I am from Malaysia, where the retail shop close at 10pm everyday and you still be able to find some street hawkers till early in the morning at 2am.
In Sydney, I think most of the shop close at 8pm on Thursday. But, that's only Thursday. So, basically, there is nothing much to do afterwork!? Anyway, this will help me to get to explore more outdoor activities i suppose.
I heard QLD is a very beautiful place. Can't wait to pay a visit there. But, I probably have to wait till next public holiday to do so.
Cheersss...