Exploring Sydney’s LGBTQIA-friendly neighbourhoods

Darlinghurst

As the historic hub of Australia’s gay rights movement, Darlinghurst is rich with inspiring stories - uncover them on a self-guided walking tour. Follow it up with a visit to The Bookshop Darlinghurst, a sanctuary of LGBTQIA+ knowledge since 1982, and Qtopia, the largest museum and cultural centre for queer history and culture in the world, housed in the heritage-listed former Darlinghurst Police Station.

Qtopia Sydney, Darlinghurst

As Australia’s home of drag, you’ll find shows seven days a week on Oxford Street, whether it’s all-in dance productions at Universal, drag shows at Stonewall, or more exclusive affairs at Ginger’s, The Oxford Hotel’s New York-style cocktail bar. Downstairs, Oxford Underground hosts regular queer club nights boasting high BPMs.

The Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst - Credit: The Oxford Hotel 

The energy and beats at Aura have to be experienced to be believed. With lasers, deep bass, full wall screens, you’ll be wrapped in sound and light as you dance. Just off Taylor Square, The Beresford is renowned for its Sunday sessions, though the pub’s spacious, leafy courtyard is perfect for the golden hour any day of the week.

Universal Sydney, Darlinghurst

A night on the town calls for a hearty brunch and nowhere pairs spiced Bloody Marys with a big breakfast like Bills. While Bill Granger’s namesake restaurants can now be found around the globe, the original in Darlinghurst maintains its indelible magic as the homely cafe with the fluffy scrambled eggs The New York Times declared the best in the world. Other local institutions are South Dowling Sandwiches, offering unpretentious yet unforgettable sandwiches, and Chaco Ramen, which has some of the best ramen in town.

Taylor Square, Darlinghurst

Erskineville

This leafy Inner West suburb is home to Australia’s most famous gay bar: The Imperial, made immortal in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. The venue embraces its history with Drag’N’Dine nights on Friday and Saturday. Don’t expect a standard lip sync, as these kings and queens always have a surprise ready. During the week, enjoy drag trivia and bingo, while on weekends the basement hosts club nights.

The Imperial, Erskineville

Across the road is gastropub The Erko, with pool tables, a spacious, dog-friendly beer garden, and a barbecue menu filled with slow-cooked smoked meats. While you’re in the area, check out PACT, a theatre space that showcases works from emerging LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented artists.

PACT, Erskineville - Credit: Lucy Parakhina

Grab a drink at The Hive Bar, which embodies the suburb’s ethos of community. Dedicated to sustainability, its vegan-friendly menu uses produce from the bar’s patch at Erskineville’s vegetable garden, paired with beers from nearby breweries. It also invites the public to bring their favourite vinyl for a spin.

Be sure to stop at Concord Street’s mural dedicated to two late LGBTQIA+ musicians, George Michael and trans electronic music pioneer SOPHIE. Chalk can always be found underneath it: leave a message of love along with all the others.

Erskineville mural, Erskineville - Credit: Emily Dooley

Enmore

Enmore may be a compact suburb in the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQIA-friendly Inner West, but don’t overlook it. The likely drawcard is Enmore Theatre, known for art deco interiors, incredible acoustics, and an enviable line-up of musicians, performers and comedians. Before you catch a show, grab a cocktail at Deadwax, a Japanese-inspired vinyl bar, or Fortunate Son, which sits directly across the road from the theatre and was created by two of Sydney's best-known bartenders — so you know the drinks are going to be delicious.

Enmore Theatre, Enmore

For cheap eats, look no further than the Chinese Dumpling Master, an ultra-filling Xinjiang restaurant adored for its braised eggplant, the plastic grapes hanging from the ceiling and the fact that it’s BYO. Conveniently, P&V Wine & Liquor Merchants is across the road, which stocks natural Australian and international wines, as well as craft beers, artisanal spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.

Emma’s Snack Bar serves up delicious Lebanese share plates while Firepop dishes up skewers grilled over charcoal for bold, smoky flavour. For Sri Lankan cuisine with soul, head to Colombo Social, a social enterprise kitchen that provides employment and practical training for people seeking asylum. Order the set menu to donate two meals to those in need - one in Sydney and one in Sri Lanka. 

Colombo Social, Enmore - Credit: Colombo Social

Enmore Road provides for those with a sweet tooth, too. Order a generous scoop of Turkish mastic ice cream from Hakiki or try the multi-award-winning gelato from Cow and the Moon. As a nightcap, visit Twin Peaks-themed tiki bar Jacoby’s for a flaming cocktail, sip a small-batch wine at Bar Demo or try a gin from the extensive menu at Vineria Luisa.

Cow & The Moon, Enmore

Explore more LGBTQIA+ friendly areas

You’ll find LGBTQIA+ communities across Sydney, including in Redfern, an inner-city suburb with a history of activism and pride. Today queer and boundary-pushing creatives are showcased in many of the area’s art galleries and cultural hubs like Carriageworks.

Sydney’s beaches also draw an inclusive crowd with communities often meeting at Red Leaf Beach, Lady Bay Beach, Cobblers Beach and North Bondi Beach.

Last but definitely not least, no trip to Sydney is complete without a night out (or two) on Oxford Street. Popular clubs include Palms on Oxford, Ching-a-lings, Kinselas, The Colombian Hotel and the Burdekin.

Murray Rose Pool at Redleaf Beach, Double Bay