Seeing rainbow in Melbourne

It's time to head down under! Melbourne is the culture capital of Australia, and is home to vibrant arts, food, LGBTQ, and coffee scenes. It is also where misterb&b host, Peter, calls home. Find out exactly how to spend the perfect gaycation in Melbourne with his insider tips to all the city's hidden gems. Explore Melbourne, experience your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Melbourne is a relatively gay-friendly city, but it does depend on where you are. Marriage Equality only just passed in Australia at the end of 2017, and despite this you can still experience stunted, boring, and backward homophobia in different parts of the city. Certainly the area where I live is safe and gay-friendly, as are other suburbs including Collingwood, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Northcote, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor & St Kilda.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Generally Melbourne has plenty of Queer events each weekend and they are not always in a dedicated venue, it's kind of like a roaming rave minus the 'rave' vibe/culture. Midsumma Festival is Melbourne's version of Gay Pride, and it's on every year around the end of January/early February. 

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

If you only have 48 hours in Melbourne, I would suggest a show at The Malthouse or Melbourne Theatre Company, a drink in a laneway bar, a day at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), a walk around the botanical gardens, and a drink at Sircuit (a gay bar/club in the suburb of Collingwood).

_{National Gallery of Victoria: Flickr/Scott Cresswell}

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

The options are legitimately endless in Melbourne, because we are the arts and food capital of Australia. 

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Wherever your Grindr/Scruff/Tinder hookup takes you.

_{Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD} 

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Sircuit in Collingwood. It is located on Smith Street, and has outdoor seating and two floors inside. 

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

Collingwood has lots of places to go: Sircuit, The Peel, and The 86 (a live Cabaret Bar). 

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

For an alternative gay bar or club, I would again recommend Sircuit and The 86.

_{Popular street art in Melbourne CBD} 

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

For me, I really like The Japanese Bath House, which is a traditional onsen. It is located on a side street of Collingwood, just a couple of blocks from Smith Street.

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill out?

Black Rock beach is beautiful, otherwise the Botanical Gardens, right by the CBD are stunning. 

_{Beach Huts, Brighton Beach}

Where can we get the best view of Melbourne?

For the best views of Melbourne, head to The Eureka Tower, Melbourne's tallest building. There's an observation deck on the top floor, giving you full views of the city. 

Thinking of visiting Melbourne? Check out more Local Tips and Travel Guide page for this great gay city!  

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