Perth sits right at the western end of Australia and might just be one of the most remote cities ever. However, don’t let the ‘isolation’ fool you. Underneath a near-permanent blue sky, the Western Australian city brimmed with exceptional cuisine, utopian beaches, and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Perth also happens to be one of the most gay friendly cities in Australia, with not one but two designated gayborhoods. We were surprised by the number of options for gay accommodation in Perth, Australia. So, it’s no surprise that LGBTQ travelers have been thronging here with renewed vigor.
We found the gay nightlife in Perth to be mostly centered around the trendy, gay neighborhoods of Bayswater and Maylands, dubbed Gayswater and Gaylands! However, we found even the neighborhood of Northbridge to be an amazing rainbow one with some of the city’s best gay bars. Nevertheless, we felt the warm and welcoming vibes permeating throughout the city’s fabric, what the city celebrating a host of LGBTQ festivals. These include Western Australia Pride, Bears Perth, and even the Perth International Queer Film Festival.
But we were also interested in exploring the city and its surrounding region, which is one of the country’s most gorgeous. In fact, just south of Perth sits the island of Rottnest, one of the most beautiful islands in Australia. What’s more, we had a blast cycling around Perth, as it’s also one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities. We had a blast exploring Perth, gay and otherwise, and we’ve rounded up a handy guide for you too.
Table of contents
Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza
11
Best apart-hotel. We couldn’t be closer to the gay scene in Perth than at Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza. Staying at this apartment-style hotel also put us close to some of the best gay bars in town, as well as within a stone’s throw of the best shopping and sights.
Despite being an apart-hotel, this place did have quite a good number of facilities. Besides a 24-hour reception, a petite heated outdoor pool was open till quite late. So, we could even enjoy a swim and lounge late in the evening. Even though there was no restaurant, we had a delicious breakfast sourced from a nice restaurant down the street. Moreover, we could even order room service from the place next door.
When it comes to modern digs, we could choose between studios and two-bedroom apartments. What’s more, they were impressively stocked with everything we could need during our stay. In fact, the studios, small as they were, also had kitchenettes. Above all, all units feature floor-to-ceiling glass balconies with phenomenal views, which we were impressed with.
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Alex Hotel
10
Best location. Staying at the Alex Hotel put us smack dab in the heart of Northridge’s gay village, and we couldn’t have been happier. This boutique haven was one of the best-located and sexiest gay hotels in Perth and was bursting with hipster verve.
The founder of Australia’s most successful craft brewery also owns the hotel, and it was evident from the bespoke style all over the place. The focus here was public spaces meant for socializing and hanging out. For instance, the decor of the swoon-worthy lounge oozed a Vogue-meets-bohemian vibe. We loved that it was stacked with edgy magazines, quirky sculptures, record players, velvet loveseats, and more. The standout was the rooftop, where we swigged drinks with new friends and soak in the fantastic city views. Besides free Wi-Fi, the hotel even had a posse of free-to-use retro bikes. We borrowed them to get out and explore the neighborhood. Our days began with great in-house breakfasts and ended in the restaurant across the street that was attached to the hotel. The best bit? We enjoyed a luxuriously late checkout of 12 p.m.
Since this hotel isn’t about the rooms, you won’t find room service or minibars. However, they were impressive to boot, with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and cheeky glass showers that face the world outside! Bespoke, plush beds, Turkish cotton towels, and comfy pillows completed the dream-like accommodations.
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QT Perth
9
Moody and dark in all the right ways, the QT Perth was sensuous to its very core. This sexy LGBTQ-friendly accommodation sits right down from the posse of Northbridge’s gay bars. Plus, it’s close to Elizabeth Quay, too, with all of Perth’s best entertainment, drinking, dining, and sightseeing right out the front door.
A shade of jet black dominated the design of this high-rise hotel, complete with a cinematic glam-meets-art deco vibe. We saw accents in sexy shades like gold, deep purple, crimson, and emerald green everywhere. As we stepped into the lobby lounge, the glass cabinet filled with bric-a-brac, statement upholstery, and the smell of fresh, strong coffee caught our attention. Since it’s a city center hotel, amenities like a pool and spa were missing. However, we felt no need to complain as there’s a well-equipped gym and a restaurant amongst the city’s best dining places. It’s also where we’d enjoy a superb breakfast of local bread, cheeses, and pastries, paired with generous scrambled eggs. However, our favorite was the atmospheric and buzzing rooftop bar, which is the mother of all social spaces around.
