аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

15 Best Lesbian Bars in Melbourne

*Originally published in March 2023  and updated by Felix in February 2024

 Melbourne is one of the vibrant cities in Australia, known to host exceptional and bustling nightlife from a variety of well-established lesbian bars and clubs. It is a renowned venue that accommodates the LGBTQ community without any judgments. The city hosts some of the best-spirited and most inclusive cultures that cater to the needs of everyone. One of the outstanding features of this city is the supportive and intimate atmosphere allowing everyone to celebrate their identities. Whether you are new in town looking for somewhere to have a drink or a resident looking to explore new water holes within a safe space, Melbourne has something for everyone. The lesbian bars are not just any other venue in this city, it’s the safe place where women can love other women as well as dance and socialize and create a sense of belonging. In this article, we will explore some of the unique and vibrant lesbian bars in Melbourne which are fun and welcoming to dance the night away and have the best experience.

1. Sircuit Bar

Image by Steve Buissinne from

Sirciut bar is one of the famous gar-friendly bars with fascinating music and a dance floor to dance away the night with experienced nighty DJs. This venue is well decorated with every color of the rainbow from the disco lights. The crowd is pleased with the outstanding energy and cool atmosphere for dancing and having the best experience. It is a great venue to socialize and make new friends, especially in the gay community within a safe space where you do not feel judged. The drag show and the drinks are also amazing and out of this world.

Also see: The Best Picnic spots in Melbourne

Practical information

Address: 103-105 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9416 3960

Open: Wednesday – Sunday 9 pm – 3 am

2. The Peel Hotel

The Peel Hotel hosts one of the best long-running nightspot gay bars. It is the place for gays to party as they express their sexuality and they dance and have great memories with friends. However, it is a place for everyone not limited to the LGBTQ community. The atmosphere is cool, safe, and respectful of the staff and the friendly crowd. Music is part of this beautifully decorated bar with ample space to dance your stress away and absorb fresh energy from this bar. Drinks are also delicious and in a wide variety.

Practical information

Address: 46 Peel St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9419 4762

Open: Friday and Saturday 10 pm – 7 am

3. From Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar

Image by bridgesward from

Tacked in with the best nightclub experience and entertainment. This incredible bar has earned its name far beyond the walls of this city from its fascinating drag shows. Just as the name suggests, this bar prides itself on the best and specially made drinks and music. Some of the best entertainment includes cabaret, mind-blowing events, poetry, comedy, live music, and parties. The famous gay bar is one of a kind and you can be sure to have a remarkable and unforgettable experience of a lifetime. The dim lights and the cool music create an intimate environment.

Practical information

Address: 1/86-88 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Open: Wednesday 6 pm – 12 am

          Friday – Saturday 8 pm – 3 am

4. Sundaylicious

Are you looking for a diverse and super fun gay bar to spend the night in this beautiful city? Sundaylicious is arguably one of the best and longest-running queer events in Melbourne. It stands out among many bars for its sensational energy mostly driven by the live DJs who fire up the venue with great music. It is the place to dance out your heart as you enjoy a cold drink from the lesbian bar. Drinks are made by the best and served with an ingredient of love. It also has a friendly atmosphere and so much fun. One sure thing is you will always come back for more because you can never have enough of this place.

Practical information

Open: Sunday 3 pm – 1 am

5. Yah Yah’s

Image by Dirk Wohlrabe from

Yah Yahs bar is truly a magical bar and a great venue for those who love dancing. It is painted red and lined with booths. It offers a variety of drinks from spirits to beer and cider. One of its outstanding features is the quality of live music, mostly the rock ‘n’ roll genre. It has dim lights and an ample dance floor that makes it romantic. It is a safe space for the LGBTQ community to interact and socialize with other gender-sensitive persons.

Practical Information

Address: 99 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Open: Thursday – Saturday 8 pm – 5 am

6. The 86

This incredible venue is located on the colorful streets of Smith that comes with theatre, cabaret, live music, comedy, bingo, trivia, and queer events among others. It is famous for its fascinating style with a cool layout and the delicious cocktails prepared by the best. It offers a list of forty-two different cocktails and comfortable booths for everyone. It comes with very reasonable prices offered throughout the night. It has been known to provide a comfortable space for the LGBTQ community for over ten years. You can be sure to get the best of this city from this incredible bar.

Practical Information

Address: 185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9077 4360

Open: Thursday – Saturday 7 pm – 3 am

7. Laundry Bar

Image by Duc Quang Tran from

The Laundry Bar is an oasis of vibrant live music played by both local and international artists. The incredible DJs play the hip-hop and rap music genres played in a bustling bar. It is the venue for anyone looking to throw himself or herself on the dance floor and shake off the steams of the week. It offers some of the most delicious drinks with a VIP booth section that offers bottle service. It is a venue that accommodates the LGBTQ community with a great vibe of music and a romantic atmosphere.

Practical information

Address: 50 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9415 8027

Open: Thursday – Saturday 9 pm – 3 am

8. Spartacus Lounge

Located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, the newly renovated bar is such a great vibe. It offers a safe space and a romantic environment for men to love other men and women as well. It is tacked with comfy seats and dim lights that make the atmosphere more intimate. It features adult-themed action and lots of fun activities.

