Gay and lesbian nightlife
Life's a party, or at least it should be, and Melbourne's gay and lesbian community certainly know how to enjoy it. Find out what's hot and what's not on the Melbourne bar scene. Melbourne's hippest nightlife is dispersed throughout its labyrinth of laneways. Spaces that originally housed fabric companies, warehouses and retail outlets, now pulsate with hip tunes and smart cocktails. Some of the key avenues to keep in mind are Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street, each with an array of hidden bars to discover.
Alternatively try the gay and lesbian party scene. North of the CBD, laidback, bohemian alternatives are what it's about, from pubs with live music to dance bars and leather clubs. The gay and lesbian scene is largely found in Collingwood and Abbotsford, and other inner city suburbs which many in the GLBT community choose to call home. To the south, it's all about designer fashion and seaside frolics. There are just as many nightlife options to choose from, but you may have to dress up a little more. Commercial Road in Prahran is Melbourne's main gay strip, with gay bars in abundance, while St Kilda boasts nightlife with an ocean view.
Some of Melbourne's best bars
Discover Melbourne's hottest bars. They're often tucked away behind obscure doors in narrow lanes and alleys. They'll take some time to find, so ask a local for directions or make the search part of the fun.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender venues
With distinct venues for the girls, and even more for the guys, you will also find a satisfying array of mixed and gay-friendly pubs. We've picked some of the best so you can make the most of your party time.
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A friendly pub. Sit back in the beer garden, play pool, enjoy live music and great pub food.
238 Whitehall Street, Yarraville
Ph 03 9689 9354
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Small Richmond pub, running for 10 years. Dulcie Du Jour drag show, plus pool comps, barbecues and wine club.
164 Church Street, Richmond
Ph 03 9428 5724
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Sunday night is the night when queer Melbourne hits the spacious dance floor at Love Machine.
Cnr Little Chapel Street and Malvern Road, South Yarra
Ph 03 95338837
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Join the mixed but predominantly gay and lesbian crowd at this sophisticated cocktail lounge and bar.
147 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Ph 03 9827 9147
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For a masculine, yet varied crowd, Leather Men to Bears is a great place to meet without the loud music and disco lights.
149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford
Ph 03 9417 2832
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A popular gay nightclub. Special guest performances. Look out for local and international celebrities.
143 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Ph 03 9826 0933
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Drag Kings, bootscooting, cabaret, dance nights and more at this friendly venue.
176 Hoddle Street, Collingwood
Ph 03 9417 2696
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Pumping grooves, the latest dance mixes and 80's retro night, will have you competing for space on the crowded dancefloor.
Cnr Peel Street & Wellington Street, Collingwood
Ph 03 9419 4762
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Cherrybomb
Alternative cabaret venue. Give them a call and find out what's on.
Level 1/97 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Ph 03 9419 1386
Girlbar
Resident DJs and special guests at this regular girls' party night at the famous Prince of Wales hotel.
First floor, Prince of Wales Hotel
20 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Ph 03 9419 4748
Glasshouse Hotel
Girl venue, open Thursday to Sunday. Catch the discotheque on the first Saturday of each month.
51-55 Gipps Street, Collingwood
Ph 03 9419 4748
Greyhound
Informal pub with mixed clientele. Sit back with the locals, enjoy regular drag shows, karaoke and excellent live music.
1 Brighton Road, St Kilda
Ph 03 9534 4189
Priscillas @ 153
One of Melbourne's hottest nightspots with drag shows, star lineups and comfortable environment.
153 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Ph 03 9827 1669
Stingo Hotel
Northside's newest gay owned and gay friendly venue.
48 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford
Ph 03 9417 3088
Xchange Hotel
Predominantly male venue, the Xchange has drag shows Wednesday to Sunday, a cool lounge and boasts the biggest video screen in Melbourne.
119 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Ph 03 9867 5144
