Night at the Barracks: The Ultimate Guide to Live Music Under the Stars
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, jazz and country.
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 12 September and with a curtain call on Sunday 5 October, Night at the Barracks will feature acts including Missy Higgins, Lime Cordiale and Hoodoo Gurus, as well as evenings dedicated to Fleetwood Mac 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 Hoodoo Gurus (19 September), Ian Moss & Mark Seymour (26 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 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.
You’ll adore your night with Amy
Gather up your friends – and a few broken hearts – and prepare to Adore your night with Amy Shark on 21 September. This intimate format sees Amy performing stripped-back versions of her most popular songs and sharing some of the stories and experiences that have helped shape her into the artist she is today.
Pre-show: Ease into your evening with a wander through the laneways and nearby village streets of Manly. Discover lovely independent boutiques, cosy coffee shops and water-view restaurants.
Stay: Indulge in the camaraderie 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: 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: Finish the evening with an easy stroll through The Corso and enjoy world-famous boutique ice cream from Anita Gelato.
Dance the night away
The Barracks will morph into dance party central when Cut Copy (12 September) and Furnace and the Fundamentals (27 September) take to the stage.
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: Save your money for the party and check in to Manly Bunkhouse for budget accommodation only footsteps to Manly Beach. Each room has its own shower, toilet and kitchenette. There is also a large common room, a commercial kitchen and an outdoor courtyard with BBQ facilities.
Eat and drink: If you crave great ocean views with your dinner, book into The Pantry, located right on Manly beachfront and offering modern Australian cuisine with fresh, local ingredients and a touch of Italian influence.
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.
Have a home-grown long weekend
Celebrate all things Australian when you come to Manly for one of our home-grown performers, from Kate Ceberano (14 September) and Missy Higgins (5 October) to new country hit maker James Johnston (3 October), supported by his two best mates Zac and George. 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 & Show experience that includes a two-course early dinner or late 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!
Add a dash of lime
Mark 20 September in your calendar for local indie pop rock duo Lime Cordiale. Formed by Northern Beaches brothers Louis and Oli Leimbach, this group brings an infectious energy to their live gigs and catchy hits like ‘Robbery’.
Pre-show: Before the gates open for the main show, head up to Fairfax Walk, perched above the cliffs at North Head Sanctuary, and enjoy 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.
Try an alternative
If you were a fan of Triple J Unearthed back in the 90s then you’ll know all about Grinspoon, a rock band from Lismore that went on to huge success here and overseas.
Named after a Harvard Medical School professor who supported marijuana for medical use, Grinspoon was popular in the alternative and mosh-pit crowd.
Pre-show: Manly Scenic Walkway is the perfect heart-starter for a night indulging in great 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: Start the night with some tasty pub-style fare and an award-winning beer on the balcony at 4 Pines Brewing Company.
Post-show: After Grinspoon wraps, head back down the hill to Felons Manly and finish the night on a harbourside pier with a drink in hand.
Go your own way
Fleetwood Mac may have formed more than 50 years ago but the band and their songs have remained influential and popular through the generations. Now you can enjoy them here in Manly when critically acclaimed tribute band Yesterday’s Gone, featuring Kav Temperley (of Eskimo Joe fame), Fanny Lumsden, Charlie Collins and Karen Lee Andrews, pays homage to Fleetwood Mac, performing enduring hits like ‘Dreams’, ‘Landslide’, ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Rhiannon’, ‘Go Your Own Way’ and ‘The Chain’.
Pre-show: Browse the local shops and op shops, where you might discover some 70s-inspired clothing and accessories to celebrate Fleetwood Mac’s boho-chic sartorial style.
Stay: Manly Pacific offers beautiful boutique accommodation with front-row seats to famous Manly Beach.
Eat and drink: Fall in love with Italy just like Stevie Nicks did during one of her band’s tours, inspiring her song ‘Italian Summer’, and dine at Cibaria Manly. This beautiful eatery takes as its inspiration an Italian piazza.
Post-show: Enjoy a nightcap in the comfort of 55 North. Located downstairs from your accommodation, it’s the perfect place to end your night before wandering upstairs to a comfy bed.