Happy Gay Travel
Australia Summer Down Under gay tour

Australia Summer Down Under &
Sydney Gay Mardi Gras

Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney Gay Mardi Gras, and more!

11 Days from Melbourne to Sydney, Australia

February 22 – March 03, 2024

 

There's Nothing Like Australia

Sydney Mardi Gras gay tour

 

Flight Centre - Experience Australia

 

 

Men's Pride T-shirts, Rainbow, Flag Print, Striped, Printed, Graphic, Cotton T-shirts

 

 

For Gay Men Only

 

 

Gay Pride Shack

 

 

Contiki Tours

 

 

AussieBum underwear & swimwear

 

 

Tru Travels

 

Tucann Swimwear

 

Shop gay designers underwear at Vocla

 

Bent Gay Shop

 

Big Bus Tours Sydney

 

Naughty Boy

 

Australia gay tour Swim trunks and party pants required for this all-gay Australia tour. Highlights include the outback, Melbourne, Tasmania, and Sydney Gay Mardi Gras. Slather on your highest SPF and get ready for this ripper adventure during Straya’s summer season—North America’s winter. Our all-gay escapade begins in quirky, queer and ultrahip Melboure with a private walking tour of the city’s graffitied alleys, world-renowned cafes and rooftop bars. We’ll sip New World wines in fertile Yarra Valley, and enjoy both the bush and beach lining the heritage-listed Great Ocean Road. Then it’s off to temperate Tassie (or Tasmania to the rest of us muggles) for a taste of the country’s ecological and agricultural side. Finally, our sunny sojourn culminates in splashy Sydney with surf lessons, ocean-fed pools, harbour cruises, and the rowdiest Pride this side of the equator, Mardi Gras. Crikey!

For those looking to extend their time in Koala Country, stay tuned for an exciting extension focusing on some of Australia’s most famous natural wonders. Alternatively, begin your South Pacific holiday by combining this tour with our all-gay New Zealand Active South Island Gay Adventure.

Quote or Reservation

 

Sydney Gay Mardi Gras tour

 

Australia Summer Down Under & Sydney Mardi Gras Gay Tour Highlights

• Party your togs off at Sydney Gay Mardi Gras, one of the world’s premiere Pride events

Cruise Sydney Harbour during sunset with a group of local and international LGBT people

• Drive the Great Ocean Road and photograph the angelic 12 Apostles

• Learn to rip ‘n’ ride waves like a true-born Aussie during a Bondi Beach surf class

Discover Tasmania’s temperate rainforests and epic coastlines

• Photograph a range of endemic marsupials in Freycinet National Park including roo (kangaroo), wombats, echidnas, wallaby, and the rare Tasmanian devil

• Take a bite out of Melbourne, one of the hippest and food-centric cities in the world

• Get a taste of Australia’s bodacious cool climate wines in Yarra Valley

• Doggy paddle around Icebergs Club — Bondi Beach’s famous ocean-fed pool

 

Melbourne Australia gay tour

 

Australia Summer Down Under & Sydney Mardi Gras Gay Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Melbourne, Australia
G’day! Welcome to Melbourne, Australia.

With flat whites in hand, we’ll kick things off with a brief Welcome Meeting followed by a tour of the city’s graffitied alleys.

Along the way we’ll stroll trendy Fitzroy to discover its off-beat, counter-culture and queer hotspots. We’ll taste freshly whipped gelato in Little Italy and finish the afternoon with cocktails on a rooftop bar.

Tonight’s Welcome Dinner will be at one of the city’s most lauded restaurants—a proclamation we don’t take lightly considering Melbourne has become one of the world’s most respected foodie destinations.

Hotel: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne, Melbourne

 

Yarra Valley Australia gay tour

 

Day 2 - Melbourne - Yarra Valley
After a leisurely morning, we’re off to the lush Yarra Valley.