If you’re traveling with your partner, then the rooms are designed just for you. The huge windows, comfy beds, bubblegum-pink minibars, and black marble bathrooms certainly set the tone for our romantic holiday. Both the double showers and egg-shaped tubs were roomy enough for two. What’s more, the low lighting, velvet headboard, and sleek bedside lamps only heightened the mood. The best rooms are the higher-up, south-facing ones which had views of the city center and the river.
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COMO The Treasury
8
Most luxurious. We were looking for five-star gay hotels in Perth, Australia, when we stumbled upon COMO The Treasury – and we never looked back. This elegant haven sits in restored 1890s state buildings of Western Australia literally in Perth’s geographical center. In fact, the area is known as ‘point zero,’ which is from where all road distances in Western Australia are measured! Since we were looking for luxury, history, and character, we knew we’d come to the right place.
As a result, the interiors at the hotel are minimalist, refined, understated, and elegant to boot. We were mesmerized by the statement artwork and orb lighting feature throughout and by the huge windows and high ceilings. Besides a 24-hour room service and concierge, the hotel even had a nightly turndown service. However, it’s the amenities that truly impressed us. For instance, a massage and a body treatment at the Shambhala spa was an out-of-the-world experience, even more so as it’s one of the very few city center spas. Besides a fitness center, the other highlight here is the indoor infinity-edge lap pool, which was the perfect place to lounge, complete with rooftop views. Our days began with a culinary spread for breakfast, which included the COMO group’s organic Shambhala cuisine. Evenings were spent at the lounge bar sipping cocktails before heading out to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Since the hotel sits in a 19th-century heritage building, none of the 48 rooms were the same, despite all being spacious. Splendid minibars and plush Egyptian cotton beds aside, we loved the massive bathrooms with freestanding tubs. The glassed-in showers were equally decadent, with enough space to fit two people!
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Billabong Backpackers Resort
7
Best value-for-money. Billabong Backpackers Resort happens to be the best LGBTQ-friendly hostel in Perth, Australia. We wouldn’t have imagined seeing ‘resort’ and ‘backpacker’ in the same sentence, but Billabong offered resort-style facilities at budget-friendly backpacker prices.
This was the best place to stay for us social butterflies and party animals, given the huge roster of communal activities for mingling. Firstly, it had a volleyball court and a fabulous outdoor pool, which we’ve rarely seen in hostels. The pool was especially great for lounging and even meet-cutes! Moreover, 5 USD dinners and free breakfasts go to show just how budget-friendly the place was. What’s more, the hostel’s even launched a ‘Social Kitchen’ program that brings people together over healthy, fresh food. It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers and strike up lifelong relationships. An onsite library, a communal lounge area with a TV, and a shared kitchen completed the facilities at this fabulous hostel.
Coming to the accommodations, we had the choice of female-only/mixed dorms and private rooms. Besides immaculate shared or private bathrooms, all rooms even came with balconies! Since it lies on the fringes of Northbridge, the gay scene wasn’t far away either. It’s no wonder that this is considered one of the best gay-friendly places to stay in Perth.
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Tribe Perth
6
While on the lookout for a non-boring, offbeat stay in Perth, we came across the Tribe and were immediately hooked. This hip, ultra-modern gay accommodation in Perth is close to its attractions, within a 10-15-minute drive. That’s how we were able to indulge in this very interesting Art, History, and Culture 3-Hour Walking Tour of Perth.
There’s nothing about this hotel that we weren’t impressed by. Firstly, the entire structure is made up of 126 prefab rooms stacked in the form of an eight-storied Lego-like structure. On the inside, the slick hotel boasted characterful yet daring interiors with statement furniture, a houndstooth frontage on the bar, and white neon lights. What’s more, the hotel had a ‘pay only for what you use’ approach, with minimalist, pared-back facilities. The focus was on the social communal spaces, which include the lounge lobby and a standout library with an enviable collection. Calling all bibliophiles! This unconventional system extended to the bar-style restaurant that had a grab-and-go option. However, breakfast was one hearty affair with paleo muesli, muffins, croissants, eggs, strawberries, blueberries, and what-not. One of the most fun things we did here was borrow the free retro bikes and explore the neighborhood.
