifftop views and gorgeous little tidal beaches.

Stay: Watching over the southern end of Manly Beach, The Sebel is suited to those travelling on their own or with a friend, and has something to suit every budget.

Eat and drink: Pack your ID and head to Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club, situated on the water at Manly Cove. The brasserie and two stylish bars will answer all your food and drink requirements. Grab a table on the deck and watch the boats go by.

Post-show: After Six60 wraps, head back down the hill to Manly Wharf Bar and finish the night like you started – on a harbourside pier with a drink in hand. You’ll be on cloud nine!