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Bear Essentials Sydney 2026

Name: Bear Essentials Sydney
Start: 2026
End: 2026

Bear Essentials brings together the best of local bear culture and offers it to the world in one of the best cities in the world, Sydney.

Event Dates
From: Sunday, February 15, 2026
To: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Key Highlights
- Sydney Harbour tour
- Bondi Beach outings
- bingo, ten-pin bowling
- trivia and video game nights
- Friday night bears
- Sunday Bears
- Underbear
- Wet Furs pool party.
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Bear Essentials Sydney fills hotels up fast
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Bear Essentials Sydney 2026

Bear Essentials brings together the best of local bear culture and offers it to the world in one of the best cities in the world, Sydney.

Visiting for Bear Essentials? Darlinghurst is the focal point of Mardi Gras celebrations, and home to some of Australia’s longest-running and best-known LGBTQI bars. Stay at The 292 Apartments, offering spacious suites with a wide range or amenities and rates Superb by guests.

The Event

Next Edition: Sunday 15th February 2026 – Sunday 1st March 2026.

Bear Essentials is Australia’s most renowned bear festivals, organised by Harbour City Bears, and held during Sydney Mardi Gras.

Events typically include a bear picnic, the Wet Furr pool party, the Underbear Night, city tours and trips to Sydney’s gay nude beach.

Bear Essentials kicks off at Fair Day in Victoria Park. Join the Harbour bears for a fun day in the sun.

Other highlights include the Bare Beach Day at Obelisk Beach, Sydney’s gay beach where you will find many a bear with nothing but a bottle of water and suntan lotion.

Discover the best places to party, stay and play with our Gay Sydney Guide.

Fair Day in the Park

Sunday 15th February 2026 – Experience a unique celebration at Victoria Park with over 80,000 attendees for the Mardi Gras kick-off.

Savor the food, enjoy live performances, and say hi at the Harbour City Bears stall.
Victoria Park, Camperdown, 10am to late (HCB stall: 10am to 4pm)

Fair Day After Party

Awaiting dates – Unwind at The Town Hall Hotel with the Harbour City Bears.
Enjoy three floors of fun, priority entry with membership, and a friendly atmosphere perfect for making new friends.
The Town Hall Hotel, Newtown, from 3pm until 11:30pm

Beach Days

Awaiting dates – Bask in the sun with Harbour City Bears at Little Congwong Beach.
Enjoy the clothing-optional sands and free sunscreen but remember to walk carefully to this hidden gem.

There are two outings, one day to Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse, 11am to 4pm and the second to Obelisk Beach, Mosman, 11am to 4pm

Underbear

Awaiting dates – Let loose at Space Nightclub for the legendary Underbear party.
Featuring top DJs and an electrifying atmosphere.
Space Nightclub, Sydney, from 9pm to 3am

Wet Furr

Awaiting dates – Make a splash at the Cook and Phillip Pool for Wet Furr’s pool party.
Then head over to Furry Friday with your wristband for priority access.
Cook + Phillip Park Pool, Sydney, from 6pm to 9pm

Mardi Gras Parade

Awaiting dates – Shine bright on Oxford Street with the Harbour City Bears.
Join the United Bears of Australasia in a parade that celebrates diversity and unity.
Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

The Venues

Victoria Park in Camperdown is a sprawling public space that hosts the lively Fair Day event. Located in the district of Camperdown, this park offers a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for the Mardi Gras celebrations.

The Town Hall Hotel (or Townie for short) in Newtown is a popular venue for the Harbour City Bears’ events, including the Fair Day After Party and the Sunday Sessions. Situated in the eclectic district of Newtown, this multi-level establishment provides a welcoming environment for bear enthusiasts and their friends.

Ginger’s in Darlinghurst serves as the backdrop for events like Press Paws and the Big’n’Burly Cabearet. The bar offers a blend of entertainment, delectable treats, and a vibrant atmosphere for attendees to savor. Located in the Oxford Hotel complex.

Little Congwong Beach in La Perouse provides a stunning coastal setting for the Beach Day 1 event. Situated in the district of La Perouse, this secluded beach offers a serene and natural backdrop for a day of sun, sand, and community revelry. Located a 20-minute drive from Oxford Street.

