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Australia is like the sexy love child of the United Kingdom and North America, with bonus marsupials and killer arachnids. It’s the biggest island and the smallest continent in one, and Aboriginal Australian culture is amongst the oldest on earth. While some of the earliest immigrants were felons bound for penal colonies – which may explain the country’s rowdy rural reputation – it’s also home to some of the most cosmopolitan cities on Earth. Australia has made some globally renowned contributions to gay and lesbian culture, from Sydney Mardi Gras to her Royal Highness – Kylie Minogue.
The new millennium brought a wave of gay and lesbian rights and acceptance to Australia. Today, 79% of people agree society should accept homosexuality, making it the fifth most gay-accepting country in the world. Transgender rights vary a bit more, with some places still requiring reassignment surgery before you can legally change your gender.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Three words: Sydney Mardi Gras. It’s one of the biggest pride parties in the world, in one of the most gay- and lesbian welcoming cities on Earth. There is widespread acceptance of homosexuality though you’re bound to find rural closed-minded pockets (just think of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). There’s also great LGBT scenes to devour in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane.
Gay Villages
Sydney: Oxford Street
Melbourne: South Yarra and Collingwood
Brisbane: West End
Pride and Gay Events
Sydney: Mardi Gras
Melbourne: Midsumma Festival
Melbourne: Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Daylesford: Chillout Festival
Best Gay Bars
Sydney: Stonewall Hotel to get your feet wet.
Sydney: Bear Bar if you’re feeling fuzzy.
Sydney: Arq to dance your face off.
Adelaide: Mary’s Poppin is a spoonful of sugar for the locals
Melbourne: Laird is a men-only space
Melbourne: Prince of Wales Hotel is one of the oldest gay-friendly bars
Perth: Connections is the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest gay bar)
Best Lesbian Bars and Events
Like in many places, lesbian nightlife has seen a downswing in recent years as queer culture becomes more broadly accepted. But Sydney is still considered one of the greatest lesbian cities on Earth, with lots of lesbian-friendly neighbourhoods throughout Inner West. To tap into current events around the country, check out Australia’s Lesbians On The Loose at lotl.com.
Sydney: check out the Birdcage on Wednesday nights at Slyfox
Melbourne: check out Mother on Friday nights at Attik
5. Perth
The capital of Western Australia is worth visiting for its especially remote location. But once there you’re in for a colourful, cultural surprise.
4. South Australia
This may sound like a vague destination, but oenophiles who want a taste of wine country will find many favourite growing regions here including Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills.
3. Cairns and The Great Barrier Reef
Set in Australia’s tropical north, the small city of Cairns is your gateway to one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World: The Great Barrier Reef. It’s the only living thing on Earth that’s visible from space.
2. Kangaroo Island
Nature lovers will adore this refuge off the coast of Adelaide. You can get familiar with some of the land’s endemic species, then dive into an amazing food and wine scene after the sun sets.
1. Sydney
It’s home to amazing gay and lesbian scenes, sexy beaches, and that iconic Opera House. We can’t say enough about this amazing town.
Best Time to Visit: Given the range of geography on this enormous island, it all depends on what you’re wanting to do and where you’re wanting to visit. Just remember that their seasons are the opposite of North America, so you could enjoy a summery Christmas vacation here.
Electricity: Type I sockets
Time Zone: Australian Western, Central, and Eastern Standard Time (UTC+8; +9.5; +10)
Vaccinations: We recommend routine and measles vaccines, but to determine if you should take further preventative measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: If you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand you will need a visa to enter the country. Fortunately it’s easy – and free under certain conditions – to apply online. Click here for more info.
LGBT Rights in Australia
The new millennium brought a wave of gay and lesbian rights and acceptance to Australia. Today, 79% of people agree society should accept homosexuality, making it the fifth most gay-accepting country in the world. Transgender rights vary a bit more, with some places still requiring reassignment surgery before you can legally change your gender.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Gay Australia Travel
Three words: Sydney Mardi Gras. It’s one of the biggest pride parties in the world, in one of the most gay- and lesbian welcoming cities on Earth. There is widespread acceptance of homosexuality though you’re bound to find rural closed-minded pockets (just think of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). There’s also great LGBT scenes to devour in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane.
Gay Villages
Sydney: Oxford Street
Melbourne: South Yarra and Collingwood
Brisbane: West End
Pride and Gay Events
Sydney: Mardi Gras
Melbourne: Midsumma Festival
Melbourne: Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Daylesford: Chillout Festival
Best Gay Bars
Sydney: Stonewall Hotel to get your feet wet.
Sydney: Bear Bar if you’re feeling fuzzy.
Sydney: Arq to dance your face off.
Adelaide: Mary’s Poppin is a spoonful of sugar for the locals
Melbourne: Laird is a men-only space
Melbourne: Prince of Wales Hotel is one of the oldest gay-friendly bars
Perth: Connections is the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest gay bar)
Best Lesbian Bars and Events
Like in many places, lesbian nightlife has seen a downswing in recent years as queer culture becomes more broadly accepted. But Sydney is still considered one of the greatest lesbian cities on Earth, with lots of lesbian-friendly neighbourhoods throughout Inner West. To tap into current events around the country, check out Australia’s Lesbians On The Loose at lotl.com.
Sydney: check out the Birdcage on Wednesday nights at Slyfox
Melbourne: check out Mother on Friday nights at Attik
Best Places to Visit in Australia
5. Perth
The capital of Western Australia is worth visiting for its especially remote location. But once there you’re in for a colourful, cultural surprise.
4. South Australia
This may sound like a vague destination, but oenophiles who want a taste of wine country will find many favourite growing regions here including Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills.
3. Cairns and The Great Barrier Reef
Set in Australia’s tropical north, the small city of Cairns is your gateway to one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World: The Great Barrier Reef. It’s the only living thing on Earth that’s visible from space.
2. Kangaroo Island
Nature lovers will adore this refuge off the coast of Adelaide. You can get familiar with some of the land’s endemic species, then dive into an amazing food and wine scene after the sun sets.
1. Sydney
It’s home to amazing gay and lesbian scenes, sexy beaches, and that iconic Opera House. We can’t say enough about this amazing town.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: Given the range of geography on this enormous island, it all depends on what you’re wanting to do and where you’re wanting to visit. Just remember that their seasons are the opposite of North America, so you could enjoy a summery Christmas vacation here.
Electricity: Type I sockets
Time Zone: Australian Western, Central, and Eastern Standard Time (UTC+8; +9.5; +10)
Vaccinations: We recommend routine and measles vaccines, but to determine if you should take further preventative measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: If you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand you will need a visa to enter the country. Fortunately it’s easy – and free under certain conditions – to apply online. Click here for more info.