“We were excited to stay at Tribe, and the hotel didn’t disappoint! Everything from the stay to the food, every part of our stay was superb!”
WOW Travel
All three room categories were done up in white, grey, and black and are chic with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush beds. Since it’s a hip hotel, there were tech-savvy mod-cons with free on-demand movies. Plus, the bathrooms were modern and stocked with high-end products.
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The Melbourne Hotel
5
Best heritage. There’s no building more iconic in Perth than The Melbourne Hotel, which also happened to be a great LGBTQ-friendly place to stay. The heritage hotel sits right in the city center, a block from the gay Northbridge nightlife as well as Elizabeth Quay. So, we couldn’t have found a better stay for exploring the top things to do in Perth.
Classic arches and latticework dotted the facade of this 120-year-old structure, with a design-meets-boutique aesthetic on the inside. Our eyes popped at the gilded accents and vibrant hues that contrasted brilliantly with the distressed walls. The glamor began right from the hotel lobby, where we could smell the aroma of green tea. It extended right to the chic and welcoming shiny British-style pub. Besides that, the hotel had four more dining and beverage options, including a rooftop bar for all libations. Like most city center hotels, this one is also missing a pool and spa. However, we were impressed by the free-use handy smartphones, complete with free calls, free internet, and even a local guide! What’s more, we could actually take them everywhere, and not use them just in the hotel. Another highlight is a 24-hour fitness center with exercise equipment and streaming Netflix.
Even though all 73 rooms were different, we’d recommend the raw heritage rooms that feature the walls of the original structure. Moreover, all rooms had mod-cons and bespoke toiletries in the bathrooms. That said, the upper-floor ones enjoyed excellent city views.
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Four Points by Sheraton Perth
4
Best chain hotel. Chain hotels provide us with familiar comfort, which is why we chose the Four Points by Sheraton. This hotel combined style and a good location with a great, wallet-friendly price. Plus, it was a 10-15-minute walk to both the gay nightlife in Northbridge and the waterfront Elizabeth Quay with many of Perth’s major attractions.
Despite sitting in an older brick property, the hotel emanated a groovy vibe thanks to a recent makeover. This makeover has resulted in street-style wall murals, a lively bar restaurant, and an elegant marble ground-floor lounge. The square drapes of vintage postage stamps, sienna, and olive walls made for a bohemian, playful vibe. A basic but sumptuous breakfast aside, the restaurant is also popular for lunches and dinners. The staff was unfailingly efficient and helpful, and the checkout was a comfortable 11 a.m. one. Besides a small gym, the rooms had a very helpful ‘to-do’ guide.
Rooms, albeit basic, were very comfortable with huge flatscreen TVs, lots of pillows on the plush beds, and immaculate bathrooms. If you’re in northern side rooms, take advantage of the views and block out the night’s neon hues with blackout curtains.
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Hay Street Traveller’s Inn
3
If you’re on a tight budget, look no further than the Hay Street Traveller’s Inn. This wonderful hostel-guesthouse sits within strolling distance of Perth’s best attractions, along with the free inner-city bus service right out the door. Coming to the hostel, this inn is one of the few budget-friendly places in Perth to have its own sunbathing terrace and swimming pool too! We’d love lounging on the terrace after a swim, especially on days when we weren’t exploring the city. What’s more, this classic Aussie youth hostel also had a guest lounge with cable TV for mingling with people. Plus, thanks to the 24-hour check-in, we were able to get to the hostel at our convenience.
The digs, albeit simple, were comfortable and certainly did the job. Moreover, they were a mix of male and female dorms as well as private rooms, some of which came with their own ensuite.
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Crown Towers
2
If you want a Perth stay where you don’t have to lift a finger, then the Crown Towers is the place for you. This luxurious gay hotel in Perth sits in a sprawling complex on the other side of the gushing Swan River. In fact, the entire place is like its very own island, complete with a dazzling casino and exceptional views of Perth’s skyline. Add to that palm-edged pools, boutique stores, and restaurants galore, and we were in our own world-within-a-world in the city’s heart. What’s more, it was a mere 10-15-minute drive to the city center.
