Best Gay bars in Australia

An oasis of good vibes in a chaotic world. Great drinks and great conversation with great people. Shoutout to Bridget for tending bar with incredible charisma and humour. You made my last night in Melbourne one to remember!

Amazing little tacked away bar! Great atmosphere, STELLAR service and just overall a wonderful experience. I always recommend this place to all my friends. Shout out to Becca and Bridgette <3

Hi all
Just wondering if you know if this place is crossdresser friendly? Looking forward to the Halloween party on 31st, but given will be going alone, just a little nervous. Would honestly appreciate your feedback.

Jason was a delight! Enjoyable safe place, pleasant crowd with a great mix of humans. Music was very average but all in all a fun night.

We held our queer night out event here and had an amazing night!! Becca was so incredibly accommodating and easy to organise with, she also makes the yummiest drinks ever!! Thanks so much again 🌷💖🫶!!

Excellent security staff, bartenders are very nice especially the blonde girl in front is a person full of positive energy. Thanks for all.

Be very careful when visiting this bar
I went last night and was silly to take a wallet in with $400 cash ,which the guy checking people in saw and commented about .
When I deceided to leave the wallet was MISSING.
I have spent the day cancelling and ordering my cards ,license ,medical cards etc
Very devestated by this ,I’ll never be back

Good DJ.
Arbitrary Security guards.
Don't sit down in-between songs: you will be escorted out of the venue.

I am So so glad that peel is managed by such good people who are absolutely gem of a person 💗. I am sooooooo Glad they retained the original staff who all are fantastic a big thanks to the owner of the establishment. Please please please value The actual veteran staff cause they are soooo honest and nice people 💗💖

I first came to the beans bar with a friend and it wasn’t that busy. Had the best time and we played a game and met someone. I then went on new years eve for their traffic light party. I’m neurodivergent, have social anxiety and a trauma survivor. I came alone and wore green for single. From the first time I went and knowing its neurodivergent friendly I was excited. Until I realised they should not be having events here. No where to sit, packed and if there is its in a group of people which is also so hard to get to and I have social anxiety so like I feel like im intruding.
I eventually had to stand outside the bar with my drink. One part of the bar you can only order so always people lining up so the entry is basically hard to use and bodies everywhere.
Having a box of plushies and pop its does not make it neurodivergent friendly. The staff did not look approachable and looked like they did not want to be there and I was the only one alone with a plushie. Becca the owner came over to me where I was sitting on a tiny table near the bar. Only seat left and a table for two. She took my empty cocktail glass and asked me if I was finished. I had my cow plushie from the basket holding the drink and I laughed and smiled at her as she took it. Hoping it might be a social interaction. Nope.
How are people supposed to form connections here? Really sad cause only place like this. I understand its the first new years but wish they allowed less people and not walk ins and had set activities. The bar has two toilets and people kept arriving looking for seats and looked at the staircase but there is no more seating. I ended up leaving early and really disappointed. I even mentioned on their instagram I was coming alone with social anxiety and the staff said they would be there if I needed. Well sometimes people who need help cant just verbally ask and knowing this was a neurodivergent safe bar I was waiting most of the night hoping someone would notice I was alone by myself the whole time with their cow plush. Really disappointed as only sapphic and “neurodivergent friendly” bar in Melbourne.

I can't help but rave about Adam – it's become my go-to spot for a night of pure liberation and fun.

The moment I step through the door, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. It's like shedding a heavy coat and stepping into a warm embrace of acceptance. Here, being free with my body isn't just encouraged; it's celebrated.

The dance floor is where I truly come alive. Surrounded by like-minded souls, I lose myself in the music, moving without reservation or restraint. It's a liberating feeling, knowing that every body shape and size is welcome and respected.

When I'm not dancing, I love challenging friends to a game of pool. It's amazing how a simple game can foster connection and laughter, all while feeling completely comfortable in my own skin.

Adam isn't just a nightclub; it's my sanctuary. It's where I can be unapologetically myself, where judgment and inhibition fade away, and where I'm free to embrace every part of who I am.

