Monday, November 2, 2009

Planning Gay Travel to Australia

By Howie Holben

Australia is an incredible gay vacation destination, filled with nature adventures and exciting cities. Its cities are open and gay friendly. and vibrant, perfect for gay holidays or tours. The country is diverse with wonders, both natural and manmade.

Australia offers gay travelers a welcoming destination, brimming with activities to suit the whims of any traveler. And that's probably the reason that so many gay couples and singles are saying, "G'day, mate," and making a beeline for this beautiful continent.

When you're in Australia you are rarely far from experiences that will excite you as never before. For the wine connoisseur, try going to Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Excitement junkies can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Visitors can swim with giant whale sharks at Ningaloo. In the Northern Territory at Darwin Harbor, you can dive World War II shipwrecks. In Tasmania you can hike national parks and ancient rainforests, home to interesting plants and animals.

Australia is home to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: Sydney. From the grandeur of the Sydney Opera House to boho galleries and fine dining; from the North and South Coast beaches to tropical environmentsin Sydney, the gay traveler is just steps away from action and new experiences at every turn. Museums, art galleries, zoos, gourmet dining, first-rate shopping, spas and sporting events"these are just a few of the diversions you can find in this historic city. Be sure to grab a copy of the Sydney Star Observer (Sydney's gay newspaper) for information on the local scene, including nightlife and clubs.

Oh, and don't forget the cuisine"from purely Australian, to Asian, with a generous helping of Mediterranean, French and other exotic offerings, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere. For example, summer in Australia takes place December through February. Because Australia is such a large continent, be sure to check with your travel professional for precise weather information about your particular destination.

Australia welcomes its visitors with diverse accommodations: bed-and-breakfast inns, romantic getaways, relaxing spas, hotels and hostels, making a gay vacation to Australia affordable, no matter what the budget.

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