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The Colombian’s spacious street-level bar features cushy booths for a midnight pash, bar-stool seating that screams ‘you’re one chardonnay away from falling off me' and a generous window where punters can sit and people-watch as the hours tick by. 

Drag bonanzas, diva-heavy video clips, playful punters, drinks in beach buckets...

Here’s what you can expect at each one:

Universal

When long-running gay venue Midnight Shift closed down, gay hearts across Sydney broke in two. Take advantage of the nightlife as well as a modern arts scene, beaches, and famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

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Downstairs the underground bar is where the DJ nights happen. There are three levels, the ground floor is the main bar and show area, the second floor is the lounge and dance floor and the top floor VIP bar is where special events like Chaps Leather Night are held.

There’s entertainment in the main bar five nights a week: Wednesdays is Male Box, Sydney’s hottest date night, Thursdays is when the Go-Go boys take to the bar in nothing but tight speedos, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the drag show nights.

Where: 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to get there: There’s a bus stop a few meters away and the Museum train station is a 12-minute walk. 

Kinselas

Over the years Kinselas (once a funeral parlour) has had many facelifts.

There’s also a bus stop a few meters back down Oxford Street.

Palms on Oxford

Palms on Oxford has transformed from a dance club to an all-events venue.

Looking for the ultimate guide to gay nightlife in Sydney? The gay activities have been moved to the rooftop, enjoy trivia on Tuesdays, dragaoke on Thursdays and Sunday sessions with a free sunset included. 

Happy Hour is Monday to Friday 5 pm to 7 pm where house beers, wine, and spirits are only $5.50.

Where: 146 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to get there: There’s a bus stop a few meters away and the Museum train station is a 10-minute walk. 

Stonewall

Sydney’s Stonewall Hotel is a party destination.

Order a generous scoop of Turkish mastic ice cream from Hakiki or try the multi-award-winning gelato from Cow and the Moon. There are four levels, the ground floor bar and bistro is the place to hang out and get some great pub food. These days it’s a straight-friendly gay bar with classic pub food, happy hour specials, and weekly events.

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Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences.  There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife.  Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.

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Thanks for subscribing! Bring your nan to drag n' dine, or find subversive events like Honcho Disko in the basement.

This Oxford Street venue has nicely cultivated itself into an inclusive hub where you can drink cocktails with rubber ducks in them and see drag most nights of the week, from lively amateur performers to the matriachs of the Pink Mile.

There’s a bus stop right in front of the venue.

The Oxford Hotel

The Oxford Hotel at the top of Oxford Street has been the home for Sydney’s Bears and their friends and admirers for decades. Bar snacks are available every night.

Where: 85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to Get There: Universal is the closest gay venue to the city, it’s a 7-minute walk from Museum station and there are a ton of buses that stop almost outside its front door.


The Columbian

The Colombian Hotel on the corner of Oxford and Crown Streets is recognisable by the great big rainbow banner adorning the entrance.

These LGBTQ+ safe spaces welcome queer punters with open arms, thrilling parties and quiet beers amongst community 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?

The likely drawcard is Enmore Theatre, known for Art Deco interiors, incredible acoustics, and an enviable line-up of musicians, performers and comedians. The weekly lineup includes Monday trivia, Tuesday games night, Thursday is trans night with bingo and karaoke, with drag shows in the main bar on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Newtown Hotel also serves up delicious pub food coupled with excellent local beers.

Where: 174 King Street, Newtown
How to Get There: The Newtown Hotel has a bus stop almost outside its front door, or it’s a 7-minute walk from either Erskineville or Newtown train stations. 


Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration transforms the city every February and March, culminating in the world-famous Mardi Gras Parade.

It has a new dine-and-drag option. It also invites the public to bring their favourite vinyl for a spin.

Erskineville mural, Erskineville - Credit: Emily Dooley

Be sure to stop at Concord Street’s mural dedicated to two late LGBTQIA+ musicians, George Michael and trans electronic music pioneer SOPHIE. While Bill Granger’s namesake restaurants can now be found around the globe, the original in Darlinghurst maintains its indelible magic as the homely cafe with the fluffy scrambled eggs The New York Times declared the best in the world.

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Top LGBTQ+ clubs and bars in Sydney

The launching site from the famous bus journey in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this pub has been a historical safe space for Inner West LGBTQ+ communities since the early '80s.

The prettiest boys in Sydney pack out the courtyard here, and after a few pints, they start to head upstairs to the dedicated concert space and nightclub dancefloor. 

This no-frills dive bar is one of the most beloved clubs on Oxford Street. People tend to head here for daggy, tipple-heavy nights that – more often than not – end up stretching into the wee hours.

You’re sure to feel right at home here. Don’t expect a standard lip sync, as these kings and queens always have a surprise ready.

gay area sydney