Sydney Gay Guide / LGBT Guide
With a population of over four and-a- half- million people, Sydney is the most densely populated city in Australia, and is known for its cosmopolitan vibe. There is something for everyone in Sydney with its great weather, stunning scenery, famous landmarks, cultural attractions and events. Sydney has a thriving LGBT community and you will undoubtedly discover that there is more to the city than just the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, sea and sand. There are also a number of events that give people the opportunity to celebrate their sexuality, most notably the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in February-March.
Consequently, you will never be stuck for something to do during your stay in Sydney. You can top up your tan whilst lazing on Bondi Beach or go for a walk in one of the national parks, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park. Obviously, the most famous tourist attractions are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but the city has much more to offer, with other buildings, such as Parliament House and the Australian Museum noted for their architectural style. If Australian culture interests you, there are numerous museums and art galleries to visit, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the White Rabbit Gallery, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Museum of Sydney amongst others. The North end of Bondi Beach is where the gays are if you want to model/admire the speedos and if you want to bare all, there are two nude beaches on Sydney Harbour: Obelisk Beach on the North shore, is the nicer beach with secluded bush surrounding it, but harder to get to from the city centre by 244 bus from Wynard Station. Lady Jane on the Southern shore is more rocky and not so secluded. Its reached by steps from the cliff-top path near Camp Cove(!) not far from the ferry/bus at Watsons Bay.
If you don't want to head to the beach, the Andrew "Boy" Charlton pool near the Royal Botanic Gardens is in a stunning location overlooking the harbour and is popular with gay men. There are also a number of famous festivals that take place in Sydney, including Australia's largest arts festival, the Sydney Festival in January, where you can enjoy music, theatre and art, whilst the Big Day Out is a popular music festival that takes place in a number of Australian cities, including Sydney, throughout January. The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras takes place in February/March and attracts hundreds of thousands of people with events such as Bondi Beach drag races, Fair Day (an outdoor event with entertainment and stall-holders from many gay groups), as well as the parade and party.
Oxford Street is the main gay strip, there is The Midnight Shift, which is a men's video bar; The Oxford Hotel where there is a basement night club, a public bar and an area to listen to live performances; as well as The Colombian Hotel where you can choose from a range of different cocktails and listen to music. There are other venues worth visiting in Darlinghurst, including Headquarters, which claims to be Sydney's ultimate playground for men; ARQ, one of the largest gay clubs in Sydney located in Flinders Street. The main "gayborhood" of Sydney is Potts Point which has many gay owned/run restaurants and bars, particularly in Macleay Street.
There are also men's saunas which attract mature men and admirers, especially The Sydney Sauna (was Kingstream) in Oxford Street (half-price day on Tuesdays always brings a mature crowd). 357 Sussex St in Haymarket is more diverse with more Asian clientele, and Signal on the corner of Riley Street. Oxford Street has a number of gay-themed shops including The Bookshop Darlinghurst at 207 Oxford Street, the oldest LGBT bookstore in Australia if you're looking for something to read and Toolshed where you can buy a variety of clothes, toys and a selection of other items. If you're heading over to Australia, Sydney is definitely a city worth visiting, with the vast array of sights and events on offer. It's a friendly, inviting city where you can enjoy yourself, relax and get a taste of Australian life and gay culture.
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Australia Resources
- Adelaide Gay Guide
- Brisbane Gay Guide
- Canberra Gay Guide
- Darwin Gay Guide
- Melbourne Gay Guide
- Perth Gay Guide
- Gay Pride / LGBT events in Australia