If you're looking for a place to let loose, have fun, and feel truly liberated, Adam is the place to be. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Great bar and professional friendly staff made you feel very welcome

The greatest staff on the planet!!
With the most traditional gay bar vibes.
Genuinely a recipe for a brilliant time.

Music off tap!!!

Omgz, I'm a bit awkward socially, but truly, this is one of the best LGBT social bars in the entire state, perhaps even nationally. The music, atmosphere, amazing staff, amazing management, lighting, food, general resonance vibes, layout, etc all combine to make it an amazing place to hang out of an evening, even if you're too shy to approach anyone and offer them a drink that evening. Can't recommend it enough to anyone within or outside of the community.

11/04/1986: Downrating review to 3 from 5 stars because bar staff gave water after 1 drink cause I was too confident and happy. Not very pleased with this venue Jan. Lowest priority lgbt venue now when visiting city. Educate bar staff please. Lol

Went in on a Thursday night and had some lovely cocktails and an amazing chat with the team working that night! Absolutely awesome vibe, unfortunately it was very quiet when we went but we felt so welcome and the cocktails were amazing!! We are travelling but will be back the next time we are in Melbourne, thank you for making us feel so welcome!!

Great service wonderful staff and generous facilities. Highly recommend. Vienna I tutti da Australia qui I’ll primo sauna in Roma.

Fantastic show, easy atmosphere.

Bar staff and security are great - the drag shows are quality entertainment. Never had a bad experience here before but I've also never had to interact with management.

My friend was assaulted (touched by another patron inappropriately and continuously despite being told to stop) in the crowd during a drag performance. I reported this to security and the patron was removed from the venue. I was told by security to report this incident to the manager and I was of course more than willing to do this. The manager didn't want to hear about it, we were simply told it's a matter for the police. My friend was not asked if they were okay or for any details about what had taken place inside the venue.

My friend was understandably distressed so I approached the manager who did step aside to speak to me - I wanted to gather some additional infomation for the police report. The manager was very rude, aggressive in their tone and completely dismissive; this incident really appeared to be an inconvenience to their evening. There was zero care or concern shown despite them being told a patron had been assaulted in their venue. We and others who became aware of the situation were, and still are perplexed as to why management wouldn't assist us and acted in such a defensive manner.

This venue is not a safe space. Please reevaluate your management and educate yourselves on patron safety and the appropriate handling of assault in a licensed venue. This incident was reported to the police. Hopefully for the safety and wellbeing of your patrons this offender doesn’t step foot into your venue again.

Nice place. Music is not too bad. There is a drag queen show on Fridays (one of them is sooooo funny!) But I don't think I will buy a drink here again. 17 dollars for a tap beer is a bit too much. A total rip off

The staff at the peel are kind, helpful, enthusiastic and very easy on the eyes, if you're interested in cheap drinks, good music and great atmosphere then look no further.
Seek out our main man Michael who went above and beyond for me in a moment of need, and shone a light on the decency and kindness of the peels crew

Had the best time. The bartenders rocked my jocks off. Love this place. Especially the three boys up at mollies, James, Boy, and Oli are hilarious. Thanks!

We had so much fun here, it was so good. We (my friends) comes here often as group to have fun. Sing our lung out after a long day of work, and having a great time. Was aa amazing night out.

Quintessential queer venue in Naarm Melbourne. My fave drag shows on Thursdays & Sundays. Wouldn’t be the same without Miss Jay (but she needs to perform Sweet Caroline more often!). Drinks quite expensive but entry is free.

Friday night 4 hr for 38$
With one food and drinks.
Great atmosphere and service.

Miss Jay and the team at Sircuit are exceptional. The vibe is always a lot of fun and they do their absolute best to ensure a safe and entertaining space for members of the community and their friends. Fantastic music, fast drink service and great times, always.

very mid soundproofing, could hear other rooms + door didn't automatically fully shut. quality of music also varied - backing vocals option was temperamental and audio levels were different from song to song. mic dropped in and out. food and drinks were okay. only two cubicles in toilets. despite these issues though we had a very fun night and ended up extending our 3hr karaoke experience to 4hrs.

