The first new gay bar to open in the Gold Coast in two years, the Chameleon Lounge Bar, is poised to address the city’s “disconnected” LGBTQ+ community. Its founder Dan Duncan said that a gay bar is needed because the gay community is often unable to socialise. Instead, most people rely on impersonal apps like Tinder, a dating app that doesn’t even exist, and online dating services.
With no gay nightlife, the city’s queer community has turned to the internet and hookup apps to connect with like-minded people. While Surfers Paradise might not be the most gay-friendly spot in Australia, it does have a number of gay-friendly bars and restaurants. One of the most famous of these is Retro’s. The club plays 80s, 90s, and 2000s music, which is popular with the local gay community.
Although Australia’s beaches have historically been a safe place for the LGBTQI community, this has not always been the case. Despite the fact that homosexuality was decriminalised in New South Wales and Tasmania, some beach areas became notorious as “beats” for gay men and the scene of homophobic attacks. Liberal MP Shayne Mallard recently announced a parliamentary inquiry into these crimes. There are several factors that make Australian beaches a gay-friendly destination.
The Artique Resort is a gay-friendly hotel located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Its balconies offer beautiful views of the Nerang River, the Gold Coast beach strip, and the Australian hinterland. The Artique sits at the peaceful end of Surfers Paradise, just a short stroll from the gay nightlife. While the beachfront is just a couple of kilometers away, the hotel is perfect for those looking for flexibility.
Aside from being near the beach, Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise is also located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. It is one block away from the beach, and is surrounded by some of the best Gold Coast nightlife. Within one block, SinCity Nightclub is another popular option. A hotel that has such a convenient location is an ideal choice for gay travelers in the area. With a full range of amenities, it’s easy to spend the evening with your gay friends.
The Utopia Cafe is another gay-friendly venue. Its menu includes breakfast and lunch and is open until midday. The cafe is a great place to meet other GLBT people and get your fill of sweet treats. The Utopia Café also publishes the free monthly publication Utopia, which caters to the GLBT community. Utopia Cafe also provides advocacy and education on issues that affect the GLBT community.
Dragalicious is a weekly dinner-and-show that has won local attention. While it is not a traditional gay club, it has become a training ground for aspiring drag queens in the city. Drag queen Violet Velvet, a protege of Baker, is a regular performer. Other popular events include buck’s nights, drag shows, sport viewing events, and rowdy nights out with friends.
Those who prefer vegetarian food will find that the diverse cuisine options of the city cater to all tastes. Brickworks in Southport and sister venue in Broadbeach both offer delicious, Instagram-worthy dishes. There is also a vegetarian option for those who prefer to skip meat. For those looking for a lighter meal, the Cardamom Pod at Brickworks is an excellent choice. You’ll be happy to know that the restaurant’s menu contains only the freshest ingredients.
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