Two drag queens pose by bar holding cocktails
Photograph: Anna Kucera | Miss 3D and Etcetera Etcetera at the Imperial Hotel, Erskineville
Photograph: Anna Kucera | Miss 3D and Etcetera Etcetera at the Imperial Hotel, Erskineville

The best gay and queer pubs, bars and clubs in Sydney

Head to one of these popular LGBTQ+ spaces for a good time

Alannah Sue
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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 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. From a historical drag palace to subterranean dancefloors, we've got you covered for where to go for a gay ol' time. 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.

Top LGBTQ+ clubs and bars in Sydney

  • Erskineville
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended

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. Head here for regular drag shows, fabulous food, and a killer subterranean dancefloor. Bring your nan to drag n' dine, or find subversive events like Honcho Disko in the basement.

  • Gay and lesbian
  • Darlinghurst

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. The upstairs night club, formerly known as the stalwart Midnight Shift, transforms into a sparkling pop-up dinner theatre most weekends before the dancefloor heats up with the biggest dance parties from GAYM Entertainment.

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  • Surry Hills
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

In a former life the Bero was a famous gay bar, and the gentlemen of Darlinghurst are still well-represented in the crowd (especially on Sunday nights). 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. 

  • Nightlife
  • Darlinghurst

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. 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.

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  • Darlinghurst

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. 

  • Darlinghurst
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Ching-a-lings
Ching-a-lings

The tricky thing about this small Oxford Street bar is finding it, but hey – no sign, no line. The entrance is simply a small doorway behind a friendly bouncer with zero attitude. The rest is easy-peasy. 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. 

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  • Darlinghurst

A grab bag of themes, patrons and specials are always on offer at this longstanding corner pub. The basement of this iconic gay bar, known as Undergound, is a boutique bar and club. One level up you’ll find the main (street level) bar with an open floorplan and outdoor deck. On level two sits the recently refurbed Ginger's – dedicated to showcasing cabaret, drag shows and live music. 

  • Darlinghurst
The Colombian Hotel
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. 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. 

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  • Darlinghurst

Drag bonanzas, diva-heavy video clips, playful punters, drinks in beach buckets... what more do you want? Catch drag shows in the street level bar and head upstairs for multiple levels of dancefloors, podiums and cages where you can shake your thing. 

  • Darlinghurst

This skinny corner pub that has been guarding the entrance to Oxford Street since 1847. In addition to its regular roster of DJs pumping out house and party tunes interspersed with drag queens doing spot numbers and the odd metal gig, this old-timer has added a rooftop bar to the mix. While there's more of a mixed crowd nowadays, it's still a great inclusive place to kick off your night. 

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