NOT PRIVATE Room
In this Karaoke Bar, you will not even get a tiny bit of Privacy. The CCTVs on the each floor is constantly watched by the security guards, and when I say constantly I mean it. Like staring at the screen of CCTV all the time, know exactly what you are doing. Our room was busted into by one of the security guard, she was aggressive in communication, and had verbally made my friend cry because of how intimidating she was to her. When our friend got escorted out from the venue, no information was communicated to us from the security in regards to the reason of how the decision was made. If any information was to be communicated to us prior, or even a warning of what not to do, then at least we can manage our friends if they were not complying. This Karaoke clearly fail to provide a private space while claiming to be a Private Room. Even through the package is reasonably priced, from the attitude from the security, I was extremely disappointed and the entire night was by the act of the security.
If you want to enjoy your night, read the reviews before you book so that you don't ruin your night.

We had so much fun here, it was so good. There was about a group of 10 of us, you pay 42 per person, and then 70% of that cash goes towards the tab. Was a great night out.

I went on a Saturday night expecting it to be busy and there was literally no one. The guy at the entrance told me that there were a lot of people and I paid 35 dollars. it was a waste of money, please don't go

We attended last weekend and had to go out to attendants on 4 occasions regarding mics going flat or disconnecting. Finally we were moved to another room by the lag on the tablet was so bad and it was hanging off the wall as it had been pulled out. For the inconvenience we were given a further 5 minutes on our booking. I would not go back here again or recommend to anyone looking to karaoke in the Melbourne cbd, lots of other options with better facilities and more reliable equipment.

The community and potential for this bar is absolutely amazing, talked to many different queer + neurodivergent ppl and got along with them easily! The bartender and owner were lovely, they even told the customers to please quiet down a bit as it was sensory friendly on Sundays :) (it was quite busy and got a bit loud not in a rude way), my only gripe is that Friday-Sundays they definitely need more then one bartender on as it was swamped and a line formed but it’s new and I’m sure you guys are still figuring it all out ! Thank you so much for opening this there is nothing like else like this in Melbourne at the moment ❤️

if you’re a pop-loving he, she, or they and you wanna dance, grind, and sweat it out the dance floor, Sircuit is the place to be. You’ll mostly see gay men around here but this is a safe place for EVERYONE. The drinks may be steep in price (as per any other Melbourne clubs tbh), so you might wanna pre’s some place else. service is good, vibe is great. There’s even a billiards pool you could play on with mates or strangers alike. Also there’s a second floor which has a calmer vibe perfect to get some break from the dancing or the boozing.
During weekends there’s drag queens performing at 1am so happy times!

Good place to lounge around. Was chill at start of night and got busy getting later into the night. Really really comfy couch. Enjoyed a mix of cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails so that we could safely drive home but still enjoy a night out!!!

There is nowhere that can make me feel safe and not being alone like The Peel. More than 15 years that I keep going to the Peel. I am so glad that I can see it looks better better. New generations join the community of the Peel. I can't find anywhere better. Love all the staffs and the DJs. The Peel will always stay in my memory forever till Alzheimer's ruins me 😅

We’re absolutely creeped out by what happened when we were here!! We were group of 5 and one friend was tired so she was just dozing off on the sofa and suddenly One security just burst opened the door and stood there creepingly staring at my friend and I didn’t see his security id card so I thought he was a random person so tried shutting the door on him but he pushed opened the door hard started going off at me for shutting the door on him and we all were so confused, then after looking around i saw the security id card. And i said he should’ve knocked or given us a signal from the glass frame in the door but he was so nonchalant and didn’t even say sorry! Absolutely ruined our night by this. It was around 1:20am 30th June, room 12 ground floor if you can review the cctv footage. Also its not even on the house rules saying we can’t sleep in the room or whatever. But still if so he should have introduced himself as security guard and proceed saying we can’t sleep in the room. Never coming back in this place and wasn’t worth the price we paid.

Beans Bar was something I was lightly peer into trying, I didn't see a single add about it, but everyone in my life (even my straight friends) were sending me posts by this bar saying it sounded like something I'd love. I'm happy to report, they were 100% correct!

Not only is the bar super pretty (perfect if you want a killer pic to add to your hinge and prove you leave the house), but it's incredibly relaxing. The music isn't super loud, so you can hear the people around you, the lights aren't super bright, but you can still see what happening around you. The attention to detail for neurodivergent people is so very apparent and clear in every choice. Right down to the soft couch pillows.

