Welcome to the Bear World Guide to Queensland [QLD]

21st July 2025 Luka Musicki

There are a lot of things that you can do and see while you are visiting Queensland. There are three major cities in Queensland: Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Townsville. We’re passionate about supporting and promoting queer businesses in your local areas. Whether you live there or are just visiting, check out our guide to queer-owned or queer-friendly businesses in and around Queensland. Check them out, head to their websites, and follow their social media. To get listed here, contact us at bwmguides@grayjonesmedia.com.

Bear Kindred Group

Brisbears

Brisbears is a social club promoting a brotherhood of gay men who openly challenge the stereotypical image of the male ideal.

Brisbears started in 1993, in Brisbane, Queensland and currently holds around 250 members from all over the state, Australia, and the rest of the world. They come from all walks of life, and it is their compassionate, relaxed and non-judgmental attitude towards one another that represents the true hallmark of the bear community.

Each month, they gather together for friendly times, and to celebrate their common interests. They can be found at the Stones Corner Hotel on the first Sunday of each month and at the Sportsman Hotel, Spring Hill, on the third Saturday of each month.

The Brisbears have the Northern Exposure event, which is a Brisbane Bear week-long event, held on the 3rd week of October every year.

Website: https://www.brisbears.org.au/

Website: https://brisbears.tidyhq.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brisbears

Email: secretary@brisbears.org.au

Outdoor Activities/Camping:

Queensland Camping Bears (QCB)

Founded in September 2020, with over 2000 active members across South East Queensland/Northern NSW, QLD Camping Bears is an LGBTQIA+ Outdoor Community Social Group that welcomes all. The Queensland Camping Bears hold camping trips six times a year, every 2 months, i.e. January, March, May, July, September and November.

In terms of location, it is across South East Queensland/Northern NSW – changes each trip. It is usually no more than 3-4 hours from Brisbane, given 60% of the membership base is Brisbane-based, with the rest spreading across South East QLD into Northern NSW.

*Note: a special thank you to Todd Jeffrey Hammond for his help with the QLD guide!

Website: https://qldcampingbears.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091275233264

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qldcampingbears

Email: qldcampingbears@gmail.com Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/qldcampingbears

Saunas:

Wet (Spa and Sauna)

Gay sauna located at 22 Jeays Street, Bowen Hills, Queensland, 4008.

Website: https://wet.com.au/

Bars and Pubs:

Sportsman Hotel (Sporties)

Affectionately known as the Sporties, we are proudly Brisbane’s Home of Drag! They have been serving the community since 1989. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30am until late.

Website: https://www.sportsmanhotel.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportiesBNE

Stones Corner Hotel

Brunswick Hotel (including B.A.G.S)

The Brunswick Hotel hosts B.A.G.S. B.A.G.S is a supportive, welcoming Facebook Group who meet every 2nd Saturday of the month for dinner @ The Brunswick Hotel during the Summer months, while meeting for lunch @ The Brunswick Hotel from May during the Winter months. B.A.G.S also organises group bookings for lunch in the city, theatre, cruises and travel to local and international destinations and events.

Address: Brunswick Hotel is located at 569 Brunswick Street, Corner Kent Street New Farm Queensland 4005.

Website: thebrunny.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brunswickhotelrockhampton

Come to Daddy

Come To Daddy is a new inclusive cocktail bar, kitchen and entertainment space located in the West End. Open Wed-Fri (4 pm to 10 pm), Sat (2 pm to 10 pm), and Sun (2 pm to 8 pm)

Website: https://cometodaddy.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComeToDaddyBrisbane

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cometodaddy_brisbane/?hl=en

The Wickham

Location: 308 Wickham Street, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWickham

Email: vm.thewickham@ausvenueco.com.au

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/thewickham

The Beat Megaclub

Location: 677 Ann St Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beatmegaclub.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatmegaclubau

Website: beatmegaclub.com.au
Email: manager@beatmegaclub.com.au

Travel Agency

Visit Gay Australia – GALTA

GALTA is a National non-for-profit Association of GLBTQ+ businesses that are primarily involved in tourism, travel and hospitality. It has a wide member base and has been well established in Australia for over 25 years. It is Australia’s leading GLBTQ +Tourism body. Its principal aims are to promote GLBTQ+ tourism both to and within Australia.

Website: visitgayaustralia.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVisitGayAustralia

Postal: PO Box 1568, Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia
Email: admin@galta.com.au

Turtle Cove