Practical information

Address: 12 Waratah Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Open: Wednesday – Tuesday 9 am – 11 pm

9. DT’s Hotel

Image by bess.hamiti@gmail.com from

Whether you are a visitor to the great city of Melbourne, or you are a resident looking to try new creations in town, this incredible venue has something to offer. It is an entertainment venue located in Richmond, Victoria, Australia and a safe space for same-sex attraction. One of its outstanding features is the many different offers every night. It is an opportunity to try new creations in a super cute and friendly gay bar. You will never regret a stop by this sensational bar.

Practical information

Address: 164 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

10. POOF DOOF

Famously described as the best gay bar in Melbourne this incredible bar serves the most delicious drinks in town. This gay bar is also known to host the biggest queer nightclub with the best DJs. It is a nice place to dance the night away and party with other gays without intimidation or judgment. It has a cool ambiance and incredible lighting that make it intimate and romantic. You cannot have enough of this place.

Practical information

Address: 386 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Open: Saturday 9: 30 pm – 6: 30 am

11. The Bottom End

Photo by Isabella Mendes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-glass-footed-drinking-glass-with-orange-juice-338713/

Tucked away in Melbourne’s hip Fitzroy, The Bottom End is a lively neighborhood lesbian bar mixing craft cocktails with a cozy, communal vibe. With classic neon signage and an intimate darkened interior, it’s a retro retreat with extensive whiskey offerings and tap beers like Furphy and Melbourne Bitter. Dance the night away as the DJ spins throwback hits, or chat over pool and darts. On weekends, enjoy the lounge’s cabaret shows and belly up to the bar for specials like espresso martinis and bottomless mimosas. The Bottom End is a down-to-earth staple welcoming all women and non-binary folks.

Practical information

Address: 579 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Phone: +61 423 256 039

Open: 12-10 PM from Tuesday to Friday, closed Saturday to Monday

12. Hares & Hyenas

A local favorite for twenty years running, Hares & Hyenas is Melbourne’s premier lesbian pub. Step inside its cheery walls, lined with pride flags for classic pub fare like fish and chips. Grab a Cooper’s or cider and play a round of pool or trivia in the back lounge. Hares & Hyenas is known for its homey vibe, weekly femme deejay nights, diverse calendar of literary events, and ever-growing collection of LGBTQ reads. Open daily until late, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a cold one while browsing titles by your favorite queer authors. All are welcome at this community hub.

Practical information

Address: 79 – 81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9495 6589

Open: 10 am to 5 pm every day

13. The Laird

, , via Wikimedia Commons

A slice of tradition awaits at The Laird, Melbourne’s beloved Scottish-themed lesbian pub. Since opening in the 90s, it has charmed locals with its cozy timber interior, classic Celtic tunes, and inspired menu of haggis rolls, shepherd’s pie, and Scotch eggs. Sip on local lagers or sample the extensive whisky selection while trying your hand at darts or billiards. On weekends, revelers pack the dance floor and sing along to live Celtic punk rock performances that go late into the night. The Laird’s calendar overflows with the community. All classes are welcome.

Practical information

Address: 149 Gipps St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9417 2832

Open: 6-11 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday

14. The Fitzroy Pinnacle

Rising high in Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighborhood is The Fitzroy Pinnacle, a lively multi-story lesbian bar, and nightclub. Take the graffiti-covered stairs up to the vibrant first-floor lounge with arcade games, killer cocktails, and drag shows. Head upstairs to the bustling dance club, pulsing with the latest pop and hip-hop hits into the early morning hours. Or cozy up on the rooftop terrace under strings of lights for gorgeous skyline views. Whatever you’re in the mood for, The Fitzroy Pinnacle delivers with DJs, dancing, drinks, and an inclusive atmosphere where women of all kinds can feel comfortable being themselves. It’s the peak of Melbourne’s lesbian nightlife.

Practical information

Address: 251 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia

Open: 4-11 pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm-1 am Friday to Sunday, closed Monday

15. The Carlton Club

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Nestled on a leafy corner in Melbourne’s Carlton, the Carlton Club glows as a beloved community touchstone. Even on quiet nights, you’ll find regulars chatting over classic pub bites and pints of Carlton Draught out on the garden patio. But on weekends, The Carlton Club truly comes alive as a haven for lesbian connections. Laugh along to open mic comedy, sway to local musicians, or line up for Friday night karaoke. The staff knows most patrons by name, fostering a uniquely warm and lively atmosphere where women can relax and be themselves. For over a decade, The Carlton Club has brought Melbourne’s lesbian community together through art, music, and camaraderie. It’s the heartbeat of inclusivity.

Practical information

Address: 193 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9663 3246

Open: 3 pm-1 am every day

After exploring Melbourne’s top lesbian bars, it’s clear this city has cultivated a vibrant, diverse scene. From cozy pubs to stylish lounges, these welcoming spaces let locals connect while celebrating Melbourne’s values of inclusion. As a visitor, I have discovered the heart of this community—now go experience it for yourself. Grab a drink, make some new friends, and find where you belong.