The team are so bubbly and friendly, they stopped and chatted with everyone, it felt like walking in to your besties house after a long day. Just perfect vibes (do ask about the name sake, Yams, what a legend)

Drinks are the regular price you'd expect on Smith St, so instead of spending $11 on basics for a bar where you night have a panic attack in the bathroom, I suggest you spend that dosh here. Support this place so I can keep visiting my one true love (the couch in the front)

Anyway! Have never loved a bar more!

Went Saturday night after hitting the clubs at 11pm was alright. Not very busy but the crowd was diverse and mostly respectful. Something for everyone. Guys on front desk were friendly so not sure why theres a few complaints. Had fun for $35. Two levels are open. Third one closed for renovations.

Loads of equipment, huge venue, and world pride was amazing and packed every night. Can’t wait to come here again. Drinks on the house upon entry . Best thing money can buy while can buy while in Sydney .

Had put off going for a long time due to nerves. The first time I went there I said to myself, "I'll only go for 10 mins and then leave." I was not prepared for how welcoming the event would be. 10 mins passed and I didn't want to leave so I said "I'll stay for now, but leave the moment I become uncomfortable." I stayed the whole night and have gone many times since. Met new people and made new friends.
To those who are unsure of going, my advice is to only commit to going for 5-10 mins, just to see what it is like, and leave if you feel uncomfortable. However don't be surprised if it is better than you imagined and you want stay longer.

I don't have experience at Adam, but... a couple of comments as to why I have yet to go, or more specifically why I have not.

Firstly, I was a regular at the former Club 80 Nud party nights before it regretfully closed in 2020. I am ASSUMING that the arrangements are similar at Adam, but are they?
e.g. Does one arrive in street clothes, then change and store clothes in some kind of supplied bag upon arrival?
And is each attendee given some kind of token to identify one's clothes bag?

But what about bar expenses?
Are these charged to your clothes bag token, and then account settled at the end of the night? Or does one have to retrieve clothes bag to retrieve a wallet to pay for each bar purchase?

Are there some guidelines and rules documentation to explain all of the above (and more) that is easily/readily accessible for newbies who don't yet know the ropes?
I am one of those guys who feel more comfortable knowing the rules and procedures BEFORE entering a venue such as this.

I was there on Saturday night with some friends.
I ordered a glass of OJ and I got charged $5 , in less than 10 minutes I ordered another one with a different barista and the same glass of OJ it costs me now $5.40 .
I mentioned to the guy and he said that 0.40cent is a surcharge on card .

Now , the problem is not the money but the attitude.
No sign say 0.40 cent surcharge on CC , no apologise and no where in Melb , fees on CC are that high .

Possibly the worst place/club where I have been in Sydney. If you were looking just for a f.k better to go to the sauna.
It might be a good place to go maybe on a weekend but avoid it during the week as even during World Pride with 78 thousand visitors from around the world, this place was empty even at 1am.

$100 entry. No need to say more

..as some of the owner's responses bellow states - you are offered free drink and unlimited pass-out, I was never offered those.
Also there was no sign at the entrance informing people about the price. Asked one of the guys inside - he got in for $75. Disappointed

I loved my experience here on 28/01/2023, my friends brought me here and it was amazing. Multiple bars and areas, hot vibe and great music. Drinks were cheaper here than other venues

Where subculture meets bar life. Amazing place to feel free and accepted. Love playing pool and meet new people. Made great friends there and the music is fun. Don't miss any of the special events since the performances are fantastic.

Paid 30$ pp for entry to an empty club. There was only 1 person there and that was the doorman all the other reviews are not bot accounts. I asked if there will be any shows on the answer "there might be later". Just go to stonewall or the Burdekin or Universal people show up to those places and 2 of those 3 don't charge entry. I feel bad for the doorman he knows he's ripping people off.

Absolutely love this place! The environment is very chill, and it's the perfect after-work activity to start the week. It makes me look forward to Mondays.

