Stonewall Hotel is considered a focal point of Sydney’s Oxford Street gay bar scene, also known as “golden gay mile.” Stonewall’s massive three-story complex features an intimate cocktail bar, a sizable dance floor, VIP bar and performance stage. The space is decorated in fun, “trash and treasure” style that combines decadence and high fashion with pure kitsch. Popular weekly events include karaoke Tuesdays, Friday night drag show Havana Gay Old Times, and Wednesday night’s Male Box. On weekdays happy hour is available throughout the afternoon until 7 p.m. Show up early if you want to get in because lines often stretch down the block, especially for annual events like Mardi Gras.
Stonewall Hotel
175 Oxford St.
Darlinghurst 2010 NSW
Australia
011-61-02-9360-1963
stonewallhotel.com
This popular gay bar is located in the Northside District, a patch of gay bars and clubs between the suburbs of Fitz Roy and Collingwood. The Peel is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m., with all-out dance parties lasting until dawn. The Peel’s dance floor is small but always packed with gay, mostly male party-goers. Gay men of all ages come here to dance to the latest pop mixes, contemporary dance grooves, and retro hits from the 80s and 90s. The Peel hosts fun theme parties throughout the year and features regular foam parties, drag shows and topless barmen.
The Peel
113 Wellington St.
Melbourne 3066 VIC
Australia
011-61-03-9419-4762
thepeel.com.au
One of Sydney’s leading gay dance venues, Arq is typically a late night place attracting hardcore gay partiers. Downstairs you’ll find The Vortex, a versatile space that features a fully-stocked bar, stage for band and production shows, pool tables, and a cocktail lounge. Upstairs, The Arena event space features an adaptable central stage, big dance floor, VIP areas, DJ booth, two large fully-stocked bars and a full commercial kitchen. Top DJs like Alex Taylor and Dan Murphy pump out the nightly jams, mixing house, techno and electro beats to suit every crowd. Keep an eye out for special events like United Colors of Trance and performances by top international DJs.
Arq
16 Flinders St.
Taylor Square 2010 NSW
Australia
011-61-02-9380-8700
arqsydney.com.au
