15 Best Lesbian Bars in Sydney

15 Best Lesbian Bars in Sydney

*Originally Published by  Felix in May 2023 and Updated by Diana K in March 2024

Sydney is a vibrant city in Australia, famous for its cultural diversity and beautiful beaches. The air is alive with love, and not just any other love but love for music, parting and filled with a comforting ambience. Among a variety of attractions in the city, lesbian bars stand out as popular venues for people to gather, and celebrate their identity in a safe space. These venues are much more than watering holes, they are spirited havens where strangers become families and friends. Sydney is an oasis of pure joy, excitement, and love where the LGBTQ community has self-expression meld effortlessly.  These lesbian bars offer an exceptional experience from large to small but intimate venues for everyone. So whether you are a veteran in the bustling city of Sydney looking for a new watering hole or a visitor looking for an elegant lesbian bar, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best lesbian bars where passion and pride intertwine leaving an ineradicable memory in your mind.

1. Burdekin Hotel

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

Nestled in the heart of Darlinghurst, this incredible venue is packed with live entertainment from drag shows to stand-up comedy and live music bands among others. It is a refurbished 1840s venue, which comes along with several retro-chic bars. Part of its elegant spaces is the rooftop bar with excellent services offered in a great setting and cool ambience. It serves amazing cocktails and delicious food served by friendly staff. There are a couple of floors with different experiences and awesome electric vibes. So grab a chair and let the DJs take you on a musical journey that you will never forget.

Practical information

Address: 2 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9331 3066

Reservations: burdekin.com.au

Open: Tuesday 4 – 10 pm, Wednesday – Thursday 4 pm – 11 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 4 am, Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm

2. The Oxford Hotel

Are you looking for an LGBTQ+ safe space with vibrant and outgoing music to shake off the steams absorbed during the day? The Oxford Hotel offers a space for the queer community to interact with like-minded persons in a friendly environment. The live band and exceptional DJs fill the air with the electric vibe of the music. The place is not crowded and it is easy to catch up with friends over the soft music. The venue is spacious and well-decorated with beautiful lights that make it romantic. Cocktails and other drinks are top-notch and served with an ingredient of love.

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Practical information

Address: 134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8080 7080

Open: Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 4 am, Friday – Saturday 10 am – 6 am

3. Stonewall Hotel

Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash

A rare hidden gem in the streets of Darlinghurst, this queer venue is tacked with nightly entertainment from drag shows to exceptional DJs and dancers. The atmosphere is very friendly with sensational music. There is also a mixed crowd and offers a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to meet with like-minded persons and express their identity and sexuality without judgment.  The bar is well-decorated and serves delicious drinks at decent prices. You will not regret making this your choice because it will as well choose you.

Practical information

Address: 175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9360 1963

Open: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm – 2 am, Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 4: 30 am

4. Universal Sydney

A proud Sydney’s premiere queer venue that hosts incredible night drag entertainment 7 days a week. It is nestled in the heart of Oxford Street Sydney. It is famous for its great atmosphere that is always fun and outstanding drinks. Anyone looking for a venue with vibrant music and a spacious dance floor to let their guard down and throw themselves on the floor have their place at the heart of this bar. The crowd is very energetic and the lights make it even more romantic. It is the place to dance the night away and forget your troubles for a moment.

Practical information

Address: 85-91 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8080 7065

Open: Monday – Tuesday 5 pm – 2 am, Wednesday – Thursday 5 pm – 3 am, Friday 5 pm – 5 am, Saturday 5 pm – 7 am

5. ARQ Sydney

Photo by Sérgio Alves Santos on Unsplash

ARQ Sydney is a famous nightclub that features two spaces with amazing DJs spinning the room up and down with incredible music and regular drag performances. The music is on top notch and the lighting is amazing making the ambience intimate. It is more of a trashy fun playground where the fun never ceases. So put yourself together, join the spirited dance floor with other queer members, and make memories of a lifetime. The crowd is so vibrant, this is simply the best queer venue in Sydney.

Practical information

Address: 16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Open: Wednesday – Thursday 9 pm – 7 am

6. Trade Club

Are you a visitor to this incredible city looking for a watering hole that will not only quench your desires for a memorable night? Trade Club is the venue for you. First, pull a chair and let the DJs take on an unforgettable journey with their charming music. Grab a cold drink made with a touch of love and dive into a journey of memories. This queer spot is very friendly and the crowd is so energetic and outgoing. They serve good drinks that are reasonably priced for your class.

Practical information

Address: 273 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8068 1915

Open: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 3 am, Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 6 am, Sunday 3 pm – 3 am

7. The Imperial Erskineville

Photo by Ambitious Studio* – Rick Barrett on Unsplash

The Imperial Erskineville is a classy vibrant pub and bar with a sensational cocktail lounge and terrace. It opened its doors to the public in 1983 and over the years, it has been a thriving watering hole for the LGBTQ+ community. It hosts amazing drag and cabaret shows and is the best place for a trashy night in a great atmosphere. The drinks are reasonably priced and the music is great for a dance. The lighting is also amazing and creates an intimate ambience accompanied by lively crowds and friendly staff.

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Practical information

Address: 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9516 1766

Reservations: imperialerskineville.com.au

Open: Wednesday – Thursday 4 pm – 12 am, Friday 4 pm – 3 am, Saturday 12 pm – 4 am, Sunday 12 pm – 12 am

8. The Bearded Tit

Are you an art lover? This fascinating venue exhibit works from contemporary Australian creatives in a creative space. The background is decorated with beautiful art that is amazing to look at. Grab a chair and enjoy a cold drink while the arts take you on a creative journey that will make you appreciate the outstanding work of Australian artists. The lights are also dim and the setting is perfect for dates with a romantic ambience.

