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, bi-annual events taking place in February and March 2014, 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 takes place 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

Blaze is South Australia's gay newspaper. DNA is a national glossy magazine with some very impressive photography.

The Gay News Network has full listings of gay businesses and events of interest in Adelaide, as well as other major Australian cities.

Pinkboard also has gay Adelaide listings.

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

The Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center information, counselling, referrals, accommodations, and library, formerly at Darling House, Norwood, has suspended operations while they look for an alternative space. See their website for updates.

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.

Boho Bar (27 Unley, Parkside), theme bar/restaurant, circus, cabaret, theater, burlesque side shows, cozy fireplaces; High Tea every first Saturday.

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.

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

Colonel Light Hotel (Light Square, 141 Currie St), restaurant and bar, outdoor seatings, theme and holiday events.

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

Garage Bar (163 Waymouth St), Thursday through Sunday cocktail lounge, beer garden, weekend dancing/DJs, hip young crowd, gayest Discoteque Fridays.

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

Mars Bar (120 Gouger St), long-time party bar, dancing, big gay mix of all kinds, weekend drag shows, special theme parties.

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 Hotel (265 Pirie), 150-year-old eating and dining establishment, heritage-listed ballroom, casual cantina bar.

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.