Highlands Certified™ - The Royal Hotel Bowral

Pictured: The Royal Hotel Bowral

The Real Homosexuals of the Southern Highlands is proud to recognise The Royal Hotel Bowral as our newest Highlands Certified Partner! ✨

The Royal isn’t just a pub - it’s a community hub, and in recent years it has stepped boldly into the spotlight as a proactive supporter of the LGBTQI+ community. From hosting Drag Queen Bingo for the very first time in Bowral, to filling the venue with Pride-themed decorations, music, and celebration, The Royal has shown that inclusivity and entertainment go hand-in-hand.

A Stage for Pride & Performance

The Royal Hotel Bowral made history when it introduced Drag Queen Bingo to the Highlands - headlined by none other than Kara Zmatiq, the live-singing drag sensation crowned the “Queen of the Southern Highlands.”

These nights have become a smash hit:

• 🎶 Music pumping with a live DJ

• 🌈 Pride-themed décor creating an atmosphere of celebration

• 👑 Kara Zmatiq leading the charge with glamour, comedy, and voice that captivates every audience

More than just an event, Drag Queen Bingo at The Royal has been a statement — that queer art, queer joy, and queer voices deserve centre stage in the Highlands.

A Message from Tara, General Manager

"At The Royal Hotel Bowral, pride means creating a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and celebrated for who they are. Supporting the LGBTQI+ community isn’t a token gesture, it’s about showing up, making room, and giving people a place to belong. We’re proud to have hosted incredible performances like Kara Zmatiq’s Drag Queen Bingo, and we’ll continue to champion inclusivity through our events and culture here at The Royal. For me personally, being an advocate for the queer community is about ensuring that joy, colour, and equality always have a home in Bowral." - Tara, General Manager, The Royal Hotel Bowral

Why Highlands Certified Matters

By joining the Highlands Certified network, The Royal Hotel Bowral cements its role as a leader in visibility and inclusivity across the region. Businesses like The Royal set an example for others to follow: showing that supporting the LGBTQI+ community is not just good hospitality, it’s essential to creating a thriving, diverse, and welcoming Southern Highlands.

Welcome to the Family 🌟

We are proud to celebrate The Royal Hotel Bowral as a Highlands Certified partner. With champions like Tara and her team, our region is stronger, prouder, and more vibrant than ever.

So next time you’re in Bowral, stop by The Royal and know you’re stepping into a space where Pride is always on tap. 🍻🌈