Perth

Australia’s fourth-largest city, Perth is located in the southwest between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Range. It’s as far as you can get from the main gay cities of Sydney and Melbourne, but Perth has a thriving community of its own. Perth Pride, which has been going strong for more than two decades, takes place every October. Many gays also take part in the February/March Perth International Arts Festival with five weeks of film, theater, dance, writers, visual arts and more. Bears Perth have regular events too.

Perth is no rural outpost. The skyscrapers of its Central Business District are certainly impressive. It’s older buildings, some of the country’s most venerable, are equally as eye-catching. This is a foodie haven, especially for lovers of seafood. It’s also a magnet for those who love the outdoors, as the beaches are beautiful and the national parks incredibly varied.

Getting here

Perth Airport is the region’s principal gateway. It has many national as well as international flights. Unless you’re renting a car, there are taxis and shuttles to make your way downtown. Passengers arriving at the international terminal can take the Connect Shuttle to either the City Central or Fremantle stations - for $33 per single (cheaper in groups). The city bus number 37 operates daily too, but only between the domestic terminals (T2 & T3), and Kings Park - at a much lower cost of $4 or less.

Getting around

Since you’ll want to get to the nearby beaches and parks, a car is a good idea. But for getting around the inner city there are three routes of CAT buses, with no charge within the Free Transit Zone. To travel outside the zone, buy a ticket from the driver or a SmartRider card at Perth Railway Station, Wellington Street. Transperth has a site with information on all the buses, trains and ferries you might need.

Neighborhoods

Many of the gay venues are located in Mount Lawley and Northbridge.

Currency and Money

The local currency is the Australian dollar. You shouldn’t have trouble finding ATMs in most urban areas.

Local Media

DNA is the national glossy magazine with some very impressive photography. Out in Perth is the city’s rainbow-colored gay rag. Check it out for local events.

Show Me Perth is a good general public information online source for events, dining options, and tourist attractions.

Lodgings

Abaca Palms (34 Whatley Crescent), gay guys' guesthouse for gay guys, free airport shuttle, generous breakfasts, subtropical garden, hot tub.

Pension of Perth (3 Throssell St), French provincial decor rooms, Federation tuck-pointed home building circa 1897, overlooking Hyde Park, breakfast on the veranda.

Going out

C Restaurant (44 St Georges Terrace), bar & restaurant, 33rd floor city vistas, classic and modern cuisine, breakfast, lunch, dinner and high tea.

Club West at Italian Club (219 Fitzgerald St), twice-annual drag show performances, entertainment, showcasing the diversity of community talent.

Connections (81 James St), big night out club, dancing, drag shows, Mr Leather contest, go-gos, guest porn stars, kink nights.

Court Hotel (50 Beaufort St), large gay club, food, drinks, weekend parties, outdoor patios, show nights.

His Majestys Theatre (825 Hay St), cafe and cabaret, last Edwardian theatre in Western Australia,  Ballet & Opera performances.

Honey Lounge (663 Newcastle St), gay-friendly club, Hip-Hop/Funk, Deep House nights, women's Thursdays, drag shows.

Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar  (Barrack Street Jetty), waterside bar and restaurant, lunch, dinner, sports on big screens, DJs and live bands.

Perth Steam Works (369 William St), bathhouse for men, 6-man spa pool, dry sauna & steam room, dark cruising area, regular & fetish cabins.

Queens Hotel Bar & Bistro (520 Beaufort St), food and beer, breakfast through dinner, convivial crowd and staff.

Star Anise (225 Onslow Rd), innovative modern Australian cuisine, South East Asian influences, wine list.

Madesco Escorts luxury male and executive escort service, has models, VIP and high-class escorts available in most large Australian cities, including Perth.

For locations, phones and websites of the above businesses see our map & listings tab.