Hung Cheung in Marrickville sets the stage for the Yum Cha Brunch, offering a delightful feast of steamed dumplings and savory buns. This restaurant promises an authentic Yum Cha experience amidst a vibrant community. Marrickville is a diverse suburb with a strong sense of community. It’s known for its wide array of ethnic eateries, ranging from Vietnamese to Greek. The local scene includes bustling markets, independent shops, and a thriving arts community. Breweries offer a taste of local craft beer, while live music venues keep the nightlife energetic. It’s a down-to-earth place where there’s always something new to discover.

Miss Wolf in Marrickville welcomes guests for After-Brunch Drinks, providing a laid-back atmosphere for post-brunch relaxation. Situated in the district of Marrickville, this LGBTQIA+ bar offers a space for guests to unwind and enjoy lively entertainment.

Obelisk Beach in Mosman serves as the idyllic setting for Beach Day 2, offering a tranquil escape by the water. Situated in the picturesque district of Mosman, this beach provides an opportunity for attendees to soak up the sun and enjoy a day of relaxation. Located a 20-minute drive from Oxford Street.

The 1989 Arcade Bar in Newtown hosts the Retro Arcade Night, offering a nostalgic journey through classic arcade games. Located in the vibrant district of Newtown, this revamped arcade bar promises an evening filled with retro gaming and entertainment.

Space Nightclub above the Shark Hotel in Sydney sets the stage for Underbear, promising an electrifying night of music and revelry. Located in the heart of Sydney, this nightclub offers an immersive experience for bear enthusiasts and partygoers alike.

Other events by Harbour City Bears

Harbour bears hosts regular Friday night bears at Kinselas and Sunday Bears at the Bank. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Where to stay during Sydney Mardi Gras

The following hotels are close to Sydney’s top attractions and the Mard Gras celebrations:

Best Western, Rydges Hotel, Meriton Suites, Pullman Hotel

Save on Hotels

Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.

Where we stay!

The 1888 boutique is one of the finest
hotels in the city and offers great deals.

Official Website

For further information and advice on
Bear Essentials Sydney visit the Website

Gay Map of Sydney

Most of the gay bars are in Oxford street so we have chosen Hotels close to all the gay bars in this area that have high reviews on booking.com
our hotel partner.

21 Little Albion Street, 2010 Sydney, Australia

Situated in the heart of Surry Hills in Sydney, Crystalbrook Albion offers accommodation with an eclectic mix of heritage and contemporary details. It features a 24-hour desk with a team of hosts available to offer individualised service, a rooftop garden oasis with views over Surry Hills and Sydney city and an honour bar featuring top-shelf beverages and gourmet nibbles.

BOOK NOW

36 College St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Located on Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Pullman Sydney Hyde Park features 2 restaurants and a rooftop pool and patio. All guest rooms offer views of the park or city and feature an LCD TV

Pullman Sydney's spacious guestrooms each include a desk, seating area and internet access.

Guests can work out in the fitness centre or visit the rooftop recreation deck for a spa and sauna.

BOOK NOW

28 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Located on the edge of the Sydney Central Business District, Rydges Sydney Central features a 15 m indoor pool, a spa, 1 bar and 2 restaurants

All rooms and suites at the Rydges Sydney Central come with deluxe beds and custom furnishings. Modern amenities include internet access and a large flat-screen TV.

BOOK NOW

Corner Wentworth Avenue and Goulburn Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia

Situated just 2 minutes’ walk from Hyde Park and Oxford Street, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Sydney offers air-conditioned apartments, secure covered car parking, plus a restaurant and café. All apartments feature an LCD TV, an in-room safe and a hairdryer. Full kitchen facilities or a kitchenette are also provided. Guests have access to laundry and dry cleaning facilities

BOOK NOW

65 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Each apartment has a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen with cooking facilities & a dishwasher. The penthouse boasts a relaxing spa bath and panoramic views. Pillow menu available. free WiFi & fitness centre,

BOOK NOW

95 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Offering an air conditioned 3 bedroom apartment with a living room with flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, bathroom with bath ans shower combination. Close to oxford street and all the bars and restaurants

BOOK NOW

172 Riley St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Located in Sydney’s hip Surry Hills, this 85sqm warehouse apartment is a traveller’s dream. Built in the 1920’s as a bank, With thick walls, the building is spacious. Just metres from bars, cafes & restaurants on Oxford

BOOK NOW

222 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

All apartments include an iPod docking station and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a stove and a microwave. The en suite bathroom provides Black Label Appelles luxury toiletries. free WiFi. flat-screen TV, private balcony city views

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85 Oxford St|Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

One of the biggest gay bars in Sydney, with regular drag shows

FACEBOOK

16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Popular gay nightclub featuring regular drag performances and DJs spinning house.

