Revealed: Behind the scenes of SEQ’s most well-known swingers club

Everyone has heard of them, but few have been behind the doors of a sex club. We go behind-the-scenes of one of South East Queensland’s premier clubs. WATCH THE VIDEO

For many, the world of “swinging’’ is a mystery.

So what really goes on at these sex clubs?

We were invited behind the scenes of one of South East Queensland’s oldest and most popular clubs to find out.

It turns out many people’s ideas, based on ‘70s porn films where middle-aged couples looking to “spice it up’’ get together and swap keys in a basket, is way off mark.

Swingers clubs these days are often high class, accepting communities of like-minded people, both singles and couples of any age, where guests can let go of their inhibitions and explore their sexuality.

The southeast’s top venues offer safe spaces for people to explore sex and their bodies.

They place a big emphasis on consent, respect and boundaries.

The bar and upstairs lounge at Mikes Place

Many come to the venues to socialise, not always to play.

Mike’s Place, in an industrial precinct in Slacks Creek in Logan, is one such club.

It started more than 20 years ago with swingers parties in an old Queenslander owned by the original Mike.

It was later bought by a couple and is now a well-organised, busy swinging venue frequented by people from all walks of life.

Adult entertainment venues are required by law to cater to people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs.

While that is still often not the case, Mike’s Place said some of their clients used wheelchairs.

Self-identified “bar keep and tour guide” Dave*, who first attended the venue as a guest 20 years ago, now visits with his wife.

He said the club and the swinging lifestyle allowed couples to fulfil their needs.

“There’s a difference between love and f**king,” he said.

“What happens here isn’t love. It feels good, its enjoyable. It’s strictly sex.

“It is fantasies in a safe environment, whereas at home with your partner it’s about love.

“It’s no different than going out and getting drunk or going to a concert — it feels good.”

At Mike’s Place the staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of clients.

There is a BYO bar, dance floor, people table and chairs and tables scattered throughout. This space is strictly no nudity and no sex.

Swingers clubs are not permitted to provide alcohol, but patrons are permitted to bring their own. Guests must hand over drinks to the bar on entry.

This ensures that management can actively control the level of alcohol consumed by each guest.

Staff say that drinking is often important to guests, especially newcomers, as it offers a form of “social lubrication’’ or “liquid courage’’.

“We make sure no one gets intoxicated. If you are drunk, you can’t consent,’’ Dave said.

“But it does help people relax. People will have a few drinks and talk and chat.

“We are probably a bit more strict than pubs and clubs as well.

“The second someone seems a little slurry or anything like that, it’s straight up ‘mate, you can have water’.”

Mike’s Place said consent and respect were stressed. Guests must explicitly say yes to any and all activities before participating.

Open play lounge at Mike's Place.

The private rooms in the space can be used in three ways — with the door closed and locked, with the door open but with a chain across the entry, or with the door unobstructed.

For rooms with the chain across the door, this indicates guests are happy for others to watch them but not to join in.

Doors completely open means others are encouraged to join in.

Dave said even if a room had its door open, it did not mean guests could just enter and take part without prior permission.

Those entering a room must obtain explicit consent from all parties before joining in on the play, or will face removal from the venue.

The same rules apply in the open lounge spaces, where group play — threesomes, foursomes and orgies — are encouraged and expected. There is no touching allowed without consent.

The downstairs zone at Mike’s has a spa bath for people to relax and mingle and get comfortable, but has a strict no-mess policy.

The spa at Mike's Place.

Mike’s Place opens on Friday and Saturday nights, but has different entry requirements for each.

On Friday nights couples and single women can come without limits, but single men must pre-book.

Numbers are capped to ensure the venue is not filled with solo males.

On Saturday nights, single men are not allowed at the venue. This includes additional men who may come as part of a polyamorous group.

Entry to the venue for couples is between $60 and $70. Single women pay $30.

Single men are required to pay an annual membership, as well as an $80 entry fee on a Friday night.

Guests have access to the venue as well as mixers for drinks, hot and cold food, tea and coffee as well as lockers, towels and condoms.

* Full names have been excluded for privacy reasons