I was out late last night and found it was very difficult to catch a cab. Granted their was the football on at Telstra Dome but in the end I caught one at the Langham Hotel on Southbank, pretending to be a hotel guest.

Surely there has to be an easier way!

What are the best places to catch a cab in the city on a Friday or Saturday night?

I think it comes down to luck! I never have had a problem catching a cab yet I know some of my friends have the same problem as you. Maybe I'm just more patient than some so I don't "think" I ever have a problem. NYE always kills me though :(

Depending on where you are, cab ranks are always a pain in the butt. I had to catch a cab outside Flinders Street station and that took me a while, but apart from that I can't think of any other time I had trouble...although having a cute girl who can show some "leg" will always get you a cab faster :)

They key is to not act drunk, and you shouldn't have a problem. I always walk up about 200 meters before a taxi rank and wait for about 15-20 minutes. If that doesn't work, then you usually won't have any chance but to wait at the cab rank. Big nightclubs on Clarendon Street usually have steady flow of cabs as well. I agree with AJ though, it always helps to have a cute girl with you.