This fertile region is home to Victoria’s oldest vineyards. The climate here is particularly well suited for cool-climate grapes such as chardonnay and pinot noir. Oenophiles will revel in the boutique and award-winning producers we visit, not to mention our sumptuous vineyard lunch served al fresco.

Back in Melbourne your evening is free to further explore the city, join the group for an optional dinner or dip your toe into the eclectic gay nightlife. But not too late—as an Aussie would say, tomorrow will be ‘flat out like a lizard drinking!’

Hotel: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne, Melbourne

 

Australia gay tour - 12 Apostles

 

Day 3 - Melbourne - The Great Ocean Road
Up and at ‘em, Gentlemen! We have an epic 12-hour day ahead, exploring the many sights along the Great Ocean Road.

We’ll wander a lush rainforest, discover a secret bay and (hopefully) spot some grazing roo. Of course, today’s highlight will be visiting the heavenly 12 Apostles—a group of limestone monoliths erupting from the ocean just off the coast.

Lunch will be served at a local seafood restaurant with ocean views. If you aren’t too tuckered out, join us for an optional dinner before mingling with the locals in one of the city’s many gay bars.

Hotel: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne, Melbourne

 

Hobart Tasmania gay tour

 

Day 4 - Hobart, Tasmania
After a leisurely breakfast we jet off to Hobart, Tassie’s (Tasmania’s) quaint capital.

Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel and get our bearings on a quick orientation walk around the sleepy coastal city. If time allows, take an optional visit to the architectural and cultural gem, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).

Finally, at tonight’s included dinner we’ll get a taste of the island’s delectable seafood.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see 'Trip Notes' for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Hotel: Lenna Of Hobart Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania

 

Tasmania gay tour - Bruny Island

 

Day 5 - Hobart - Bruny Island
Morning, Mate! After brekkie we make our way to Bruny Island, an agricultural region known for its fresh produce, briny oysters, salty cheese and spectacular scenery. The journey will take about 2 hours each way including the ferry.

Once on Bruny we’ll drive to one of the country’s southernmost lighthouses. We’ll then slowly explore the striking island before an exquisite lunch at Bruny Island Wines.

On the way back—and if time permits—we may drive up to Mt Wellington for a panoramic view of Hobart and its magnificent harbour.

The evening is yours to further explore the city or join an optional group dinner.

Hotel: Lenna Of Hobart Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania

 

Tasmania gay tour - Freycinet National Park

 

Day 6 - Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Today we have a scenic 3-hour drive to the fabulous seaside Freycinet Lodge located inside Freycinet National Park.

We’ll enjoy a briney lunch of mussels and oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm before a relaxed afternoon on the beach.

Alternatively, book yourself a rejuvenating massage at the lodge’s spa.

This evening you are welcome to join the group for an optional dinner.

Hotel: Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet National Park

 

Tasmania gay tour

 

Day 7 - Wine Glass Bay, Tasmania
For those wanting to stretch their hamstrings, we’ve planned an optional tramp up to Wineglass Bay lookout today. The gorgeous walk is about 2.5 hours return and involves some incline.

The rest of the day is free and there are a number of optional activities to choose from including sea kayaking, scenic flights and coastal cruises.

Tonight we have a delicious dinner planned at the lodge.

Hotel: Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet National Park

 

Gay Sydney tour

 

Day 8 - From Hobart, Tasmania to Sydney
This morning we’ll drive back to Hobart airport and fly to splashy Sydney, arriving early in the afternoon.We recommend grabbing some Maccas (McDonald’s) or a light lunch at the airport.

After dropping our bags at our centrally-located hotel, we’ll stroll the famous harbour and get our first glimpse of the majestic Sydney Opera House.

It’s here we’ll board a Mardi Gras sunset cruise. Aboard the posh vessel we’ll have the chance to mix and mingle with other LGBT jet setters.

