Event Dates
From: Saturday, February 28, 2026
To: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Poof Doof
Big Gay Block Party Sydney 2026
Poof Doof is one of Australia’s leading gay party promoters and hosts some of the hottest parties in Sydney.
Poof Doof Big Gay Block Party Sydney 2026
Poof Doof is one of Australia’s leading gay party promoters and hosts some of the hottest parties in Sydney.
- Visiting Sydney for Mardi Gras? Stay at Spicers Potts Point, a refined boutique retreat in Potts Point (slightly off the main CBD hustle) with a relaxed vibe and an “Exceptional” rating.
The Event
- Next Edition: Saturday 28th February 2026 – Sydney Mardi Gras Edition.
- POOF DOOF takes over the Ivy Precinct in Sydney for its “Big Gay Block Party: 5 Stages of Sweat!” party.
- This party lines up with the main parade night of the Mardi Gras festival – the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade at night on Oxford Street.
- Expect high-energy house and techno sets, striking visuals and a fully immersive venue takeover (5 distinct stages across multiple rooms) inside the Ivy precinct.
- The atmosphere is electric – you’ll move fluidly between rooms and floors, each with its own vibe: loud, sweaty, celebratory, and inclusive.
- Top Tip! Don’t aim to see the whole thing at once – pick a stage you like, explore, then return.
- Check out the latest prices and hotel deals close to Sydney’s Oxford Street.
The Venue
- The Ivy Precinct https://merivale.com/venues/ivy/- a multi-level entertainment complex in central Sydney.
- The central courtyard (ground-level, open to the laneway) becomes one of the larger stages, with outdoor-indoors flow and easy access for a big crowd.
- Level 1 (“ivy Level 1”) features a sunlit, weather-protected courtyard, multiple bars and an elevated stage—ideal for mid-night dancing or changing the vibe.
- The Ballroom (Ivy Ballroom) is a large pillar-free room (509 m²) with high ceilings and windows, used for one of the main sound-heavy stages.
- Rooftop / Pool Club area: though usually a pool lounge, during this event, it is likely to host one of the five stages or a late-night outdoor set, giving a chance to step outside the crowds.
- Bars, chill-out zones and seating areas run throughout the precinct from the ground up; use them as respite zones from the intense dance floors.
- Stay at the Swissôtel Sydney, a “Travel Proud” certified hotel, featuring a stunning rooftop heated pool with pavilion lounges and city views, located close to all the city’s top attractions.
Getting There
- The Ivy Precinct is located at 320-330 George Street in the Sydney CBD.
- From the main parade route (Oxford Street, Darlinghurst), it’s a short walk (~10-15 minutes) south-west through the CBD to George Street.
- From the end point of the parade at Anzac Parade / Moore Park area, you can catch a taxi/Uber back to the CBD (10–15 mins depending on traffic)
- Or public transport (light rail or bus), as many roads behind the parade will be closed.
- Use Town Hall or Central stations to walk to George Street. Expect heavy crowds and closures after ~6-7 pm around Oxford/Flinders.
Recommended Hotels in Sydney
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
Save on Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
& clubs. Book now and pay on arrival.
Where we stay!
The 1888 boutique hotel is one of the
finest in the city and offers great deals.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Poof Doof Big Gay Block Party Instagram
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.
36 College St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Located on in the Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Pullman Sydney Hyde Park features 2 restaurants and a and patio. All guest rooms offer of the park or city and feature an LCD TV
Pullman Sydney's guestrooms each include a desk, seating area and internet access.
Guests can work out in the fitness centre or visit the recreation deck for a spa and sauna.
28 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Located on the edge of the Business District, 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.
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
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,
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
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
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
85 Oxford St|Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
One of the biggest gay bars in Sydney, with regular drag shows
16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
- Open-plan, multi-room club with immersive production: full LED wall, bespoke circular truss, L-Acoustics sound system tuned per room.
- Two levels plus an open-air courtyard (The Alley), moody basement lounge, upgraded lighting and decor that respects the heritage of the space. Website
68 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
Smart gay bar friendly staff with regular drag shows
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.
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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
- 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.
Crystalbrook Albion
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 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.
Club Wyndham
4 Star, Great Value
- 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.
Rydges Sydney Central
4 Star, Location
- 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.
Video Poof Doof Party
Highlights of Previous Poof Doof Events
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
Surry Hills
Next to Darlinghurst, Surry Hills offers trendy cafes, & a bohemian feel. Popular with LGBTQ+ travelers
Potts Point
A more upscale neighborhood, offering boutique shops, fine dining, style & inclusivity. It’s close to the city center
Newtown
Known for its alternative culture, street art, quirky shops, live music, and an inclusive vibe its a unique experience.
Erskineville
With a welcoming vibe & village-like charm & home to The Imperial Hotel famous for its drag shows
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