Pride Month Australia: Discover Gold Coast's Vibrant Scene
Home to endless stretches of sun-kissed sand, twinkling turquoise waters, and a cool cosmopolitan atmosphere, Australia's Gold Coast is the perfect destination for those seeking to celebrate Pride Month Australia in style.
This coastal haven comes alive during this time, transforming into an explosion of colour, sound and joy. As the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies gather to celebrate love, unity, and acceptance— it’s a time to paint the rainbow with a splash of Gold.
To help you make the most of this vibrant celebration, we have curated a guide to the best Pride Month Australian experiences and destinations on the Gold Coast. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, let this guide be your roadmap to an unforgettable Gold Coast Pride Month getaway.
What is Pride Month Australia?
Pride Month is a glittering, month-long celebration of love, freedom, diversity and acceptance that takes place every June across Australia. Each year, Pride Month honours the original trailblazers of the LGBTIQA+ community who fought for equal rights and acceptance at the 1969 Stonewall Uprising — all while celebrating and cementing the progress of equality and freedom for the next generation.
Whether you’re an ally of the community, or LGBTIQA+ yourself, Gold Coast Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to come together. Take part in the many parties, parades, and cultural events that span the region — guaranteed to leave you with cherished memories, new friendships, and a renewed sense of hope for a more inclusive world.
When is Pride Month celebrated in Australia?
As seen in many countries around the world, Pride Month in Australia is celebrated every June. This is to commemorate and honour those who stood up against police brutality and sought to change homophobic legal systems that restricted the rights and freedoms of the LGBTIQA+ community which occurred at the end of June in 1969.
June is the perfect time to celebrate Pride Month in Australia, with cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets — lending themselves to the perfect winter party atmosphere. With average highs and lows of 21°C and 11°C, and just 6 days of rain, the Gold Coast embraces the best of pride with mild weather and lots of fun.
Reasons to celebrate Pride Month in Australia's Gold Coast
The Gold Coast comes alive during Pride Month, offering a vibrant and captivating celebration of love, acceptance, and unity. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and indulgent offerings, this coastal paradise lets the LGBTIQA+ community and its allies gather to revel in an atmosphere of inclusivity and empowerment.
With an eclectic mix of exhilarating events, Pride Month on the Gold Coast embraces the dazzling harmony of diversity that makes this sun-kissed destination truly shine. Here are just a few reasons to celebrate Pride Month on the Gold Coast.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotels
When it comes to LGBTIQA+ friendly hotels, the Gold Coast spoils you for choice. With 313 elegantly comfortable guest rooms designed with the modern traveller in mind, Dorsett Gold Coast stands as a shining beacon of welcoming warmth amidst the idyllic coastal landscape. Boasting a contemporary design that exudes sophistication and charm, this LGBTQ+ friendly haven caters to discerning guests seeking an upscale retreat.
Nestled just a stone's throw from pristine beaches and endless entertainment, this upscale hotel offers guests a variety of amenities to enjoy at the nearby Star Grand — including a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a rejuvenating spa. Plus at Dorsett Gold Coast’s Isoletto Pool Club, you can dive into the stunning outdoor pool and enjoy incredible picturesque views.
With direct connectivity to The Star Gold Coast and access to over 18 world-class bars and restaurants, foodies staying at Dorsett Gold Coast will relish in the exquisite culinary offerings available. Discover the epitome of upscale hospitality at Dorsett Gold Coast, where love, vibrancy, and leisure unite in a symphony of memorable moments.
How to celebrate Pride Month Australia: Activities & Things To Do
As you embark on your journey to celebrate Pride Month in the Gold Coast, prepare to be immersed in a vibrant tapestry of activities and experiences designed to delight, inspire, and unite.
With an array of exciting things to do, your visit to this sun-soaked corner of Queensland will be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the best bars, shows and places to explore during your Gold Coast Pride visit.
Annual Gold Coast Pride Festival
On June 3rd 2023 at Macintosh Island Park, the Gold Coast will burst into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours as the city joyously hosts its third Gold Coast Pride Festival. Expect a jubilant atmosphere as drag queens and DJs light up the stage, while enticing street food and bustling market stalls create a carnival-like ambiance. Even the furry members of the family can join the festivities with a delightful doggy pageant.
Throughout the month, the city will be adorned with rainbows, signifying unity and love. Pride Fair Day promises a mesmerising experience with captivating live performances, delectable street food, and a bustling festival bar.
The parade along the beach will leave a trail of colour, and the pulsating dance floor will beckon you to let loose and celebrate. Inclusivity takes centre stage with events such as a clothes swap and a tennis tournament.
