Gay bars sydney
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Get your tickets and passports ready!
Sydney in all its sun-soaked, beach-blessed, culture-infused, foodie-fiery glory! Try King Street in Newtown, or for awesome lesbian scenes, Erskineville or Leichhardt.
Beach bums, rejoice! It's not the cool factor that draws the crowds, who often line-up down the street to get in, but rather the opposite: the messy fun vibes, daggy disco ambience and DJ sets of back-to-back '90s and '00s bangers.
This legendary Taylor Square hotel boasts a treasure trove of treats and an intriguing history. Expect non-stop bangers and house music all night long, with regular events throughout the week with a queer twist, including drag trivia and drag bingo. Or, you can just grab a drink and enjoy some seriously good people-watching, Taylor Square style.
The tricky thing about this small Oxford Street bar is finding it, but hey – no sign, no line.
Add in friendly locals (with a charming accent!) and year-round sunshine, and it’s easy to see why Sydney belongs at the top of your gay travel list.
Planning your trip to Sydney? Vivid Sydney and Sydney Festival in January. Just use normal big-city common sense—watch your belongings, especially in nightlife areas.
Final Thoughts
From sunrise swims at Bondi to late-night drag shows on Oxford Street, Sydney truly has it all.
Perfect for dinner with friends or a date night.
Ezra (Kings Cross)– Sexy, intimate, and serving some of the best Middle Eastern food we’ve ever had. Think again, my friend.
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Ferries are especially fun for sightseeing. You'll find big vibes in a small space (plus an outdoor wooden deck) and events including queer-centric life drawing nights and lofi drag shows with big camp energy.
A grab bag of themes, patrons and specials are always on offer at this longstanding corner pub. (Get your butt to the Bearded Tit while you can, Redfern's quirky lesbian-owned bar is closing for good before the end of 2025; 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.
Potts Point and Surry Hills are also popular with the LGBTQ+ community.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit in summer (December–March) for Mardi Gras and beach weather, or in spring/fall for smaller crowds and great sightseeing conditions.
How do I get around the city?
Trains, ferries, and buses are reliable.
Bustling streets and quirky boutiques transport you to the Sydney of yesteryears.
Attention foodies: Sydney takes its food seriously, so bring your appetite! For entry ticket with roundtrip ferry, book this combo ticket.
Book Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket with Sydney Harbour Ferry
Has a business we highlighted closed or perhaps something new and fabulous opened? Stonewall is a place for everyone and is often referred to as Sydney’s Premier Gay and Lesbian venue.
Stonewall provides entertainment every night of the week, featuring Sydney’s top DJ’s, Drag Performers, Dancers and Entertainment personalities.
You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay.
Stonewall has a long reputation for featuring the best of Sydney Drag and the hottest Male Dancers in town.
This Sydney club is known the world over and plays hosts to visitors from around the world.
Stonewall Hotel has been open for the past 26 years and are strong supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community and often participate in fundraising events for various charity organisations.
These include ACON, twenty10, BGF and the AIDS Trust.
Stonewall has collected 9 DIVA awards for most popular venue!!, Honour award for best business at the IVY and many Pride awards.
Stonewall is also a place for visiting International and local Celebrities.
The basement of this iconic gay bar, known as Undergound, is a boutique bar and club. Of course, a Sydney stopover demands some beach time. With a city so dynamic and diverse, it's no wonder Sydney-siders have a permanent smile on their faces.