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 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 gayest- and lesbian-welcoming cities on Earth. There is widespread acceptance of homosexuality though you’re bound to find rural closed-minded pockets (think of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). There are also great LGBT scenes in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane.
Gay Villages in Australia
Sydney: Oxford Street
Melbourne: South Yarra and Collingwood
Brisbane: West End
Pride and Gay Events in Australia
Sydney: Mardi Gras
Melbourne: Midsumma Festival
Melbourne: Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Daylesford: Chillout Festival
Best Gay Bars in Australia
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 in Australia
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 many lesbian-friendly neighbourhoods throughout the Inner West. To tap into current events around the country, check out Australia’s Lesbians On The Loose at lotl.com.
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
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. Tasmania
Nature lovers will adore this small south island province. 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 want 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)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Australia, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
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.
Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