Pride Festival Glow Party
The pinnacle of the Gold Coast Pride Festival is the highly anticipated After Party, an unmissable event that guarantees a night to remember. This year, the festival proudly welcomes international headliner and celebrated DJ, Mark Dynamix.
Festival-goers can feast their eyes on spellbinding performances by Fallen Angel, fire twirlers, and GoGo dancers, ensuring an electrifying and visually enchanting experience.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the festival transforms into a luminous wonderland, where attendees are encouraged to don their glow-in-the-dark attire and become part of the breathtaking spectacle.
Immerse yourself in a dazzling display of lighting and lasers as the Gold Coast Pride Festival takes you on a captivating sensory journey, celebrating love, unity, and the magic of the night. The Glow Party takes place at Macintosh Island from 5 pm to 10 pm on Saturday 3rd June.
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub is a sparkling gem nestled within the heart of the Gold Coast, delivering a thrilling and tantalizing array of queer-focused events, parties, and performances. This vivacious venue embodies the true essence of glamour and excitement, offering an exhilarating experience for all who step through its doors.
Nightly cabaret and burlesque shows take centre stage, enchanting audiences with a dazzling fusion of exquisite costumes, mesmerising choreography, and bewitching charisma.
Each performance is meticulously rehearsed to ensure a night of unforgettable entertainment, providing the perfect backdrop for a remarkable evening with friends and loved ones, cocktails and cabaret.
DRAGALICIOUS @ The Avenue
Prepare to be whisked away into a dazzling world of glitz, glamour, and non-stop laughter with DRAGALICIOUS — the ultimate drag show experience in Surfers Paradise.
Hosted by the fabulous Bad Gal Tash and Dixie Wrecked, along with a seasoned cast of special guests, this unforgettable show promises an evening of captivating costume changes, cheeky comedy numbers, and high-energy performances.
Gather your friends, slip into your dancing shoes, and make your way to The Avenue Surfers Paradise every Thursday night for the ultimate drag extravaganza.
With doors opening at 7 PM and the show commencing at 8 PM, there's ample time to grab a drink, find the perfect spot, and immerse yourself in a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of drag culture. Don't miss the chance to experience the most spectacular night on the Gold Coast.
The Star Gold Coast
An iconic entertainment destination nestled in the heart of Broadbeach, The Star Gold Coast offers a wealth of exciting activities and experiences to enjoy. The Star boasts an impressive lineup of live performances, featuring world-class acts ranging from renowned musicians to side-splitting comedy shows and mesmerising productions.
The Star's penchant for indulgence extends to its dining scene, with a diverse array of gastronomic delights, from lavish buffets to exquisite fine dining establishments helmed by renowned chefs.
Indulge in a culinary journey that traverses the globe, with flavours inspired by Asian, Italian, and contemporary Australian cuisine. The bars and lounges scattered throughout the complex provide the perfect setting for a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap, with expert mixologists crafting creative concoctions to tantalise the taste buds.
Unwind and rejuvenate at the on-site day spa, offering a range of treatments designed to soothe the body and mind, or take a refreshing dip at Isoletto Pool Club, where you can lounge in the sun and sip on a cocktail while you work on your tan.
With deluxe accommodation and an array of modern leisure facilities, The Star Gold Coast truly offers a dazzling experience for all to enjoy.
LGBTIQA+ Safety Tips During Pride Month Celebrations
As a general rule, the Gold Coast is considered extremely safe for the LGBTIQA+ community and welcomes people from all walks of life with open arms. Of course, it's always a good idea to take a few simple steps to keep yourself safe, no matter where in the world you travel.
To help you enjoy the most of your time here, here are a few general tips to help ensure a fun and secure experience:
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Travel in groups: Whenever possible, attend events and explore the festivities with friends or a group. There's safety in numbers, and it's always so much more enjoyable to share the experience with others.
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Stay aware of your surroundings: Be vigilant and mindful of your environment, keeping an eye out for any potential safety concerns or suspicious behaviour.
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Keep your belongings secure: Carry only essential items and keep them close to you. Consider using a money belt, a secure bag, or an inside pocket to store your belongings.
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Know your limits: Whether consuming alcohol or participating in activities, be aware of your personal limits and make responsible choices.
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Be respectful of others: Pride Month is a time to honour diversity and promote acceptance. Treat fellow attendees with kindness and respect, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
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Book accommodation in a central location that is near to the heart of the festivities. Choose a hotel known for being LGTBQI+ friendly. If you’re not sure where to go during your stay, the concierge or reception will be able to give you a few top local tips.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Pride Month on the Gold Coast. Reserve your stay at Dorsett Gold Coast, where indulgence, inclusivity, and celebration unite to create unforgettable memories.