Gay and Lesbian Night Spots
Well, by the sound of it, Brisbane is in Queens’ land!
Although in the past, the state had a reputation for repressive attitudes towards homosexuals, today Brisbane’ gay and lesbians are revelling in a loud and energetic scene which gets better every year. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the open and friendly attitude of the locals.
The gay scene is largely clustered around the suburbs of West End, Wooloongabba, Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley, New Farm and Paddington.
In June, don’t miss the Pride festival, a diverse event with a March, fair, art exhibitions, dance, party and much more.
For the latest and the up-coming, you can pick up a copy of BrotherSister or Queensland Pride from gay nightclubs, street distributors and some coffee shops.
You can also listen to the queer radio; station 4ZZZ FM 102.1, every Wednesday from 9 to 11pm.
For bars and nightclubs, head to Spring Hill and The Valley. Gay and lesbian friendly venues include Fluffy at Family on Sunday nights, the Empire Hotel, The Zoo (great live music), Sunday nights at upmarket GPO hotel, The Fringe Bar, The Bowery, and Ric's Bar.
Here is a list of some of Brisbane’s gay and lesbian clubs:
With three completely different levels, the Alliance offers something for everyone. The rickety basement level holds a small bar and several pool tables for those wanting a quiet night out. The public bar on the street level is more modern and the granite bar is newly renovated. Upstairs is the nightclub area with mostly rock/alternative-orientated music played through a wonderful state-of-the-art sound system. The drink selection is basic and nibbles are available at the ground level bar.
| Where: | 320 Boundary Street, Spring Hill QLD 4000 |
| Phone: | +61 (0)7 3832 7355 |
The Beat Megaclub is the oldest of Brisbane’s queer venues. With six bars and five dance floors split across two-levels, it offers patrons a range of music mixed by some of Brisbane’s best DJs, regular drag performances, and nightly entertainment from an in-house dance troupe. It also offers free entry before 10:30pm and a host of no-cost events during its weekly ‘Sunday Funday’ celebrations. Open from 8pm 365 days a year, The Beat Megaclub has long been a constant fixture on the city’s GLBT scene.
| Where: | 677 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 |
| Phone: | +61 (0)7 3852 2661 |
The gay meeting place!
The Sportsman Hotel offers drag shows, serious pool comps and on alternate Saturday nights the downstairs Mineshaft bar hosts either the BrisBears or the Boot Co leather men.
| Where: | 130 Leichhardt Street, Spring Hill QLD 4000 |
| Phone: | +61 (0)7 3831 2892 |
With it's classic 'Queenslander' style, outdoor areas, live shows, gaming room, dance bar, and special events, the Wickham Hotel is one of the leading gay and lesbian venue in Queensland. Here you can enjoy drag shows, huge crowds or quiet drinks, and happy hours.
| Where: | 308 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 |
| Phone: | +61 (0)7 3852 1301 |