 Practical information

Address: 183 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016, Australia

Phone: +61 2 7209 4047

Menu: static1.squarespace.com

Open: Tuesday – Friday 4 pm – 12 am, Saturday 2 pm – 12 am, Sunday 2 pm – 10 pm

9. Palms On Oxford Nightclub

Photo by BRUNO CERVERA on Unsplash

A tropical-themed bar with an unpretentious vibe and incredible hits from the 80s and 90s. Sydney’s favorite gay bar features an operated retro disco nightclub for the LGBTQ+ community. It has friendly staff with amazing drinks and an intimate ambience. You can easily catch up with friends over the sound of the music. The dance floor is also open for anyone to blow up steam and dance the night away.

Practical information

Address: 124 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9357 4166

Thursday 8 pm – 12 am, Friday – Saturday 8 pm – 3 am, Sunday 8 pm – 12 am

10. Secret Garden Bar Enmore

This amazing venue is a rare gem located in the heart of Enmore. The music is great and the drinks are such a vibe.  The creatively crafted cocktail is super delicious and is prepared with an additional ingredient of love and served by the best bartenders. The ambience is cool and you can catch up with friends or lay your head low in an intimate environment.

Practical information

Address: 134 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042, Australia

Phone: +61 409 284 928

Menu: secretgardenbar.com.au

Open: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 12 am, Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 1 am, Sunday 5 pm – 11 pm

11. Imperial Hotel

Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons

This enduring, vibrant pub and bar in Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene offers an array of exciting experiences. The Imperial Hotel is renowned for its electrifying drag and cabaret shows, where talented performers take to the stage, captivating audiences with their artistry and flair. Complementing the entertainment is a cosy cocktail lounge, perfect for intimate conversations and indulging in expertly crafted libations. For those seeking alfresco enjoyment, the delightful terrace beckons, providing a relaxing oasis to soak up the vibrant atmosphere while sipping on refreshing beverages.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia

PHONE: +61 2 8080 7060

MENU: imperialerskineville.com.au

OPEN: Wed – Thu 4 PM – Midnight, FRI  4 PM – 3 AM, Sat  Noon – 4 Am, SUN Noon – Midnight, Mon – Tue: Closed

12. The Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills

Image by Republica from Pixabay

The legendary ‘Sun-gay’ nights at The Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills have cemented its reputation as a bastion of gay nightlife in Sydney. Although formerly a dedicated gay bar, this iconic establishment continues to attract a significant LGBTQ+ following, particularly on Sunday nights. The lively courtyard becomes a hub of revelry, where revellers can mingle and bask in the convivial atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink. Indoors, the two floors pulsate with energy as DJs or live music acts take to the stage, inviting patrons to dance the night away in an inclusive and celebratory environment.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

PHONE: +61 2 9114 7328

MENU: merivale.com

OPEN: MONDAY – THURSDAY 12 PM – 12 AM, FRIDAY – SUNDAY 12 PM – 1 AM

13. The Colombian Hotel, Oxford Street

User:Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boasting three levels of excitement, including a refurbished cocktail bar and a rooftop bar with stunning views, The Columbian Hotel on Oxford Street is a widely popular Sydney gay bar. With its diverse array of themed events, live music performances, and intimate booths tucked away for more private conversations, it offers something for every taste. Whether you’re seeking a lively night of dancing and mingling or a more relaxed evening savoring a fancy cocktail while taking in the vibrant atmosphere, The Columbian Hotel is a must-visit destination for the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 117/125 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

PHONE: +61 2 9360 2151

OPEN: MONDAY – SUNDAY 9 AM – 6 AM

14. Ching-a-lings

Ching-a-lings is a beacon of exclusivity and diversity, hosting queer-inclusive life drawing classes every month. These sessions celebrate and embrace all genders, bodies, and expressions of love, fostering an environment of acceptance and artistic expression. If the life drawing classes aren’t enough to pique your interest, this iconic cocktail bar also offers open mic-style showcases, inviting any performers to take the stage and share their talents. Encouraging all forms of weird, wild, and crazy performance art, Ching-a-lings provides a platform for bold self-expression and creativity to flourish.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Level 1/133 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Reservations: facebook.com

OPEN: MONDAY – Tuesday: CLOSED, WED-SUN 6 pm – 1 AM

15. The Bank, Newtown

Sardaka (talk) 09:14, 26 December 2008 (UTC), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Birdcage event, held every Wednesday night at The Bank in Newtown, has been soaring to new heights of popularity for over a decade. As Newtown’s only gay and lesbian weekly party, it showcases and celebrates the incredible talent of Queer artists, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and their artistry to be appreciated. Join the vibrant crowd, free of charge, on Wednesday nights and immerse yourself in the energy and excitement that has made The Birdcage a fixture on the list of best Sydney gay clubs. From captivating performances to a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 324 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8568 1900

Menu:  bankhotel.com.au

OPEN: MONDAY – Tuesday 10 am – 2 am, WED-Sat 10 am – 4 AM, Sun 12 pm – 12 am

Sydney can simply be described as a city of fun and love. Love partying and making memories because it is better to die with memories than with wishes. Dive into the queer venues and let the DJs take you on a memorable journey of a lifetime with their incredible music.