Big, bold, lavish – the jewel that is the Crown is grand to its last tile. Case in point – the 12-mile-long ball chain chandeliers were the only thing that caught our eye as we entered. What’s more, the plush fabrics, textured stone surfaces, and travertine floors screamed sophistication. A signature scent was in the air, and even the flashy casino was tucked away behind a long, boutique-lined hallway. So, it was no surprise that the hotel’s facilities were top-notch too. Our favorite thing to do was to lounge by the heated outdoor lagoon pool fringed with cabanas and palms. We also headed to the Romanesque spa for some thorough pampering. Aside from the fitness center, the place has five restaurants and lounges, and its breakfast buffet spread is considered the best in Perth!
Each of the 500 rooms was as opulent as they were spacious, with white marble bathrooms, plush fabrics, and a bevy of mod-cons. We chose the rooms on the northern side, which had views of the river and Perth’s scintillating skyline. The best part? The scoop baths are so long that they fit two people. Sexy, eh?
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Spinner’s Backpackers Perth
1
Do you want to stay in a wallet- and super-gay-friendly stay in Perth, Australia’s gay village? Then Spinner’s Backpackers Perth is the place for you. We had a ton of fun staying at this family-owned business, which boasted a friendly and social vibe without being a party hostel.
Besides the excellent city center location and relaxed atmosphere, there was a lot to love about this hostel. For one, the common areas include a kitchen, a lounge with Netflix, and a lovely garden courtyard with a barbeque. In fact, the lush courtyard was an excellent place to mingle with other travelers. We also loved the presence of the laundry room and pool table. Are you a digital nomad? Just like us, you’ll appreciate the super-fast Wi-Fi available throughout the hostel. But, their best feature was that the free inner-city bus service was just three minutes from the place, taking us to any tourist attraction we wanted to go to.
We had the choice of private rooms and dorms, with all rooms equipped with ACs, huge lockers, and personal charging stations. Even the bathrooms, which were shared, were immaculate and featured in-built hairdryers – bonus points for that.
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Our Verdict!
All of Perth’s gay-friendly accommodations and hotel options delightfully surprised us. That said, we’ve curated a specialized list of the best of the best based on their specific bestselling features.
- Best apart-hotel: Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza
- Best location: Alex Hotel
- Most luxurious: COMO The Treasury
- Best value-for-money: Billabong Backpackers Resort
- Best heritage: The Melbourne Hotel
- Best chain hotel: Four Points By Sheraton Perth
Just So You Know:
- Like the rest of Australia, discrimination on the basis of gender expression or identity, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited in Perth.
- Perth’s North Swanbourne Beach, which lies 20 minutes from CBD, has clear water, cute guys, and 3 km (1.8 mi) of sanctioned ‘clothing-optional’ sand.
- Warnbro Beach is the other popular and quieter gay beach in the city. Besides a cruisy sand dune system, it has smaller waves and lots of secluded bays for relaxation.
Get Some Culture in Perth:
- PrideFEST: This is Perth’s and Western Australia’s biggest annual LGBTQ celebration. Its flagship event is the Perth Pride Parade, which brings thousands to the streets in a rainbow of happiness, celebrations, and color. This vibrant celebration of inclusion, diversity, and love includes everything from culture and arts to lots of club nights.
- Bears Perth – Bears, otters, and their admirers are all welcome at these events, which take place every month. It also includes the popular Bears Beer O’Clock Sundowner Den Night, which takes place twice every month.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Perth:
- The Court Hotel – This hotel has three dance floors, a pizzeria, private cabanas, and six bars, and is one of Perth’s ultimate gay venues. Plus, it’s also one of the most popular gay hotels in Perth.
- Connections Nightclub – This modern, energetic LGBT nightclub is the longest surviving one in not just Australia but the entire southern hemisphere! It’s been around in Northbridge since 1975 and is all about fabulous drag queen shows, epic DJs, and a chilled rooftop terrace that we loved.
Best Gay Saunas in Perth:
- Perth Steam Works – This is Perth’s only gay male sauna and features a video lounge, private rooms, and even a dry sauna and a heated spa. What’s more, there’s even a kinky BDSM room with a sling.