Facebook

68 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia

Smart gay bar friendly staff with regular drag shows

Facebook

117-123 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

A very popular gay bar and night club over 2 floors

The Colombian gay bar is situated in the heart of Oxford street, known for its friendly staff and nights to remember.

The MAIN BAR
Situated on the ground floor providing panoramic views of Oxford St, the Main Bar is the perfect place to meet friends and strangers for a drink after work, or to start your night out.

The LOUNGE BAR
With an array of cocktails and carefully selected music policies varying from Thursday through to Sunday, the Lounge Bar on Level 1 caters to those with discerning tastes. a dance floor with DJs and lighting creating a late night party atmosphere.

FACEBOOK

273 Crown Street, Surry Hills New South Wales 2010, Australia

TRADE club is a huge multi leveled gay men's club with a fully licensed bar and large cruise areas over 4 huge levels. TRADE club Sydney is the largest men's gay bar and cruise club in Australia and is also fully licensed and hosts loads of men only dance party's

FACEBOOK

134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Situated on the first floor of The Oxford Hotel; a glamorous New York style cocktail and entertainment bar. With luxurious finishes, intimate booths, mezzanine level seating and a state of the art sound and lighting system offering DJs Drag shows and live music performances

Website

354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Mixed gay bar celebrating good times in Surry Hills? The Beresford is open Tuesday to Sunday; enjoy wood-fired pizza, pappardelle, and happy hour from 6pm to 8pm

Webside

level 1/133 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

This Darlinghurst, gay softly lit sanctuary is open Wednesday to Sunday, complete with exposed brick, low ceilings, couches, a rooftop, and drag performances

Instagram

2 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Darlinghurst’s 5-storey gay icon is open Tuesday to Sunday with drag trivia, Italo-dining, and bottomless brunch. You can enjoy heavy metal to princess pop at this gay icon!

Website

183 Regent Street, Redfern New South Wales 2016, Australia

The Bearded Tit is a Queer bar and creative space which supports and exhibits work from contemporary Australian creatives. We are an inclusive, fun and safe space that encourages our punters to be themselves and respect others in their pursuit of a good night out.

Website

383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010, Australia

One of Sydney's iconic venues, Kinselas boasts an intriguing history. The Chapel, with its high and ornate art deco ceilings, is a striking tribute to the building's history as a funeral parlour. It was the headquarters of Charles Kinsela, Undertaker, from 1933 until 1982; at which time it was converted into a restaurant that can boast the names Tony Bilson and Tetsuya Wakuda. Kinselas now lays claim to being the friendliest and most welcoming bar in Darlinghurst

Website

124 Oxford StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Gay bar/club, This place is iconic. It is a safe, no attitude, disco-ball haven for anyone looking for a great time. The music is spot on, and the staff are fabulous. Everyone is made to feel welcome here

FACEBOOK

175 Oxford StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

One of the best know gay bars in Sydney, 3 floors, regular drag shows

in the hub of the gay scene.
Stonewall is a heritage listed building comprising of three levels and four bars these include Public Bar, Cocktail Bar and VIP Bar and DIVA bar. This Iconic Hotel is also the home to the Hello Darlings Theatre.

Stonewall prides itself on providing a safe, fun, gay and supportive environment that is complimented by our professional friendly staff. Stonewall is a place for everyone and is often referred to as Sydney’s Premier Gay and Lesbian venue.

Stonewall provides entertainment every night of the week, featuring Sydney’s top DJ’s, Drag Performers, Dancers and Entertainment personalities. Stonewall has along reputation for featuring the best of Sydney Drag and the hottest Male Dancers in town.

FACEBOOK

330 George Street, Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia

POOF DOOF Sydney has taken the Sydney queer nightlife scene by storm since late 2019 commanding Australia's biggest night club - The Ivy - every Saturday

Website

134 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Gay venue with 4 floors popular at weekends

The Oxford Hotel is an iconic establishment in Taylor Square on Oxford Street. Home to many DJ's, performers, drag queens and more, it prides its self on being a place to express everyone's individual self!

