Hairy Mary's

Hairy Mary’s is an inclusive LGBTIQA+ bar in Mermaid Beach and describes itself as the Gold Coast’s only queer-owned and operated venue. Its focus is on bringing people together through entertainment, community events and a welcoming, no-judgement atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ guests and their allies. Whether you live nearby or are visiting the Gold Coast, the venue positions itself as an easy place to drop in, have a drink and spend time with friendly company.

Entertainment is central to the experience. The programme includes DJ nights, drag shows and rotating guest DJs and drag performers, with regular Friday bookings listed on the venue’s website. A Thursday open-decks night gives emerging DJs the chance to register for a competition hosted by DJ YIYA. The events calendar also includes special gatherings such as a celebration of life, staff events and other one-off nights, so the atmosphere can vary depending on what is happening. Checking the current line-up before visiting is sensible, particularly for event nights.

There is also a bar-bites menu, with the website describing the food as a new bar menu and noting that items are priced at no more than $13. The venue does not publish enough detail in the supplied information to identify individual dishes, but the offering is intended to suit a casual drink-and-snack visit rather than a formal dining occasion. Hairy Mary’s also has space for private or community-led ideas, including local markets, community barbecues, live music nights and pop-up events. These can be held inside the bar or in the car park, subject to arrangements with the venue.

The community focus extends beyond the regular bar programme, with the website mentioning market stalls and community fundraiser barbecues. That makes Hairy Mary’s a natural fit for solo visitors looking for a friendly local venue, groups wanting entertainment, and LGBTQIA+ people or allies seeking an explicitly welcoming space. It is on Surfers Avenue, around two blocks south of the Broadbeach South G:link station and two blocks north of the Mermaid Beach station, making it accessible by light rail as well as car. The venue is open Wednesday to Sunday, with weekend hours sometimes changing for special events.