Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne

Going Down Under for a gay holiday? One of the queer hubs of Australia, Melbourne is the continent's second city, comparable in size to Chicago. Here are some of the popular gay and lesbian bars in Melbourne, Australia.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: THE MARKET
143 Commercial Road, South Yarra, Melbourne
http://www.markethotel.com.au/
Yes, it's basically short for "meat market." Open Thursday through Sunday, The Market uses a shopping metaphor to acknowledge that it is indeed one of the top cruising spots for gay men in Melbourne. Their seven resident DJs spin music to slightly different effects each night. This two-story dance den is located in the core of Melbourne's gay district.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: XCHANGE
119 Commercial Road, South Yarra, Melbourne
http://www.xchange.com.au/index.html
Celebrating 20 years of business in 2006, Xchange remains a consistent hotspot for gay men. Like it or not, women aren't really welcome here. With a five-meter cinemascope screen, go-go boys they cornily call "Xmen," and a mix of dance floor settings and subdued lounge space, the Xchange offers multiple scenes for socializing and scoping. They are open for "trading," as they'd call it, 365 days a year. Shows, including an American Idol knockoff, are scheduled every night except Mondays and Tuesday.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: GLASSHOUSE HOTEL
51 Gipps Street, Collingwood, Melbourne
A place for the ladies! On Melbourne's North Side, this laid-back lesbian pub offers pool tables, a small dancefloor, and a sense of community for dykes Down Under.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: RED ORANGE BISTRO AND BAR
194 Commercial Road, South Yarra, Melbourne
http://www.redorangemelbourne.com.au/
If you want to eschew the campy bawdiness of gay bars, try this gay restaurant. With an airy but refined feel, Red Orange is perfect for cordial business lunches as well as romantic couple dining. Both their interior and exterior are upscale yet comfortable. And don't worry - you can still drink. Just opt for a fine wine instead of a beer.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: PEEL
113 Wellington Street, Collingwood, Melbourne
Located at the intersection of Peel And Wellington, this bar has a steady reputation in the Melbourne gay community. Though slightly smaller than its peers, Peel is (arguably) a bit friendlier than some of the megaclubs. You can pack the dancefloor and enjoy the multiple video screens.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: DIVA BAR
153 Commercial Road, South Yarra, Melbourne
Their motto is "a place for everybody," and they stick to it. Diva Bar attracts a mixed crowd, friendlier for women than some of the male-centered dance clubs. They do karaoke, drag shows, beer specials, and other expected programming. For a break from utter pretension, try Diva Bar.

Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne: LAIRD HOTEL
149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford, Melbourne
http://www.lairdhotel.com/
More of a complex than just a bar, Laird is the locus of Melbourne's leather community. Not only do they provide a place to drink - they provide a place to sleep. Or do whatever else you'd do in a bedroom attached to a gay bar. At this combination bar/hotel, you'll see plenty of ass-less chaps, denim, and other trappings of the sub-subculture. In terms of programming, they do all kinds of kinky events. Simply put, if it's remotely naughty, they've already done it. As can be expected, Laird also has a popular pool room. Men in leather wielding sticks and aiming at balls? Go figure.