Celebrating Australia’s most iconic music venues

March to the Music turns the spotlight on some of the best venues giving a home to live music in Australia.

We’re well into #MarchToTheMusic month now, so we thought it was about time we celebrated the butterflies you get when walking into a live music venue before a gig.

That feeling doesn’t just happen by chance. Music venues and their passionate staff work hard to create the perfect atmosphere conducive to making lasting memories for everyone who passes through their doors.

Ticketmaster operates in stacks and stacks of incredible gig venues around the country, so it was near impossible to compile this list of just one single venue per state, but we’ve given it a good go.

Don’t forget to let us know which music venue holds the most memories for you, @Ticketmaster_AU

Riverstage Brisbane, QLD

Did you know? This beaut outdoor venue must be special as it’s where Grunge Rockets Powderfinger decided to play their final show back in 2010. It’s also where Aussie festival Soundwave had their first ever show.

Why we love it: Not only is Riverstage in the midst of the B-E-A-Utiful City Botanic Gardens, it’s played host to some pretty iconic artists. We’re talking Ed Sheeran, The Chemical Brothers and Florence and the Machine just to name a few.

Forum Melbourne, VIC

Did you know? The Forum is OLD. Like way older than you’d think. This stunning venue was opened all the way back in 1929 under the name, The State Theatre. It was renamed back in 1962 and has had many revamps and conversions since then, all while maintaining the incredible architecture which makes it so iconic.

Why we love it: Can we talk about that ceiling? Instantly transporting you to another universe of live music and pure euphoria, the Forum is all about unique atmosphere. Not to mention all of the incredible artists all lining to play there.

Thebarton Theatre, SA

Did you know? We’ve got another oldie but a goodie on our hands here. In fact, this one’s even older than Melbourne’s Forum. Opened in 1928, Adelaide’s Thebarton Theatre cost the council $30,000 to build at the time and was instantly considered to be the premier venue for concerts, films and theatre performances.

Why we love it: The Thebby is as versatile as you like. With the ability to change up seating to suit whatever mood a gig has, we always feel like we’re vibing here. It’s also got an impressive history of gigs too, having hosted everyone from the Ramones to Bruno Mars!

Perth Concert Hall, WA

Did you know? Perth Concert Hall had a twinning ceremony with Perth Concert Hall all the way in Scotland back in 2006. Pretty cool that the venue has that connection with the Scots and now flies the St Andrews flag out front to show it off.

Why we love it: Perth Concert Hall is predominantly home to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. So whether you’re a classical music lover or not, we’re sure they’ve got a gig to suit you. If they’re not partnering with singer-songwriter Megan Washington, they’ll be playing your favourite movie score. What better way to see such an institution at this swish, iconic venue.

Big Top Luna Park, NSW

Did you know? Easily one of our favourite fun facts about Australian venues, Sydney’s Big Top Luna Park was built on the site of a former ghost train. The much-loved venue also hosted the MTV Australia 2005 VMAs, establishing it as an iconic institute across the globe.

Why we love it: It’s in the middle of a freaking theme park! Luna Park is legendary to Aussies as well visitors of Sydney from around the globe. The venue itself is colourful, fun and always packed full of hardcore fans. There really is nothing you can’t love about this place.

Get the lowdown on live music across Australia all this month with March To The Music.

Want to WIN with March To The Music?

Simply share your live snaps with us using #MarchToTheMusic across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, to be in with a chance of winning a Ticketmaster gift card. Full info here.