Australia’s night-time economy is growing in the wake of a challenging environment, with new research released by Visa arguing that it is a sign of where the country is heading.
The Australia night-time economy index 2026 found that people are embracing the night-time economy 15 per cent more than they were a year ago, spreading their spending across a range of categories.
The nation’s leading area for the night-time economy was Melbourne Inner, followed by Sydney City. On average, Australians are heading out 80.2 times a year. Last year, that figure stood at 69.6.
“What happens after dark tells us a lot about what’s changing in Australia,” said Alan Machet, group country manager of Visa Oceania.
“The night-time economy is where people pursue the things they’re passionate about. Whether that’s seeing a favourite artist, going to a sporting event, exploring a night market or trying a new restaurant, these are choices driven by personal interests rather than necessity.”
Visa said that concerns about safety and affordability are also easing. The number of people citing cost as a barrier to going out fell by 6 per cent year-on-year, while those citing safety concerns fell by 11 per cent.
“How consumers spend their nights reveals what’s changing beneath the surface, from the experiences they value to the places they choose to spend their time,” Machet added. “For businesses, those shifts can provide an early signal of where customer preferences are heading.”
The index also found small businesses to be a leading contributor to the success of an area’s night-time economy. It said that 84 per cent of respondents agreed that unique local businesses help give an area its character, while 78 per cent said that businesses staying open late is important.
