Wild costumes, oversized floats, film festivals and fabulous live performances – it draws a reported 500,000 spectators a year, everyone in the world knows about Sydney’s annual dusk till dawn Mardi Gras party.
Though Sydney might have earned the moniker “gayest city on earth” with its festivities, for the discerning LGBT Aussie it’s certainly not the only live attraction around. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the biggest and best festivals and gatherings to keep you occupied for the whole year.
Midsumma Festival
Started in Melbourne in 1989, this 3 week queer extravaganza looks to celebrate everything LGBT and more. It brings 120,000 people together every year just for its enormous opening day carnival. Consisting of hours of free music, entertainment and hundreds of stalls with plenty of food, fun, dancing and drinks – and that’s just the first day!
Across the rest of three weeks you can expect to enjoy such events as the Australia Day Picnic at Forest Glade Gardens, a 50,000 strong Pride March and an LGBTIQ sports day with 17 groups competing in a variety of sports. With 150 events in total there’s something for everyone from art lovers to families.
Brisbane Queer Film Festival
This is one for the movie buffs, turning 18 this year the Brisbane Queer Film Festival has long promoted queer cinema from Australia and around the world. Recognized alongside other international queer-centric festivals in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, the festival runs from March 10-18th every year. The stated intent of the festival is to showcase a diverse screening of inclusive films that really reflect the modern LGBTIQ experience.
Alice Springs’ Pride Carnival
The celebrations aren’t just confined to major cities anymore. Relatively new to the LGBTIQ festival scene, the carnival seeks to promote sexual diversity across all the different cultures of Australia. Special focus is given to Brotherboys and Sistergirls trans communities of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders that have existed long before European settlers came to Australia.
The weekend long September festival includes art exhibitions, a fair day, travelling performers, a dog show and stalls amongst many other attractions. So if you’re in the Northern Territories, now is the perfect time to check it out.
Feast Festival
On the books since 1997 Adelaide’s premier event for LGBIT causes, Feast Festival is a worthy entry on our list. Remarkably, it is counted as the third biggest queer festival in the country. The extravaganza was headlined last year by pop idol Danii Minogue and takes place over 2 weeks, centred on the Raj House in Adelaide’s East End. The festival is very arts-centric with theatre and fringe performances occurring throughout, alongside dances and the obligatory bombastic carnival. The festival also plays host to important forums for discussion of queer issues and culture, for the heady types amongst you.
Party On
While these are some of the bigger festivals that have drawn our interest, they’re far from the only game in town. Pride events in Perth and the Chillout Festival in Victoria are just a few more that escaped the attentions of this list; however you can keep up with all the latest gay festival news on sites like emen8.com.au amongst others.
Whatever kind of festivity suits your style it’s clear that Australia has a variety of parties and events for every taste. So pack your bags, body glitter and costumes because this year is going to be a real celebration.
Emerging from Perth airport the first thing that hits you is the light. Clear blue skies and an almost harsh bright white sunlight that bakes everything it touches.
Where to Base Yourself in Gay Perth
North Perth — a neighbourhood well-served by cafes and restaurants and within walking distance of the city centre.
Leederville – great cinema and good bars and restaurants.
Fremantle – known for its markets and dock-side lifestyle.
Central – gay Perth’s central business district has all the shops you could want, plus some great bars and restaurants. The city has the Swan River running through it and there is development underway to make the most of this riverside precinct.
Which beaches to go to
North Cottesloe – probably the favourite with locals, endless white sand and solid waves.
City Beach – a bit easier to get to and favoured by a younger crowd.
Where to Eat
Long Chim — Perth: Chef David Thompson is renowned as a passionate advocate of Thai cuisine, and in his restaurant Long Chim he celebrates the flavours and traditional dishes of Thailand by elevating them to something spectacular. We were there for a family dinner, which the sharing-style dishes suited perfectly. Our starters included crunchy prawns; beef skewers; and dried prawns wrapped in betel leaves. Our mains included calamari, green chicken curry, a rich beef curry, and lamb ribs. While there is a relaxed, unfussy style to this restaurant this is still very much high-end cooking, with high-end prices to match. If you were being picky, the serving sizes are a touch on the small side (considering the price you’re paying), but this is almost compensated for by the depth and complexity of flavour. Without doubt this was one of the best Thai meals I’ve ever eaten.
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
Dandenong Ranges Cottages offers four cottages set on three acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.
Catering from 2 to 10 guests in each cottage – we can accommodate sisxteen guests in total.
Gay Sydney is alive and ready for you to visit. Sydney is the gay capital of the Southern Hemisphere. The city, and Australia as a whole, is considered one of the gay-friendliest places in the world. With the exception of marriage, LGBTI couples can cherish the same rights and benefits as their straight counterparts.
If that wasn’t enough, the weather is almost perfect all year round. During winter the temperature hardly falls below 10˚C. Even so, the highs are still around 20˚C. It’s no wonder then that Sydney is a prime destination for beach lovers–and for the lovers of men with their shirts off.
