Gay Travel and Tours in Australia
Active Travel in Australia
The gay scene in Australia
General gay travel advice
Australia is too big for anyone to enjoyably travel the full country during a two-week vacation. So we've selected five highlights of Australia. Every day will be different; yet you'll only pack your bags four times during your vacation.
The Perfect Beach
The
sandy half-mile crescent of Bondi Beach is ranked as one of the best in
the world. Swim, body-surf, and relax in the sun. And watch the lifeguards.
Every week, the volunteers who patrol these beaches dash into the surf
to practice techniques.
In the afternoon, walk along the cliffs to Tamarama Beach. Later, many in our group will tour off to the gay district of Oxford Street.
Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Blue Mountains
Just
two hours from Sydney lie the Blue Mountains.
Our three nights here give you a chance to meet koalas, wombats, and kookaburras.
Follow a nature trail to the top of a rugged cliff, where the blue mist
of eucalyptus oils fill the air below. You can hike down these cliffs
on a steep but well-protected trail, or take a dramatic but less stomach-twisting
route along the top.
Looking for extra adventure? Try canyoning. In the morning, learn to rappel. In the afternoon, we’ll splash along a narrow canyon, jumping or sliding into pools of water, then rappelling through a waterfall to make our way out. Canyoning is optional! But those who try it always remember the day as a highlight of their vacation in Australia.
Spectacular Sydney
Sydney was named the #1 overseas travel destination by Conde Nast readers, 5 years in a row. You'll find out why, with a mix of group activities and independent exploring. Cruise through Sydney Harbour to lunch at the famous Doyle's waterfront restaurant, then stroll to Lady Jane, a gay clothing-optional beach hidden below the cliffs.
Back in the city, tour Sydney's world-famous aquarium, zoo, and art museums. Do something that was illegal until 1999: Climb to the top of the landmark Harbour Bridge, overlooking the Opera House. In the evenings, enjoy Sydney's varied cuisines, a night at the opera, and drinks on Oxford Street.
More about Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Gay Mardi Gras
Well,
there goes this site's family rating! Attitudes are different in Australia,
where the entire Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras parade is shown on
national television. Gyms, gay swim teams, and other groups outdo one
another with elaborate floats and choreographed marching bands. The extravaganza
that results is easily the most entertaining gay parade in the world.
Past travelers comment on this trip
Reef and Rainforest
We fly north to Queensland for four nights in Port Douglas, a lively town and the closest gateway to two of the earth's most diverse ecosystems: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Our
trip includes a full day sailing out to the Reef. Whether you scuba dive
or snorkel, you'll discover an underwater world of colorful fish, strangely
sculpted corals, and giant clams with fluorescent lips.
The next day, visit the Daintree Rainforest, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse. Hike amidst colorful birds and butterflies, swim at a secluded waterfall, and perhaps photograph baby crocodiles as we travel by boat down the river.
Or enjoy an off-day: Have a leisurely breakfast in the company of an inquisitive parrot, shop in Port Douglas, relax by one of our hotel's five swimming pools, then enjoy a leisurely dinner of freshly caught barramundi.
Finally, end your Australian adventure with a splash: A day of whitewater rafting, in one of Queensland's dramatic river canyons.
Other gay vacations of interest:
Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
A gay adventure vacation in Australia
Our overview of this
tour
offers full travel details.
Or read more about Alyson Adventures,
specializing in gay travel.