Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Gay Tours: Destinations In Australia

By Howie Holben

Picture an entire continent filled with unique and exciting adventures. Now think of urbane and tolerant cities, perfect for gay tours. Imagine vacationing in a land of wonders so diverse, with settings (both natural and manmade) so magnificent, it truly boggles the mind.

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.

At Ningaloo, visitors can swim with giant whale sharks, a gentle yet intimidating animal. In Darwin Harbor in the Northern Territory, visitors dive through World War II shipwrecks that now house fish and other marine life. Or how about hiking through Tasmania's national parks and ancient cool-temperature rainforests, home to ancient flora and exotic animals, such as the Tasmanian tree frog?

No gay traveler's Australian trek would be complete without a stop in Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. It is a multi-cultural metropolis where sedate Victorian architecture effortlessly fuses with contemporary offerings. In this friendly locale, the gay traveler can study sculptures in Werrebee Park, shop high-end or discount clothiers and funky boutiques, take in a musical or comedy at the theater, and cap it all off with a visit to one of Melbourne's trendy clubs, or even a coffee bar! Perfect for a gay romantic getaway too.

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.

Finding suitable accommodations in Australia is a breeze, with many gay-and-lesbian-owned hotels open for business. The discerning traveler can choose from the most luxurious four-star experience to less expensive digs. There are hotels and apartments to fit all budgets, in addition to hostels and camping, which makes gay tours to Australia affordable.

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