Explore the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the world all in an easy to read charts, graphs, and tables. From public sentiment to protections find it all here so you know when holding hands gets you a look or a sentence.
Visit EqualdexAdelaide, often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors Sydney and Melbourne, is the unsung hero of queer travel destinations in Australia. Imagine a city bursting with arts and culture, where every corner serves up culinary delights and fine wines that could turn any foodie's head. What makes Adelaide even better? Adelaide has some of the most inclusive queer bars and gay clubs that are welcoming to all, making Adelaide an hidden LGBTQ+ escape.
The LGBTQ+ community works Adelaide’s size to an advantage, with queer nightclubs and the best gay bars in Adelaide, you’ll find most venues concentrated in the CBD (Central Business District). The CBD hosts pubs and gay clubs that welcome a mix of locals and guests, and LGBTQ+ folks and allies. Fun note, South Australia was the country’s first state to decriminalize same-gender sexual activity! Here are some of our top picks for Adelaide gay bars:
Located in the East End, My Lover Cindi is the heartbeat of Adelaide’s LGBTQ+ scene, celebrating diversity with style and flair. This hotspot boasts a cocktail menu that would make even the most discerning mixologist swoon and a dance floor that beckons with the promise of unforgettable nights. Get ready to let your hair down and your spirit soar in one of the best queer bars Adelaide has to offer.
Every Friday and Saturday night from 9 pm, Mary’s Poppin transforms into a shimmering spectacle of LGBTQ+ joy. Touted as South Australia’s ultimate queer destination, this glitter-filled haven never fails to dazzle over the weekend. With themed nights and special events that keep the excitement dialed up to eleven, boredom doesn’t stand a chance here.
Sugar closed during COVID, but has been reopened by the Gonzo Group and still remains a sweet spot for nightlife enthusiasts. This gay-friendly nightclub is no second fiddle; it’s a must stop destination for those craving excellent cocktails and an eclectic mix of electronic and house beats. With artists hailing from the US, UK, Europe, and Japan, Sugar delivers a diverse sonic experience in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It’s where Adelaide’s night owls, gay and straight alike, find their groove.
Part café, part bar, part event space, Diverse-City is a queer-owned gem that encapsulates the spirit of inclusivity in Adelaide. Whether you’re meeting a friend for a casual drink, enjoying a delicious meal, or soaking in live entertainment, Diverse-City has it all. This dynamic venue offers a myriad of community events, ensuring there’s always something to celebrate.
While Mother Vine could easily be categorized under 'Where to Drink' or gay bar thanks to its impressive array of local, national, and international wines, it’s so much more than a queer wine bar. With a food menu that tantalizes taste buds—featuring everything from small tasting plates to hearty mains and delectable cheese platters—Mother Vine is a culinary delight. It’s the perfect place to unwind, indulge, and savor the finer things in life in the company of great friends.
When the Southern Hemisphere heats up in November, attend the Feast Festival, Australia’s second-biggest LGBTQ+ event. Feast attracts visitors from all over the world for a unique community arts festival in Adelaide. Adelaide's Feast Festival is an exuberant LGBTQ+ queer arts and cultural festival that saturates the city throughout the enchanting month of "Pridevember." This extraordinary event, held annually in South Australia, transforms November into a magnificent celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and unapologetic self-expression. Pride March Adelaide is the highlight of Pride so mark it on your calenders! Most of the events are located in Victoria Square, near the Adelaide Zoo and the rest take place near the downtown area. After Pride, the best Adelaide gay bars will be packed with special events for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Aussie coffee culture means you’ll find delightful cafés to complement sit-down restaurants, and the Lucky Country’s latitude gives Adelaide a Mediterranean climate, so look forward to world-class wineries! Year-round, wine connoisseurs visiting the state will want to venture northeast from Adelaide to Barossa Valley, which boasts some of Australia’s best vineyards. Adelaide itself is home to the National Wine Centre, located on Botanic Road in the northwest corner of the CBD. After you get done with all the wine tastings, try out the best Adelaide gay bars to keep the night going!
Make sure to check out the nearby Adelaide Botanical Gardens, home to rainforest species and rare tropical foliage that will impress families and solo travelers alike. The Art Gallery of South Australia, housing over 35,000 amazing works from around the world, is just west of the Botanical Gardens. Rail fans should make whistle stops at the National Railway Museum and the Tramway Museum north of the CBD, near St Kilda.
That mild Mediterranean climate means that beautiful beaches abound in Adelaide! Detour 28 mi / 45 km south of the city to Maslin Beach, and head to the south part of the beach itself. You’ll find a LGBTQ+ community-friendly oceanside hangout—bathing suits aren’t required, but a chilled-out attitude is!
If you want a good-sized and progressive-minded city with a scene that’s cozy and enthusiastic, offering amazing queer bars and clubs, Adelaide’s the place for you!
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