The Den Men's Club has facilities spread out across two floors, including glory holes, slings, private cabins, showers, maze area, cabins and more. Open 9am-1am. Mon: - Tue: -
As laws around marriage and sexuality gradually loosen and queer communities enter the cultural mainstream, traditional gay bars and clubs of the past are losing relevance. Lesbian bars, prolific in the Sydneys and Melbournes of the s, are all but nonexistent now. Any nostalgia might be misplaced: once places of refuge and secrecy, in queer clubs now host parties attended by a vast and diverse group of LGBTQI people. How can that really be a bad thing?
Always carry legal photo ID. Cruise along the strip and mingle with the crowds at The Colombian , a multi-level venue with a friendly neighbourhood vibe, before hitting the dance floor at gay drawcard Arq. This cosy bar is renowned for its out-there decor such as a riot of taxidermied animals , graphic artworks and friendly vibe. And The Laird , in Abbotsford, also a minute drive from the city centre, is a space for cisgender and transgender males that hosts regular leather nights.
While some spots cater to specific crowds, the majority of queer clubs and bars draw a diverse array of patrons. 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. Universal , a dual-level space with dancing downstairs and drag and performances upstairs, is a popular spot for catching a show. Performance at Universal Sydney - Credit: Universal.