The long-anticipated “sex tunnel” linking Arq Sydney nightclub and the adjacent sex-on-premises venue Sauna X is set to open next week for three separate events.
This passageway, referred to by insiders as the “tunnel of love”, will allow patrons to transition between the two venues without the need to exit through Arq’s main entrance.
“The Tunnel has long been rumoured and we are so proud to be the ones to make it come to life,” said Sophie Kollmorgen, Arq’s owner’s representative. “It’s red, it’s sexy and it’s finally here!”
The tunnel will make its debut at the Harbour City Bears Underbear party next Wednesday ($70 including sauna access) before it opens again on Thursday for Poof Doof’s Red Rave underwear party.
Harbour City Bears events are targeted towards “hairy gay men”, admirers of said men, and their friends, while Poof Doof’s Red Rave night is billed as celebrating sex positivity with a black and red theme, where attendees are encouraged to don harnesses, leather, or whatever else they find most comfortable.
Access to the tunnel can be added to Poof Doof’s Red Rave ticket for an additional $20 (tickets currently cost $84 in the third release phase) if purchased online before the event.
Event promoter Thick ‘N’ Juicy will host a party at Arq the next night, on Friday, that will also offer tunnel access to the sauna (tickets are $101.98 for that event and an extra $36.38 for the sauna).
Promoted as a “wild night of dancing and debauchery”, the Thick ‘N’ Juicy event appears to be tailored towards gay men who are both “thick” and “juicy”.
Located in Arq’s foyer on the right side before the main upstairs room, the tunnel’s entrance will be open from midnight to 5am during both Poof Doof and Thick ‘N’ Juicy’s events, while it will close at 3am for the Harbour City Bears Underbear party.
Although drinks are not allowed inside the tunnel, both Sauna X and Arq are licensed to serve alcohol.
Nic Holland, Poof Doof’s marketing director, said the tunnel would only be open for special events for the time being, as it necessitates careful planning, including security and reception provisions.
To re-enter Arq from the sauna, patrons of all three events must wear “some form of clothing” and shoes, as full-frontal nudity is not permitted in Arq. However, no additional payment is needed to re-enter the sauna should patrons wish to traverse back and forth throughout the nights.
Poof Doof said that for those who did not buy the tunnel add-on in advance, on-the-spot access would be possible.
“There will be a checkpoint in THE TUNNEL with a receptionist who can take your payment on the spot,” Poof Doof said. “This is the person that will also provide you with your towel and locker key for Sauna X.”
The Poof Doof underwear party kicks off at 9pm, Thick ‘N’ Juicy’s at 10pm, and the Harbour City Bear Underbear party at 8pm.
Sauna X by 357 manager Glenn McNamara said the sex-on-premises venue was excited to finally make use of the tunnel during Mardi Gras.
“We are in discussions regarding further plans and will make further announcements when we are in a position to do so,” he said.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
