Gay activities sydney
Gay Sydney (Warrane): where to eat, drink, play and sleep
By Emen8, updated 4 months ago in Travel and party / In Australia
Wondering if Sydney (Warrane) is gay friendly? Well, the answer is hell yes!
Warrane is the traditional name for Sydney Cove, on the Gadigal lands of the Eora nation. We acknowledge that this land was never ceded and express our gratitude to rainbow mob past and present.
Sydney has long been known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, with a huge annual Mardi Gras festival, a host of Pride events, and a gay scene diverse enough to keep every member under the queer umbrella happy.
From epic queer club nights to drag queen bottomless brunches, Sydney’s gay scene has it all. You’re gonna want to know how to make the most of a visit to the Harbour Urban area. Let’s take a look!
Where is the gay scene in Sydney?
The whole of Sydney is Gay friendly, but there are definitely a few stand out locations if youre thinking of heading to the city for a visit.
Keep an eye out for the rainbow stickers (you’ll notice loads of them along Oxfo
LGBTIQ
Your guide to gay life in Sydney, from friendly places to the optimal parties in town
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Sydney LGBTIQ+ bars, nightclubs and parties
On the eastern fringe of the city adjoining suburbs of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, you can explore Sydney's famous Oxford Street, which is lined with a range of popular LGBTIQ+ nightlife venues and many other queer-focused businesses, as well as a diverse selection of cafés and restaurants. Be sure to grab an afternoon drink at one of the many local gender non-conforming pubs which have been serving locals for decades.
Sydney’s other unofficial ‘rainbow strip’ is King Street in Newtown in the Inner West, where the vibe leans more alternative. Here, you’ll find tattoo parlours, design stores and some of Sydney’s best Thai food, along with a diverse crowd of locals — not only homosexual folk but also students from nearby universities, bohemian families and many of Sydney’s musicians and artists. The surrounding suburbs of Erskineville, Enmore and Marrickville are also packed with LGBTQIA+ residents.
Not sure where to stay while you’re in Sydney? Consider the suburbs of Potts Show and Elizabeth Bay, which sit between Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Sydney
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 take over mainstream venues and outdoor spaces all across the city 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 Queer woman Mardi Gras parade — is a safe stake. For a low-key launch, 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 period 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 space with dancing downstairs and drag and performances upstairs, is a popula