Sydney Gay Life
Sydney has a lot to offer. If you're gay and looking for a bit of fun, live music, activities and clubs to join in on, then the city probably should be somewhere on your travel itinerary. Here are some of my favourite places to go out in Sydney if you're looking for some good times with other gays.
Sydney is a melting pot of different cultures, races and lifestyles. Being the gay capital of Australia is still relatively new, but it has become increasingly visible since the first Pride festival in 2002. The city itself is beautiful with its beach parties and stunning buildings.
The first LGBTQ venues opened in 1969 on Oxford Street, 6 years before homosexuality was decriminalised in Australia. In 1978, protestors gathered in Taylor Square in solidarity with the US on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, this was a historic event in the gay liberation movement and became the first-ever Sydney Mardi Gras parade. Today, Sydney Mardi Gras is a two-week event full of pride celebrations and live entertainment where everyone can wave their rainbow flag and keep raising awareness for LGBTQ equality.
Oxford Street is the main strip and starting point for all things homo-centric. It’s here you’ll find most of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife including fixtures such as the Oxford, Columbian, Stonewall Hotels and the sight of the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Best Time to Visit Sydney
Sydney’s seasons run the opposite of North America’s with its high season of a warm and humid Summer running from mid-December through mid-March. Plan your trip around the Mardi Gras parade and festival (late February/early March) for the most gay-friendly Australian vacation. The whole country seems to turn out for the pride festival.
The Oxford Hotel
The Oxford Hotel is an iconic Sydney venue located next to Taylor Square in Darlinghurst. Food, entertainment and two premium function spaces. Standing proudly on Oxford Street for over 100 years, The Oxford Hotel is made up of four distinct spaces. At the top of the venue sits Polo Lounge, Level 1 hosts Ginger's and in the basement you'll find Oxford Underground. The ground floor hosts the Oxford Bar with a bistro and a large terrace
134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
The Colombian Hotel
One of the best spots on Oxford for kicked-back vibes and a cheeky boogie. This former bank is one of Oxford Street’s more revered and historic gay bars. This iconic Oxford Street venue is made up of three levels which features a spacious street-level bar with cushy booths, whilst upstairs you have a plush-inspired lounge bar and a luxe rooftop bar with live music and fresh cocktails.
117-125 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
The Stonewall Hotel
Stonewall Hotel takes its name from the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the beginning of Gay Liberation as we know it. Stonewall is situated at 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia in the hub of the gay scene. Stonewall is a heritage-listed building comprising three levels these include Public Bar, Cocktail Bar and VIP Bar. Stonewall prides itself on providing a safe, fun, gay and supportive environment that is complimented by our professional friendly staff. 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. 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 host to visitors from around the world.
175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Arq Club
The most popular gay dance club in Sydney.
16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Gay Saunas
The gay saunas scene in Sydney is sex on premises venus. Gay dating apps are popular but often it’s just easier and more fun to head to any of the saunas for extra excitement and wild fun.
357 / Sydney City Steam - The only gay sauna in Sydney with a fully licensed bar conveniently located in the central city on Sussex Street. Well-known as one of the busiest places in town, weekdays between 11 am – 2.30 pm are popular, as are Friday nights for the blackout party and Sunday afternoons Foam Party.
Sydney Sauna - A modern sauna conveniently located in Darlinghurst on Oxford Street with lockable rooms, a fun jacuzzi, a dry and steam room, a maze, a cinema room and a cafe. Sydney sauna also offers one of the best gay massages in Sydney and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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