Grab Your Glitter, We’ve Rounded Up The Most Iconic Drag Venues Around Australia
Mates, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert isn’t one of the most famous Australian movies for nothing. Australia doesn’t just do drag, Australia makes it iconic.
We’ve asked around and those in the know can all decide on the same locations that take the Drag cake — some of them are small and intimate, others large and in charge, but all of them loud, proud and absolutely fabulous.
New South Wales
#1 The Palace, Broken Hill
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I mean, I already talked about Priscilla, so obviously The Palace (aka, the iconic bar in Broken Hill from the movie) was going on top of my list. Drag is a regular occurrence here, and they even have The Broken Heel Festival every September to celebrate Priscilla‘s birthday.
#2 The Imperial, Sydney
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This vibrant Erskinville pub and bar is a favourite for equally unforgettable drag and cabaret shows. Like the Drag N Dine every Friday and Saturday, and Honcho Disko with performances and beats once a month.
#3 The Bearded Tit, Sydney
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This club is one of the most creative spaces you’ll find in Sydney, and that especially goes for drag shows. There’s an ever-changing program of performances, art installations and more.
#4 Stonewall, Sydney
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This famous gay club where I spent most of my early 20s dancing in, on and around cages is also one of the most iconic drag venues in Sydney. Located on the famous Oxford Street, they’re open every night of the week and there’s always something going on.
Queensland
#5 The Avenue, Gold Coast
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The Avenue in Surfer’s Paradise has a long-standing drag tradition, and now every Thursday night at The Avenue (starting from July 1) is Dragalicious. Bad Gal Tash and Dixie Wrecked will be your weekly hosts, with a special guest each week.
#6 Sportsman Hotel, Brisbane
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Proudly gay owned and operated for 30 years, Sportsman Hotel (affectionately known as Sporties) is your number one in Brisbane for a little glitter and drag.
Northern Territory
#7 Throb, Darwin
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Every Friday and Saturday at the stroke of midnight, the Queens take over Darwin’s only gay club for a night of amazing performances and incredible fun.
#8 FABalice Festival, Alice Springs
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Ok so it’s not a club, but it’s an epic pride festival in the middle of the Red Centre that happens every March. Read all about it here.
Victoria
#9 The 86 Caberet Bar, Melbourne
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Every Friday and Thursday night The 86 comes alive with (free) drag shows — Fellas In Frocks and The Shimmy Show.
#10 Vau d’vile Drag Cabaret, Melbourne
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If you want to turn your drag up to 11, you can book in every Friday and Saturday nights for dinner and a drag show at Vau d’vile — not to mention drag bingo nights on Thursdays.
#11 DTs Hotel, Melbourne
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Located in Richmond, this premiere gay joint has epic drag shows on Saturday nights, with plenty of other events during the week.
#12 Mollie’s Bar And Diner, Melbourne
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Drag bingo, drag trivia, drag shows — this Fitzroy bar does it all and makes it an absolute riot. Just make sure you book your place before you go.
#13 Pride of Footscray, Melbourne
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This community bar is famous for its live shows — not just Drag Queens, but especially Drag Queens. Check out drag bingo, live music, comedy and drag shows.
Western Australia
#14 Connections Nightclub, Perth
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Self-described as the site of “Perth’s most divine divas and poptastic performances”, Connections gay club has Drag Queens, DJs and one hell of a good timed lined up for you.
#15 The Court, Perth
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Every Wednesday night, The Court in Northbridge turns into Drag Factory — a night of ongoing Drag Queen competition where they win real money and you get to enjoy the ride.
South Australia
#16 Mary’s Poppin, Adelaide
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Get ready for a thriving dance floor, the hits of Britney, Kylie and Donna Summers and some of the most creative drag shows around at this gay bar. Disney in drag, anyone?
#17 Ancient World, Adelaide
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On the other end of the drag spectrum, this gritty, grungy and quite an experimental club is tucked away down a dark alley, but inside it’s pumping and known for hosting fab drag shows as well as musicians and punk shows. Seriously, it’s known for getting a little wild.
(Lead image: Destination NSW)
