Queer NYE Parties in Melbourne

By Beau
Beau is the founder of Apollo Social. He recently relocated to Melbourne with his husband and has begun a love affair with the city.
Still not sure where to ring in the new year? Read on to find out what the major queer venues and event organisers have planned this New Year's.

There are plenty of queer options across the city so you’re bound to find something to suit the vibe you’re looking for. From camp drag shows, to sexy GoGo boys to DJ sets and all night dancing, and of course, a sneaky new year’s kiss on the stroke of midnight. Read on to find out what the queer kids are doing this NYE.

Mollies and Sircuit are teaming up for a massive queer NYE party spread over two levels. Expect shows from your favourite queens Amena Jay, Daytona, Harry, Jacob, Justin Teliqure, Leasa Mann, Sara Tonin and Tequila Mockingbird. DJ sets from DJ Argonaut and DJ David Virgona. Both venues are open until 3 am with the Sircuit street bar open until 11 pm.
103-105 Smith St, Fitzroy, Sat 31 Dec 8pm-3am, $10-20+bf
Poof Doof have brought in heavyweight DJ Spen for a NYE celebration with everything we’ve come to expect from these party pros - great DJ sets, entertainment, lasers and shows. Catch the midnight countdown plus shows by Bathsheba and Fembot XYZ and tunes by DJs Spen, ACraig, DuJour, Jason Conti and Jesse Boyd.
386 Chapel Street, South Yarra, 10pm - 6:30 am tickets $30+bf
Join DTs for a camp NYE party featuring drag shows by beloved resident queens. Doors open at 6 pm with extended trading hours until 3 am. Three huge camp shows starting at 10 pm from Sondra, Nova China & Suzie Ridge. Early Bird tickets are still available.
164 Church St, Richmond, Sat 31 Dec 6pm-3am, $5-20
Time to bust out those neon leotards you’ve been hanging onto because Pride of our Footscray is throwing an 80s Workout Party. Get physical with all the other 80s kids with drag shows and tunes by DJ Travis and DJ Adrian. Champagne on arrival, fun photo booth, prizes for best 80s hair.
Level 1, 86-88 Hopkins Street, Footscray, Sat 31 Dec 8pm-3am, $19+bf
Like several of the big party organisers, Thick 'n' Juicy has skipped NYE and gone for a New Year's Day bash instead. Catch all the beefy action with entertainment including performances, lasers, visuals and GoGo dancers. Tunes by DJs Argonaut, Peter Apostle and Jason Conti.
The Colonial Hotel, 585 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Sun 1 Jan 4pm-1am, $44-$77+bf
Not to be outdone, Rock City have lined up not one but two New Year's parties - both on January 1. The first option is Good Vibes, a beach party at Albion Rooftop in South Melbourne. Option 2 is a nighttime party at TRAK nightclub in Toorak. Let's Get Physical features the fabulous Kitty Glitter. All 4 levels will be open for you to explore. The third option is do it all - they even have discount tickets if you buy both together.
The Albion Hotel, 172 York Street, South Melbourne, Sun 1-Jan 12pm, $40-$59+bf. TRAK Nightclub, 445 Toorak Rd, Toorak, Sun 1-Jan 8:30pm, $40-$59+bf
Evie's is throwing a Dexy Disco to see in the new year with tunes by Mono Mondo DJs and drinks specials all night. Entry is free but bookings are recommended to avoid spending NYE in a lineup.
230-232 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Sat 31 Dec, 7pm-3am, Free
BARBA are taking over Top Lane for a massive NYD party with their sexy and creative vibe. BARBA events are sex-positive and body-positive so you're free to enjoy the vibe with your sexy club-kid lewks.
Top Lane, Geddes Ln, Melbourne, Sun 1-Jan 10pm-7am, $23-$85+bf
CLOSET have also gone for a new year's day party and are taking over all levels of the Gaso in Collingwood for a massive 11 hour open-air, day-to-night party.
The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Sun 1 Jan 2pm-3am, $45-$65+bf
See in the new year with the boys at The Laird's men-only event Love Gun featuring Papa Tom and Grant Cook. Lighting by Fussell. Countdown at midnight.
149 Gipps St, Abbotsford, Sat 31 Dec 9pm-3am, Free