You ready Cruiser? We’re going down under—that is, we’re heading to Melbourne for a couple days. To find the best spots in the city, we turned to Melbourne-based Sniffies Ambassador and Cruising expert Pharoah. Grab your PrEP, and pack your favorite travel-sized lube because we’re going to have a busy few days.
Where to Stay
Melbourne is divided by the Yarra River. Generally, the north side is a bit grungier and younger, whereas the south side is a little more posh. A lot of tourists tend to stay in the St. Kilda area of Melbourne, Pharoah says, but Cruisers will probably be happier staying in Fitzroy or Collingwood. “There's heaps of gay bars and gay clubs around,” he says. “And there's always some sort of art exhibition or something to do or see in those areas.” Take a stroll around Smith street, the main drag, and you’re sure to exchange some extended eye contact with another Cruiser.
Where to Workout
The public pool and gym in Fitzroy is a good place to start. You can get in for a small fee, and while it’s not actively cruisey, it’s a good place to meet fellow Cruisers and get the lay of the land. If you’re looking for something more straightforward, check out the Collins Street Virgin Active or Fitness First (there are a few locations) where you can try before you buy—most locations are pretty active, but check the Sniffies map to make sure.
Where to Cruise
According to Pharoah, Fitzroy Gardens and Treasury Gardens are some of the most popular cruising spots (or beats, as they’re often called in Australia) in the city. “They go off in the summer,” he says. “50 guys can be there and one night. it can get insane.” As always, when you’re in a new city, be discreet, be careful, and do your best to catch the vibe before diving in.
Something unique to Australia is that certain venues have sex on premises licenses, which means it’s legal to fuck around there—yes, fucking in saunas is completely kosher. Subway Sauna is popular, but we recommend Wet on Wellington, which has a bit of a darker vibe, and, according to its website, a “suckatorium.” If you get there before one or two in the morning, you’re more likely to avoid the line, and we have it on good authority that Sundays are particularly popular.
Where to Go
If you’re staying in Fitzroy you’ll be near Sircuit Bar—a pretty prototypical gay bar good for a few drinks. It closes at three, at which point you can head around the corner to The Peel which stays open until seven. “They’ve recently put in a dark room,” says Pharoah. “You can go to The Peel to find someone to drag home.”
If cruising at parties is more your vibe, Trough has been throwing cruisey parties for years, and has developed spin offs called Screw and Nutt.
And finally, what would a trip to Australia be without a stop at the beach? Pharoah recommends Point Impossible, a bit of drive outside the city, which is a clothing optional beach. If you’re so inclined, go explore the dunes—you might like what you find.
