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This popular pub spreads across four levels and offers drinking, dancing and dining — the higher you ascend, the fancier the place becomes. 

Many long-time residents of Sydney, queer or otherwise, have at some point caught a drag show at Stonewall Hotel, across the road from The Oxford Hotel on Oxford Street. You'll find big vibes in a small space (plus an outdoor wooden deck) and events including queer-centric life drawing nights and lofi drag shows with big camp energy. 

A grab bag of themes, patrons and specials are always on offer at this longstanding corner pub.

‘The Rat’ is a queer-run space that was established in 2009 to amplify the voices of Sydney’s non-conforming artists and performers, and can function as a theatre, a nightclub or a music hall, depending on how the space is set up. One level up you’ll find the main (street level) bar with an open floorplan and outdoor deck. Great for sightseeing and day trips.

  • Low Season (June–August): Winter is mild by Northern Hemisphere standards, but it’s cooler.

    Kylie and Danni Minogue, Jean Paul Gaultier, Anna Nicole Smith, Adam Lambert, Sam Smith, Ricki Lee Coulter, Jessica Maulboy and Jimmy Barnes have all enjoyed the Stonewall Experience.
    If you are planning on having an amazing night out this is definitely the place for you.

  • For Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual activists, the word “Stonewall” signifies quite possibly the most important, single landmark on the day that Judy Garland died in the world wide struggle for gay rights.

    Most chroniclers of the homosexual rights movement trace the beginnings of the movement’s militant phase to 1969 and New York’s lower-Manhattan (largely gay frequented) Stonewall Bar.

    There, for the first time on record, homosexual patrons fought back when Stonewall was raided one hot summer night by New York City policeman, who came hoping to arrest gay individuals for engaging in then illegal homosexual acts.

    Eyewitnesses claim that the stonewall patrons’ counter-riot began when one burly, Stonewall patron hurled a lidded metal garbage can filled with empty liquor bottles through a police car window.

    Ever since that night, Stonewall has been revered as an enduring symbol of the gay militant spark lit that night, which has become a gay/lesbian/bisexual militant conflagration setting America – and the world – aflame with Gay Rights issues and conflicts.

    We'll admit it, Sydney's swathe of queer venues is not as expansive as it once was.

    Sydney is one of the most inclusive cities in the world, with a thriving gay scene and world-famous Mardi Gras.

    Is there a gay neighborhood in Sydney?

    Yes—Darlinghurst (especially Oxford Street and Taylor Square) is the heart of the scene. For a low-key start, grab a beer or a cocktail at The Colombian Hotel, a multi-level pub that occupies a prime position on the corner of Oxford and Crown streets.

    On Sundays, it transforms into the city’s most famous Sunday Funday, starting in the beer garden and ending upstairs in the packed nightclub.

    Oxford Hotel– A staple of Sydney’s gay nightlife, the Oxford Hotel has been welcoming the community for decades. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay.

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  • Discover Time Out original video

    5pm - 11pm

    HAPPY HOUR from 6pm to 7pm

    DRESS CODE: Leather, Rubber, Uniform, Pup Gear, Pig Gear, Kink Gear, Jockstraps, Denim jeans... It's not the cool factor that draws the crowds, who often line-up down the street to get in, but rather the opposite: the messy fun vibes, daggy disco ambience and DJ sets of back-to-back '90s and '00s bangers.

    This legendary Taylor Square hotel boasts a treasure trove of treats and an intriguing history. Expect non-stop bangers and house music all night long, with regular events throughout the week with a queer twist, including drag trivia and drag bingo. Or, you can just grab a drink and enjoy some seriously good people-watching, Taylor Square style. 

    The tricky thing about this small Oxford Street bar is finding it, but hey – no sign, no line.

    By day, it’s a relaxed bar and beer garden with pizzas, pastas, and happy hour specials. Or lean more alternative with the House of Mince’s regular Club Mince events, which often feature edgy international DJs and rappers.

    And look for the next pop-up event by Heaps Gay, which seeks out under-utilised indoor and outdoor spaces for 12-hour fiestas.

    If you can wake up early, sunrise at Bondi is pure magic!

    Day Trip to the Blue Mountains – An easy and action-packed full-day tour from Sydney. These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:

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