Cocktails and pub grub, plus live bands and DJs, in a stylish hangout with 3 bars and a lounge.

FACEBOOK

85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010, Australia

Long-running, double-decker gay bar with DJs, dancing, risque shows and laser lights. well worth a visit

FACEBOOK

35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville New South Wales 2043, Australia

Since 1983, The Imperial Erskineville has been an icon and an institution. After a much-needed nip and tuck and a deluge of love, the curtain’s up on the next act for this national treasure in the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community!

Instagram

1 Flinders StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Gay Leather and bears bar

The BARRACKS takes place on the Sunday night of the long weekends.The BARRACKS is dark, its underground, its sexy, and its a men only event with cutting edge music, free cloak check and is held at Trade night club over 4 huge levels.

FACEBOOK

267 Oxford StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Mixed gay cocktail bar with terrace & pool tables Newly renovated. Come for the Sunday sesh! Enjoy Chicken Parmigiana, Beef Wellington, and happy hour from 4pm to 6pm

Facebook

2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010, Australia

The EAGLE BAR SYDNEY is a pop-up fetish bar.

We aim to hold several events a year. Stay informed of our next event by liking and following our page.

Facebook

Recommended Hotels in Sydney By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Sydney that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Pullman Sydney
5 Star, Luxury

Booking.com

5-star, rooftop pool, views of Hyde Park.
A short walk to the gay bars.
LCD TV, spacious guestrooms.
Park views, city’s heart, ideal for leisure and business travelers.

Check Rates with Booking.com

Crystalbrook Albion
5 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com

5-star, heritage meets contemporary, rooftop garden.
A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
Eclectic mix, honour bar.
Unique blend of style and comfort, in Surry Hills’ vibrant heart.

Check Rates with Booking.com

Club Wyndham
4 Star, Great Value

Booking.com

4-star, near Hyde Park, kitchen facilities.
A short walk to the gay bars.
Air-conditioned apartments.
Perfect for longer stays, close to park and Oxford Street.

Check Rates with Booking.com

Rydges Sydney Central
4 Star, Location

Booking.com

4-star, indoor pool, Sydney CBD edge.
A short walk to the gay bars.
Deluxe beds, flat-screen TV.
Great for business or leisure, with excellent facilities and location.

Check Rates with Booking.com

Video Of Bear Essentials Sydney

SBS ONE – Mardi Gras 2015 – Harbour City Bears

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Sydney

Sydney, has several neighborhoods known for their LGBTQ+ friendliness and vibrant culture. These areas are popular among the LGBTQ+ community and allies, offering a variety of entertainment, nightlife, and cultural experiences.

Darlinghurst | The Gay Hub of Sydney

Photo: Darlinghurst is home to some of Sydney’s most popular gay bars

Known as Sydney’s LGBTQ+ hub,
Darlinghurst is home to the famous Oxford Street, lined with LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.
It’s the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene and hosts the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Discover the best things to see and do in Darlinghurst

Find the best hotels in Darlinghurst Tours

Surry Hills

Next to Darlinghurst, Surry Hills offers trendy cafes, & a bohemian feel. Popular with LGBTQ+ travelers

Surry Hills Hotels Tours

Potts Point

A more upscale neighborhood, offering boutique shops, fine dining, style & inclusivity. It’s close to the city center

Potts Point Hotels Tours

Newtown

Known for its alternative culture, street art, quirky shops, live music, and an inclusive vibe its a unique experience.

Newtown Hotels Tours

Erskineville

With a welcoming vibe & village-like charm & home to The Imperial Hotel famous for its drag shows

Erskineville Hotels Tours

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Save on Sydney Hotels Now - Up to 70% Off

With our partner Booking.com you can save up to 70% on regular rates and PAY NOTHING until you arrive!

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Bear Essentials Sydney 2026

Event Dates

Key Highlights

Plan Ahead!

Bear Essentials Sydney 2026

The Event

Fair Day in the Park

Fair Day After Party

Beach Days

Underbear

Wet Furr

Mardi Gras Parade

The Venues

Other events by Harbour City Bears

Where to stay during Sydney Mardi Gras

Save on Hotels

Where we stay!