We’ll enjoy a complimentary welcome drink, canapes, chill tunes courtesy of a live DJ and some epic sunset views behind Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see 'Trip Notes' for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Hotel: Rydges World Square Hotel, Sydney

 

Gay Bondi Beach

 

Day 9 - Sydney - Bondi Beach
Pull on your cutest togs and prepare to dive into legendary Bondi Beach. On the sandy shore we’ll meet our hunky surf instructor and learn to rip ‘n’ ride like a local.

Please note: while we attempted to book the Herculean Hemsworths, their ‘people’ informed us they were a wee out of our price range. Fair dinkum, we suppose.

Nevertheless, the experience will be epically unforgettable. It’s worth emphasizing the physicality of surfing, though, so for anyone looking for a leisurely alternative we recommend a dip in nearby Bondi Icebergs CLUB.

If time allows, we also recommend a scenic stroll along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk.

After working up a big Aussie appetite, we’ll enjoy a seaside lunch with views of the crashing waves.

The rest of your day is free to enjoy the multitude of Mardi Gras festivities in this humming city.

Hotel: Rydges World Square Hotel, Sydney

 

Sydney Mardi Gras gay travel

 

Day 10 - Sydney Gay Mardi Gras
If you smashed the town last night, don’t worry. This morning you can either sleep in or enjoy a simple stroll along the hip strip of Oxford Street, Sydney’s gaybourhood.

Later this afternoon we’ll regroup for a big gay farewell lunch before a local drag queen helps us get glittered up for the big finale, the Mardi Gras parade.

We’re planning on heading to the parade route early to find a good view of the festivities, but for an additional add-on we can purchase tickets in the exclusive Diamond Club bleachers viewing area (*limited availability, ask us for details*).

While we’ll play the evening by ear, the event officially goes until 11pm so you may want to break up your schooners with flat whites.

After the parade finishes, you are free to keep the party going on Oxford Street or head back to the hotel.

Hotel: Rydges World Square Hotel, Sydney

 

Gay Sydney travel

 

Day 11 - Sydney Departure
Alas, it’s our final day with no planned activities so you are free to depart at leisure.

If you’d like to keep the adventure going, stay tuned for details on our post Mardi Gras package which will visit some of Australia’s most famous natural wonders.

Uluru & The Great Barrier Reef
For those looking to extend their time in The Commonwealth of Kylie, we'll be offering a short post-tour extension highlighting two of the country's natural wonders: Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) and The Great Barrier Reef.

 

Sydney Australia gay tour

 

Australia Summer Gay Tour Map

 

What's Included

• Group Leader and Out Adventures Host from beginning to end of tour

• Arrival & departure transfers to/from the Out Adventures Joining/Finishing Point Hotels

• Private air-conditioned transportation

• 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners

• All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary

 

Sydney Gay Mardi Gras

 

Not Included

• International and domestic airfare (details will be provided when the official Trip Guarantee is sent to group)

• Entry visa costs

Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for Group Leader (Australia is not a tipping culture however a small gift may be warmly received.)

• Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

• Water on transportation—please bring a reusable water bottle as Australia’s tap water is crisp, clean and refreshing.

• All optional activities mentioned/suggested

• Alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner, unless otherwise indicated

 

Australia Gay Travel

 

Trip Notes

Australia Visa
Most travellers from Canada and The United States do not require a visa, however they do require an ETA to enter Australia for up to 90 days. You must apply before entering Australia, and it may take up to 48 hours. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller. For more information, click here.

Culture Shock
Despite its history as a penal colony, Australia is a highly-developed safe nation. Crime rates are very low. Still, it’s recommended you leave valuables at home or in your hotel room as theft can and does occur.

Local LGBT Scene
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. Both Melbourne and Sydney have famously flambouyant gay scenes many tourists love to indulge in.

