Gay clubs nsw
Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife
Whether you prefer a packed dance floor or an intimate corner booth, Sydney has an LGBTQIA+ venue you’ll love. While some spots cater to specific crowds, the majority of queer clubs and bars draw a diverse array of patrons. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with Sydney’s various rainbow party crews, who accept over mainstream venues and outdoor spaces all across the urban area for occasional events.
Darlinghurst & Surry Hills
If you’re not sure where to begin your exploration of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife, the Darlinghurst end of Oxford Street — usually the setting of the annual Sydney Gay and Female homosexual Mardi Gras parade — is a safe bet. For a low-key start, grab a beer or a cocktail at The Colombian Hotel, a multi-level pub that occupies a prime position on the corner of Oxford and Crown streets. Visit during a less busy time and you might be able to snag a stool at the venue’s long open window, which offers views up and down the strip.
Universal, a dual-level cosmos with dancing downstairs and flamboyant and performances upstairs, is a popula
The Best Gay Nightclubs In Sydney
Have you ever wanted to drink a cocktail with a rubber duck in it? Maybe you&#;ve never thought about it until reading that last line, and now it&#;s a must? Either way, Universal has your ducky drink needs covered while also offering drag performances five nights a week.
Formally known as the very accepted Midnight Shift, the new owners name Universal &#;an evolution of the Midnight Shift, rather than a revolution.&#; Apprehend not; however, these same owners ran a public survey to see what people wanted them to do with the venue before taking it over. The result was ensuring they maintained the role the venue has played for the LGBTIQA+ community, maintaining a long-held legacy of inclusivity.
Clubs nights often run until 4am, with the themes changing weekly. You never quite grasp what to hope for, but that is half the fun.
You can see up and coming amateur drag to professional performers that are the best of the best. The upstairs section is a sparkling dinner theatre restaurant with the downstairs area offering a delicious Greek and Italian menu
Exploring Sydney’s LGBTQIA-friendly neighbourhoods
While you’ll find LGBTQIA+ communities across Sydney, here’s a guide to four suburbs — Darlinghurst, Enmore, Erskineville and Redfern — that speak to the city’s wide range of queer venues and identity, meaning you’ll always be able to find a home-away-from-home.
Darlinghurst
As the historic hub of Australia’s gay rights movement, Darlinghurst is prosperous with inspiring stories. Discover them with Sydney’s Identity festival History’sregular walking tours, led by leading LGBTQIA+ historians and lively ‘nuns’, recognizable as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Follow it up with a go to to The Bookshop Darlinghurst, a sanctuary of LGBTQIA+ knowledge since , and Qtopia, the largest museum and cultural centre for queer history and culture in the world, housed in the heritage-listed former Darlinghurst Police Station.
As Australia’s home of queenly, you’ll find shows seven days a week on Oxford Street, whether it be all-in dance productions at Universal, drag trivia at Stonewall, or more intimate affairs at Ginger’s,The Oxford Hotel’s loung
We'll admit it, Sydney's swathe of queer venues is not as expansive as it once was. (Get your butt to the Bearded Tit while you can, Redfern's quirky lesbian-owned block is closing for great before the end of ; and pour one out for Oxford Street's ARQ, which is looking a lot straighter in its current iteration as 'Aura'.)
But, we've still got some fabulous queer spots to get amongst. From a historical drag palace to subterranean dancefloors, we've got you covered for where to go for a gay ol' period. These LGBTQ+ safe spaces welcome queer punters with unwrap arms, thrilling parties and quiet beers amongst society most nights of the week.
If you're after some outdoor fun, have a look through our list of gay-friendly beaches.
Pop on your ruby slippers and follow us down the yellow brick road, here's where to find rainbow paths and crossings in Sydney.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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