Here’s our handy-dandy little guide to get you started on your gay travels down under Get ready for gay Sydney!
When to Go
The high season for tourists are the summer months which are from the beginning of December to the end of February. If you’re an LGBTI tourist then the quintessential time to visit would be during the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras festival, which takes place at the end of February. This renowned festival is chock-full of exhibitions, music, theatre, community events, and of course massive parties. The theme for 2017 is Creating Equality. In 2017, Mardi Gras will celebrate how far the LGBTI community has come and highlight the areas in which we’re still not treating equally. If you truly want to experience gay Sydney then you cannot miss Mardi Gras!
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
Sydney’s waterfront offers beautiful scenery and a classically romantic setting to enjoy quality time with your loved one. It’s not a surprise then to find a number of romantic restaurants with good quality food on the beachside. If you are planning for a lovely date night, you should check out the below selection of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants.
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
Beautifully placed, stylish luxury is the promise of this self-contained accommodation nestled within 14 private acres adjoining Serengale Vineyard. Perfect for couples, getaways, groups and families for up to 10 people, this is an invitation to turn off the fast pace of life and slow down for a while.
Serengale Retreat has been meticulously renovated with two spacious living areas, five generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, contemporary furnishings, original artworks and a gourmet kitchen that would gratify the discerning chef. With every room framing a captivating view of rolling pasture, native garden or the Australian bush it is the ultimate in space and privacy.
You can stay at home and relax by the log fire, share meals and wine under the veranda or in the large dining room, stroll through the native garden, explore the forest walk, arrange a pamper package or enjoy a private wine tasting at Serengale Vineyard. For those wanting to explore further, cycle the rail and mountain bike trails, explore the National Parks, historic Beechworth and the Milawa Gourmet Region all only a short drive away.
Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat, time with friends or family or a holiday experience to remember, Serengale Retreat is the ideal destination.
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
South Fork is a lesbian owned and operated boutique bed and breakfast in Southport, the CBD of the beautiful Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia, offering a spacious air conditioned suite in a restored “Queenslander” cottage set in lush garden surrounds. Owned and operated by happy, friendly, local businesswoman – host Jenny has great local knowledge, is passionate about hospitality and tourism and loves helping guests experience the best the Gold Coast has to offer. Jenny opened South Fork to guests following the death of her long term partner Deborah (DL) from cancer in 2015. It had been a shared dream to run their own BnB. DL hailed from Key West, Florida, and the BnB is Jenny’s tribute to her and her Southern origins.
The suite comprises two rooms, plus own private bathroom. A large dining room where breakfast is served daily is entered directly from the suite. Walk from the dining room onto the deck overlooking the garden for breakfast. Comfortable outdoor furniture allow guests to experience and enjoy the casual sunny Queensland lifestyle.
Accommodating up to three people, the main bedroom is a Queen Size bed, with built in wardrobe and drawers including a hotel safe. The second room has a comfortable single bed divan, own fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, plasma TV and DVD, and comfortable armchair. There is a large desk and office equipment to suit business travellers. Luxury bathroom amenities include Crabtree and Evelyn shower gel and Moroccan Oil Shampoo/Conditioner.
Daily continental breakfast is a delight and all dietary requirements are accommodated. Home baked muffins feature frequently and organic red papaya from the garden is served when in season. Local honey and gourmet muesli, freshly brewed tea, French press ground coffee, artisan breads, homemade quality jams and real butter are a minimum standard at South Fork.
Bicycles are included – it is a short cycle to the beach and wonderful cycle tracks along the waterfront for miles. Large beach towels are provided for excursions to the iconic Gold Coast Beaches. Five minutes to the heart of Southport shopping centre and hub for all main public transport, including. There is a bus stop literally around the corner from cottage. 45 minutes bus shuttle to GC airport, off street car parking available for guest car. Southport offers easy access to the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks, major Hospital and medical precinct, Griffith University, TAFE College, Schools, Surfers Paradise, Chinatown and the Arts Centre. Regional attractions include Mount Tamborine, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tweed Valley featuring the renowned Tweed Valley Art Gallery .
A relaxing destination, South Fork offers peace and tranquillity as your home base while being close to all the action the Gold Coast Glitter Strip and surrounding areas have to offer. A perfect location in the centre of paradise, a sincere and warm welcome awaits LGBTI visitors to South Fork BnB.
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
A 2 Bedroom townhouse , nestled on a tree lined street, amongst beautiful elms in the quaint town of Bright, Victoria sits Bright Deluxe Accommodation – waiting for you to relax and enjoy our area.
Situated on a residential street known for its quiet tranquillity consisting of Lockup garage, private courtyard, fronts onto iconic Rail Trail, full size kitchen/dining/lounge, beautiful decor with a splash of antiques located walking distance to Bright central.
Available as holiday rental, please ring or email for enquiry or bookings for rates.