Terrible. AVOID
All the bad reviews are true and not bots as the delusional owner/manager will claim. Went to the barcode NYE party. Advertised as “ full event production , DJs, laser show”. None of this was there. Turned out to be an overpriced regular night at a badly maintained not cleaned sex club. ( ok if that’s what’s you are after but for this event totally false advertising ). I guess I should have gone to the bar for 12 glasses of free “ champagne” to break even on this terrible experience.
Rude response from owner on messenger when I mentioned it after.

Positive Feedback:

- Personally, I really loved the music selection, which was mainly pop songs and bops from today and yesteryear.

- Every color of the rainbow was present in the crowd, which suggests that this place is where all LGBTQIA+ were welcome to dance and enjoy themselves (and so much fashion and style to enjoy)!

- loved the concept of “Baby Drag” where new performers compete upstairs for the opportunity to perform on the main stage and test their skills and set during peak rush in the club. I went on Thursday night and the artist - who was fabulous - performed a routine to a clever remix of Cardi B’s “WAP” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” that had me engaged (living and dying) and really complimented the entire bar/club experience.

Constructive Feedback:

- Although my service was acceptable and to be expected, I witnessed the bar staff being rude and short tempered consistently throughout the night (and dare I say especially towards guests who weren’t overly attractive cis-gendered white men).

- I’d remind the bar staff (namely the bartender farthest from the door) that LGBTQIA venues are safe spaces for everyone - including women, non binary folks, straight ally’s, and/or all the above - and that their role is SO MUCH MORE than pouring basic club drinks and bolstering their own social status. Obviously conscious displays of impatience and visible intolerance to certain people really contrasts the otherwise fun, free, and inclusive vibe put forth by the venue and its performers. Kindness is free and something some people do not receive outside of LGBTQIA+ spaces, which makes your attitude and service that much more important and impactful.

My work colleagues went to Kbox last Saturday andcwe had a blast. The staff are nice and very accomodating. The room is just right for us. We were providef 5 microphones and one seems to be not working so it was fixed straight away. The lighting and sounds gets everyone in a happy mood. The food and drinks are well worth the price. Definetely had fun and would come back in the future.

I used to really enjoy this venue when it was Headquarters.

When it initially changed hands, there were pretty people on the counter at the door, but they gave a lot of attitude, and didn't do simple things like give you a container without you having to ask. That was a big change. You don't want attitude when you're asking for something that is fairly customary at these kind of venues.

I've continued to give the venue a chance when around, and I think the customer service has improved quite a bit, but attendance seems to be still be way down. It's a shame, as it's not a bad venue.

Was disappointed to hear they are putting a nightclub upstairs. I liked the set up.
9

The 86 has such a great vibe to it. The decor is exciting to look at with the seating arrangement able to cater for small and large groups as well as couples and individuals. The cocktail list is a must try and the bar staff are amazing. Entertainment is always interesting and supportive.

Went here as soon as it opens in December (after it was declared a tier 1 exposure). Music here is unbeatable. Everything is just my jam. 😅👌🏼 Would love to come back regularly.

Very friendly staff, good shows, it's the most colourful places I had met in Melbourne

I had the most amazing time at the 86 celebrating the amazing art of Drag and having a good dance with my friends. I didn't mind the price of drinks or anything like that. However there was a minor incident.
After receiving a beautiful gift for my birthday, I asked one of the staff members if I could cloak it as the box was relatively large. He said that there isn't a cloak room but they could put it in the back for Me. He took my name and told me to ask at the bar when it was time to leave. Unfortunately, the staff members gave my present to another party who were in the venue and didn't really handle the situation that great. They took my details but weren't apologetic at all and didn't call me to give an update or even see if I had got it back. Thank goodness the person who took my gift was lovely and gave it back. I didn't expect miracles or anything from the 86 but maybe a phone call and even a drink or something as compensation would have been nice. I definitely want to keep supporting the drag/gay community however it would be nice if the 86 supported their patrons in return.

So an American friend and I are in Melbourne visiting and decided to take a chance on ADAM for a Monday night, with low expectations. Arrived around 8 pm and had a fantastic time. Age range was 25-60 but seems most in the 30s, various types, overall very friendly and easy going. Met a few fun people and would highly recommend it.