Gay and Lesbian-friendly Places in Darwin and Alice Springs

LGBT in Alice Springs

With Alice Springs recognized as the Lesbian Capital of Australia and a thriving gay scene in Darwin, gay people are finding that there is much to offer in the ‘Top End’, from the rugged and scenic natural beauty, Indigenous art and culture, and the welcoming openness of the many locals. Unlike major metropolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne, there are no designated gay bars in Alice Springs.

Chateau Hornsby Winery

No visit would be complete without stopping by Chateau Hornsby Winery, the Northern Territory’s first and only winery and vineyard.  Stick around for a bite at the winery restaurant or for something truly different try a bush barbecue under the stars using a camp oven kitchen.

LGBT in Darwin

Darwin has a fairly active gay and lesbian community, and while attitudes tend to be a little more conservative than in east-coast Australian capitals, few travellers encounter any problems. 

Darwin Pride Festival

Darwin’s very own Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Festival! The annual Darwin Pride Festival aims to host an ever-increasing range of events and activities that reflect the diversity of the GLBTQ community. The Darwin Pride Festival aims to promote equality and diversity through a range of week-long events and activities that create a cultural celebration and awareness of the GLBTQ community in Darwin and the surrounding regions.

THROB Nightclub

The gayest place in town. THROB Nightclub is the only gay venue in Darwin and a popular hangout for the local LGBT community. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, the club features talented performers and drag divas. Throb Nightclub and the gay-friendly venues are located in the area on and around Mitchell, Smith and Knucky Streets in downtown Darwin City, the city’s busiest commercial strip.

The Cav

Located at 12 Cavenagh St, gay-popular restaurant, cafe, bar and bottleshop; breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks, wines. The Gay Men’s Pride group gathers here for Thursday Drinks at 5 pm and for brunch at 10:30 am on first Sundays of the month. Also, there are full ensuite motel rooms and a pool.

Deck Bar

Located at 22 Mitchell St, restaurant and bar, cocktails, 80+ beers, brunch, large outdoor patio space/ beer garden, Asian-style tapas, lunch/dinner; the mixed gay-friendly crowd, open day and night every day.