Adelaide

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 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 mid-November too. 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 has information, counselling, referrals, accommodations, and a library at Darling House, 64 Fullarton Rd, Norwood.

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

Going out

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

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

Botanic Bar (North & East Terraces intersection), pizza and cocktails, plush conversation lounge.

Colonel Light Hotel (Light Square), restaurant and bar, outdoor seatings, Sunday night Feast Bingo.

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.

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, first/third Tuesdays/ month GLBT nights.