Looking for the ultimate guide to gay nightlife in Sydney? Former local resident Stephen returns to Australia’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ scene to discover how the city’s famous gay venues have evolved post-pandemic. From the iconic drag shows of Oxford Street to the alternative charm of Newtown, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Sydney’s gay nightlife in 2025.
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I recently spent a week in Sydney after an 8-year absence so decided to check out the gay scene to see if it had rebounded since Covid, like many other gay cities around the world.
It’s not the same scene as it was when I left, but nothing is post-covid. However, I’m pleased to say that enough is going on in either of the two gayborhoods, to find something fun to do on any night out.
Darlinghurst
Sydney’s biggest gay strip, Oxford Street in Darlinghurst is still the home of Sydney Gay nightlife. There are still seven gay venues all offering something a little different. Here’s what you can expect at each one:
Universal
When long-running gay venue Midnight Shift closed down, gay hearts across Sydney broke in two. Thankfully, Universal took over the venue and is now a state-of-the-art gay superclub on the strip.
There are drag and cabaret shows every night of the week, and DJs turn up the volume on Friday and Saturday nights. Bar snacks are available every night.
Where: 85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to Get There: Universal is the closest gay venue to the city, it’s a 7-minute walk from Museum station and there are a ton of buses that stop almost outside its front door.
The Columbian
The Colombian Hotel on the corner of Oxford and Crown Streets is recognisable by the great big rainbow banner adorning the entrance. The gay activities have been moved to the rooftop, enjoy trivia on Tuesdays, dragaoke on Thursdays and Sunday sessions with a free sunset included.
Happy Hour is Monday to Friday 5 pm to 7 pm where house beers, wine, and spirits are only $5.50.
Where: 146 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to get there: There’s a bus stop a few meters away and the Museum train station is a 10-minute walk.
Stonewall
Sydney’s Stonewall Hotel is a party destination. There are three levels, the ground floor is the main bar and show area, the second floor is the lounge and dance floor and the top floor VIP bar is where special events like Chaps Leather Night are held.
There’s entertainment in the main bar five nights a week: Wednesdays is Male Box, Sydney’s hottest date night, Thursdays is when the Go-Go boys take to the bar in nothing but tight speedos, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the drag show nights.
Where: 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to get there: There’s a bus stop a few meters away and the Museum train station is a 12-minute walk.
Kinselas
Over the years Kinselas (once a funeral parlour) has had many facelifts. These days it’s a straight-friendly gay bar with classic pub food, happy hour specials, and weekly events.
Monday is drag trivia, Thursday is drag karaoke and there’s stand-up comedy in the basement bar on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekends are also when the DJ parties run from 8 pm until 2 am.
Where:
How to get there: Kinselas is on Taylor Square, just around the corner from Oxford Street on Flinders Street. There’s a bus stop a few meters away and the Museum train station is a 15-minute walk.
Arq
Arq is the home of Poof Doof, gay Sydney’s hottest dance nights, every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm until 5 am. The venue often hosts theme nights like white and underwear parties.
Where: 16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
How to get there: Arq is also on Flinders Street, just around the corner from Oxford Street, a 15-minute walk from Museum train station. There’s a bus stop right in front of the venue.
The Oxford Hotel
The Oxford Hotel at the top of Oxford Street has been the home for Sydney’s Bears and their friends and admirers for decades. Furry Fridays is the night to go for all things bear. There are four levels, the ground floor bar and bistro is the place to hang out and get some great pub food.
Downstairs the underground bar is where the DJ nights happen. There’s also Ginger’s, a retro New York-style cocktail bar with a stage for drag shows, and then there’s the Polo Lounge, an elegant space with a private bar, balcony, and fireplace.
Where: 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to get there: The Oxford Hotel is a 12-minute walk from Museum station, on the same side of the road. There’s also a bus stop a few meters back down Oxford Street.
Palms on Oxford
Palms on Oxford has transformed from a dance club to an all-events venue. It’s open six days a week with something for everyone.
Tuesdays are the fem-pop party featuring sexy Go-Go boys, Wednesdays are games night with trivia and Wheel of Fauxtune, Thursday nights are drag bingo and karaoke, Fridays to Saturdays it’s dance until you can’t dance anymore and Sunday nights are drag nights.
Where: 124 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
How to Get There: Palms on Oxford is on the north side of Oxford Street a 10-minute walk from Museum station. There’s also a bus stop right outside the front door.
Newtown
Sydney’s alternative gaybourhood, Newtown is a little quieter, but there are two venues there that offer nightly entertainment.
The Imperial Hotel
The home of the Priscilla Show still hosts this drag show. It has a new dine-and-drag option. Choose from a 2 or 3-course meal and be right in the heart of the action as the show starts in the restaurant before moving out to the main bar.
There are drag shows every Wednesday to Sunday night, with the Priscilla Experience every Saturday at 8, 9, and 10 pm.
There’s also drag bingo on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursday of every month.
Where: 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
How to get there: Erskineville railway station is practically next door, or it’s a 5-minute walk from the bus stop on King Street. Buses 422, 423,426, and 428 set down there.
Newtown Hotel
The Newtown Hotel, right on King Street has been providing entertainment to the gay community for over 40 years. The weekly lineup includes Monday trivia, Tuesday games night, Thursday is trans night with bingo and karaoke, with drag shows in the main bar on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Newtown Hotel also serves up delicious pub food coupled with excellent local beers.
Where: 174 King Street, Newtown
How to Get There: The Newtown Hotel has a bus stop almost outside its front door, or it’s a 7-minute walk from either Erskineville or Newtown train stations.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration transforms the city every February and March, culminating in the world-famous Mardi Gras Parade. In 2025, the festival runs from February 14 to March 2, with the parade scheduled for March 1.
During Mardi Gras, all the venues mentioned above host special events and parties, often with extended hours and international performers. The Oxford Street strip becomes the epicentre of celebrations, particularly on parade night when over 300,000 spectators line the streets.
Key Mardi Gras events:
- Fair Day at Victoria Park (February 16, 2025)
- Parade Night (March 1, 2025)
- Mardi Gras Party at the Hordern Pavilion
- Laneway Party at The Beresford
For detailed information about Sydney Mardi Gras, including parade routes, viewing spots, and the full festival calendar, check out our Complete Guide to Sydney Mardi Gras.
Party Hard in Sydney’s Gay Scene
As you can see a lot is going on in Sydney and no matter what night of the week you’re there, you’ll find something fun, flashy, and fabulous to do.
I hope it’s not another eight years before I get back there again.