Melbourne is widely known as the cultural capital of Australia with its array of cafes, laneways, bars, a uniquely lively nightlife and shopping districts like none other. Melbourne audiences are thirsty for arts and culture, with a 12 month calender of musicals, festivals, performances, music and many other exciting events. Spaces that originally housed fabric companies, warehouses and retail outlets now play home to hidden bars which provide smooth music and smart cocktails.
Melbourne's queer social scene not only reflects this lifestyle, but also hosts one of Australia's favourite gay and lesbian club scenes. The north side of the CBD plays home to a strong lesbian and alternative gay scene with retail stores and bars in Collingwood, Fitzroy, Abbotsford and Northcote providing a vibrant indie/grunge atmosphere which just oozes Melbourne culture. To the south side of the CBD, we hit South Yarra and Prahran where it's all about the latest designer fashion and a gay club scene on Commercial Road, Melbourne's main gay strip, which hosts some of the world's best dance DJs and an array of drag shows. St Kilda boasts a nightlife with ocean breezes and a sea-side view.
The vibrant & diverse selection of queer community, social and sporting groups in and around Melbourne is quite staggering. Check out the ALSO Directory for a fairly comprehensive list. Other useful references are our Midsumma Partners page, including our beloved queer radio station JOY 94.9 and our other media partners, ALGA (the Australian Lesbian & Gay Archives), QSAM (the Queer Sports Alliance Melbourne) and the Gay and Lesbian Community Events Calendar. If you're looking to produce an event in a future Midsumma Festival, check out Midsumma's resources page. If you're heading to some other part of the world you might be interested in Wikipedia's list of LGBT Events.
Melbourne's Queer Nightlife
South Side Nightlife
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Blonde On The Rocks
Blonde on the Rocks is a sophisticated, sexy party for Melbourne's girls..who like girls... A perfect night to seduce a lover, relax with a group of friends or dance til your feet hurt. Blonde hosts special one-off parties in the very best and most diverse venues that Melbourne has to offer. To be Blonde's confidante and track her movements go to www.blondeontherocks.com.au.
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Greyhound Hotel
1 Brighton Road, St Kilda
Home to some of Melbourne's most highly acclaimed drag shows on Saturday nights, the Greyhound hosts a mixed crowd, unique to St Kilda. Thu: Drag Bingo; Fri & Sat: Drag Extravaganzas. 4pm till late on Thu and Fri; 2pm till late on weekends.
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Heavens Door
147 Commercial Rd, South Yarra.
Heavens Door (heavensdoor.com.au and Facebook) is a premier gay and lesbian owned & operated night club/dance bar which offers diverse weekly nights from Wednesday (Lotus / Gay Asian) to Saturday (Play RnB) and special events on Sundays. "The Door" is popular with both the girls (G Spot every 2nd Friday) and with the Boys. Licensed to 5am weekends and 3am weekdays.
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Priscilla's @ 153
153 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Priscilla’s is different to the traditional bars you may find in the area, providing a warm, safe, friendly environment plus great entertainment and music. Open Wed 8pm till late; Thu 9pm till late; Fri & Sat 9pm till 3am.
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DnM (formerly the Xchange)
119 Commercial Road, South Yarra
DnM Bar and Nightclub, formerly known as The Xchange Hotel, is the newest gay hot spot on Commercial Road... with New Owners, New Management, New Staff and most important... New Attitude. Doors Open from 4pm daily. Thats right DAILY!! 7 days a week... with happy hours everyday. So why not come see what everyone is talking about and visit the NEW DnM.
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North Side Nightlife
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Commercial Hotel
238 Whitehall Street, Yarraville
The West’s Best Kept Secret! Open 7 nights a week with meals served every night.
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DTs Hotel
164 Church Street, Richmond
DTs is Melbourne’s premiere GLBTI pub, in the traditional sense of the word pub, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for all. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
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The Laird Hotel
149 Gipps Street, Collingwood
The Laird Hotel is a name well recognized throughout the gay world. It's the bar a guy goes to when he wants to meet real men. Open every night.
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Libation
Cnr Johnson and Brunswick Streets, Fitzroy
Libation offers a blend of bohemian flavours with the sophistication of an exquisite lounge. Open every day (from 4pm Mon - Thu; from 2pm Fri - Sun).
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Neverwhere
185 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Neverwhere aims to provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for everyone and is inclusive of all. Proud supporter of the GBLTIQS community. Open Thu 7pm till late; Fri 7pm - 3am; Sat 8pm - 3am; Sun 5pm - 11pm.
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The Peel Hotel
Cnr Peel and Wellington Streets, Collingwood
Dance/Pop tunes with all-boy shows on Fridays and drag shows on Saturdays.
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She Bar
The Royal Derby, 446 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
She Bar is a women's only night held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month especially for Melbourne's Lesbian and Bi-women's community. She Bar provides fun and a friendly atmosphere with regular live acts, female DJs and special events.
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Sircuit
103 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Sircuit is predominantly a gay man's bar situated in Smith Street Fitzroy (between Peel & Gertrude Streets). The bar has free entry (except for special events listed on their website). Open Wed to Sun 5pm until late. Men only on Wed, Fri & Sat.
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