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The gateway to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, Adelaide is a smart, sophisticated city. The country’s fifth-largest metropolitan area is also a great base if you want to hit some fabulous beaches. The coastline here has some stunning stretches of sand.

The Adelaide Festival events, taking place in February and March, features opera, theatre, dance, music, cabaret, new media, the world's largest Writers' Week, entertainment, exhibitions, master classes, forums, and late night clubbing. The Adelaide Film Festival screens each October.

The gay community here is unusually enthusiastic. The annual Feast Festival, one of the most famous gay events in the country, takes place every November. Its focus is cutting-edge art, and what is on display may shock or amuse you. There's a Pride March each November too. The Bakehouse Theatre presents groundbreaking new dramatic works, often with gay themes. See the events tab above for more.

 

Getting here

You’ll probably fly into Adelaide Airport, the largest in the region. Public buses and taxis can take you downtown.

 

Getting around

Since you’ll want to get to the nearby wineries, a car is a good idea. In the city, there are buses and trams that help you cover large distances, although you’ll want to walk around downtown. See the Adelaide Metro website for information about public transportation.

 

Neighborhoods

There’s no gay neighborhood, but most of the gay businesses are located right downtown.

 

Currency and Money

The local currency is the Australian dollar. You shouldn’t have trouble finding ATMs in most urban areas.

 

Local Media and resources

Pinkboard has gay Adelaide listings, mostly oudated - but TravelGayAsia listings are very up to date.

SouthAustralia.com has general info about the city and the state, and a section for the gay community too.

DNA is a national glossy magazine with some very impressive photography.

The Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center closed in 2017. Blaze Magazine is dead, along with fellow Evo Media regional publications such as Cult, MCV (Melbourne), QP (Brisbane), and SX (Sydney); also their Gay News Network and SameSame websites. See the OutinPerth article on the subject.

For map locations and website links to businesses listed below, plus some local restaurants and hotels, see our gay Adelaide listings pages.

 

Going out

Apple Bar (5-9 Synagogue Pl), two-level mixed club, lounge with high-energy dancing until 5am.

Atlantis Lounge Bar (163 Waymouth St), old Garage Bar, new owners; Las Vegas-style "extravagant and luxurious nightclub," mixed crowd.

Botanic Bar (North & East Terraces intersection), cocktails, craft beers, plush conversation lounge, mid-week soul, jazz and blues, weekend funk, boogie and house; food by Golden Boy Thai Restaurant.

The Brompton Hotel (5 First St, Brompton) restaurant with cheese, meat and seafood board meals for sharing, grilled steaks, burgers, desserts, wines, full bar; occasional gay events.

Club X (73 Hadley St), adult video store, DVDs, toys, BDSM gear, lubes, accessories.

Edinburgh Castle Hotel (233 Currie St), popular gay/lesbian pub, two bars, dance floor, live music, food, open late 7 nights.

The Franklin Hotel (92 Franklin St ), gay-friendly hotel, good pub food, patio, occasional gay events.

The Libertine (137 Magill Rd, Stepney), found-furniture eclectic decor, cafe dedicated to the arts, culture, food, and coffee; courtyard, performance art, all-day breakfast, french-inspired meals, patisserie deserts.

The Lion (161 Melbourne St, N Adelaide), two restaurants, fine dining, pub menu bar, nightly live entertainment.

Mary's Poppin (5 Synagogue Pl), every Friday and Saturday from 8pm until late; owned/curated by In The Dark (Swagger) party veterans, gay party bar and social club, '80s pop music, dancing, drag and performance shows.

OZ Night Club (120 Gouger St) - CLOSED July 2018 - party bar, dancing, big gay mix of all kinds, weekend drag shows, special theme parties; formerly Mars Bar. Lost their lease, and closed with a promise to relocate.

Pulteney 431 Sauna (431 Pulteney St), sauna, steam and spa, heated pool, private rooms, sling, maze, pool table, snacks, smoking area.

Sugar (274 Rundle St), large gay-friendly mixed Wednesday-Sunday dance club; special LGBT nights such as Horse Meat Disco.

Tivoli Function Centre (265 Pirie), 150-year-old drinking and dining establishment, heritage-listed ballroom; casual pizza/pasta, stir-fries, burgers/steaks seafood lunch/dinner.

The Unley (27 Unley, Parkside), bar/restaurant, lunch/dinner, sandwiches/snacks, gaming machines, Friday/Saturday live music; fireplaces, covered balconies and open rooftop.

Wheatsheaf Hotel (39 George St, Thebarton), live bands, art gallery, snacks, occasional LGBT special events.

 

For some hotel & guesthouse listings and restaurant suggestions, plus theaters, museums & galleries, see our map & listings pages.