 

Australia gay tour - koala

 

Weather
Australian summers tend to be extremely hot with highs in certain areas exceeding 40C/104F on some days. Victoria and Tasmania are known for volatile changes in weather patterns—don’t be surprised if you experience four seasons in a day in either state. Meanwhile, Sydney enjoys some of the country’s best beach weather.
Please note: Australia’s sun is shockingly strong and proper skincare is absolutely essential. Come prepared with ample sunscreen, hats and light long sleeve shirts to protect yourself.

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
In Australia the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

 

Gay Australia kangaroo

 

Connectivity
We should have reliable Wi-Fi in our hotels throughout this tour. Feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home.

Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Meals
Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 3 dinners are included on this trip.

 

Australia gay holidays

 

Money
Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Debit and credit cards should be accepted and work throughout the country. We recommend bringing about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping
If you are happy with your guide’s services, a small gift is recommended as Australia doesn’t have much of a tipping culture.

What to bring
Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb to avoid costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller to carry a water bottle, your camera and souvenirs on day trips. Our packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring.

 

Sydney Opera House gay tour

 

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

 

Australia gay tour kangaroo

 

Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide.Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a small gift would be the most appropriate way to show your appreciation—tipping is not really a custom in Australia.

Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Domestic Airfare
On this tour domestic airfare is not included. We will provide the recommended flight details in the official Trip Guarantee email. If you are booking your trip less than 90 days to departure, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.

 

Brady Hotels Central Melbourne

 

Starting Point Hotel
Brady Hotels Central Melbourne, Melbourne
Brady Hotels Central is a modern, 4.5 star hotel, centrally located in Melbourne CBD. Guests enjoy free high-speed WiFi and access to a cafe, bar and fitness centre. All rooms are styled with quality furnishings, modern bathrooms and Juliette balconies.

Brady Hotel is a short walk to a range of lovely Melbourne restaurants and shops. You can take a stroll from Melbourne Central Shopping complex through Emporium to Bourke Street Mall, across 6 blocks without having to step outside or head in the other direction to the nearby Queen Victoria Market.

 

Brady Hotels Central Melbourne room

 

The theatres, museums, universities, galleries and sporting arenas are located close by.

All rooms at Brady hotel offers a smart TV, air conditioning, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. The private bathroom includes a walk-in shower and copper fixtures. The hotel also features studio apartments and 2-bedroom apartments.

 

Rydges World Square Hotel

 

Finishing Point Hotel
Rydges World Square Hotel, Sydney
Perfectly located in the heart of Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Rydges World Square offers luxury accommodation with a flat-screen TV. Guests enjoy a fitness centre, a cocktail bar and a restaurant.

Located next to the World Square Shopping Centre, Rydges is 5 minutes’ walk from Chinatown. Darling Harbour and Sydney Convention Centre are 15 minutes’ walk away. A bus stop is directly outside the hotel, and there are light rail and train stations within 10 minutes.

 

Rydges World Square Hotel room

 

All air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, safety deposit box, tea/coffee making supplies and ironing facilities. Each includes a desk and WiFi internet access.

Rydges World Square guests can work out in the fully refurbished fitness centre which offers the latest fitness equipment including cardio machines equipped with iPod connectivity and an in-built TV.

 

Australia Sydney gay tour

 

Quote or Reservation

 

Australia Summer Down Under & Sydney Mardi Gras Gay Tour Prices

Tour Date Description
Per person
$ (USD)
Availability

Tour Only, Per Person, Double Occupancy
Intra-Tour flights (Melbourne to Hobart; Hobart to Sydney) are additional

$ 7,995

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Optional Single Supplement: $2,100

Min. $500 deposit required.
Remaining balance collected min. 60 days prior to departure.

 

Special Airfares

 

Qatar Airways flights to Australia

 

 

 

Pre/Post Tour Hotels

 

Melbourne, Australia hotels at Booking.com

 

Oaks Hotels and Resorts Australia

 

Auckland, New Zealand Hotels reservations at Hotels.com

 

ALL Accorhotels Australia

 

 

 


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