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 G'day and welcome to Australia, mate! A vast landscape with pristine beaches, iconic skylines and natural wonders are yours to explore on this 10-day gay group adventure down under. Encounter unique wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, while immersing yourself in both urban and rural culture, all with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that Aussies are well known for.
Our adventure begins in Southeast Queensland with some wildlife encounters and endless white-sand beaches to check out.
After a couple of days settling in here, we'll head to Melbourne for 3 days to get a taste of this cultural and cuisine-fueled metropolis and its surrounds, then we'll be heading to Sydney to finish on a high with some harbour-cruising, bridge-climbing, beach-going days. Sydney has emerged as the gay capital of the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most multicultural in the world. There are many Gay Bars and Gay Dance Clubs throughout the city as well as a few Gay Saunas and Gay Cruise Clubs. The most gay-popular venues and shops are on and around Oxford Street in Darlinghurst.
Sydney has exceptional beaches, many of which are among the 'gayest' Australia has to offer. The famous Bondi Beach has a large gay concentration in the north end. Obelisk Beach is a favorite of the gay and lesbian sun-lovers. It is a hidden beach on the north side of the Harbour, near affluent Mosman. The beach is 'clothing-optional' and is the perfect place for those who want to let loose in the nude.
• All taxes
• Accommodations for your 10-day Australia gay tour experience
• All full breakfasts
• Two one-way domestic flights from Brisbane to Melbourne and Melbourne to Sydney
• Welcome Dinner
• Half-day trip to Surfers Paradise
• Australia Zoo entrance and round-trip train
• Walking tour of central Melbourne
• 3 hour harbour cruise in Sydney Harbour
• All transfers between itinerary stops
• Knowledgeable and fun gay trip leader
• Meals and drinks outside of those listed above
• Activities outside of the those listed above
• International Airfare to/from Australia
• Arrival/departure airport transfers
• Optional gratuities
Additional spending budget?
Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you'll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but we suggest expecting to spend an additional $900 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1300 USD at the higher end for the splurgers. We suggest arriving to Australia with some local cash, approximately the equivilant of $200 USD.
Days 1, 2 & 3
Your warm welcome to Australia begins in Brisbane, the country's third largest city (with direct international connections). Here you'll find a vibrant cosmopolitan city with laid-back country charm. Many of our travelers like to arrive a day or so early to settle in and feel rested before the group trip starts, and Brisbane is the perfect place to do just that. There are many great parks to explore along the river, great restaurants, rooftop bars, and a lively gay scene in 'the valley' to get you started. Then...
On the first day at 4 PM we'll meet in the hotel lobby and kick things off, and what better way to get to know your fellow travel buddies than over some delicious food and local wine - ahhhh bonza mate! OK, we'll stop with the slang now..
During our 2 full days here, we’ll make our way to the world-famous white-sand beaches of Surfers Paradise (about a one-hour drive), where you can relax with a swim or take part in a two-hour surf lesson. You’ll also have the chance to get up close to iconic Australian wildlife at the renowned Australia Zoo (about a 90 minute train and shuttle), where you can feed, interact with, and even sponsor some of your new animal friends, all while learning about the strong conservation focus that guides everything they do.
Included activities:
• Welcome Dinner & Drinks
• Transport to/from Surfers Paradise (on the Gold Coast)
• Transport and entrance to Australia Zoo (close to the Sunshine Coast)
Some recommended optional activities:
• Moreton Island 4x4/sand-dune tour, Story Bridge climb, additional tours at Australia Zoo, Surf Lesson in Surfers Paradise
Days 4, 5, and 6
After a short 2.5 hour flight from Brissy to Melbourne, get ready to explore one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and also one that's been ranked one of the most "liveable" in the world many times. Melbourne is Australia's mecca for all things trendy and tasty. With famous restaurants, exhilarating sports and abundant opportunities to experience art throughout the many creative laneways packed with hidden boutiques and hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars, there's no shortage of places to explore during our 3 days here. And if you're looking for the perfect caffeine-hit to fuel your days here, you're in the right place! There's an entire coffee-culture in Melbourne - they even have their own drink that you won't find anywhere else; the Melbourne Magic!
During our first morning in Melbourne (Day 5), we'll kick things off with a guided walking tour. Then, you'll have lots of options for how to spend the rest of your time here. You could head up to the Skydeck, take a sightseeing cruise, rent a bike and explore the trails along the river, or check out the galleries and markets dotted around the CBD, or take a ride on one of the old trams (is that a euphemism for something?), or just wander through the laneways stopping in at cocktail bars and coffee shops along the way.
On your second free day here (Day 6), you'll have the option to catch a hot air balloon ride (weather-permitting) over central Melbourne, the only major city in the world where commercial hot air balloons are able to fly over the CBD, or take a tour out to the Yarra valley to sample some of that famous Australian wine directly from the vineyards, or, if you don't mind a long drive, you could join a tour that will take you down along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve apostles, an iconic rock formation dotted along a stunningly scenic coastline.
Included activities:
• Walking tour (3 hours) includes a coffee and a beer.
Some recommended optional activities:
• Hot air ballooning, wine tasting in the Yarra, Great Ocean Rd tour, Phillip Island penguin day-excursion, trams, galleries, bike rental.
Days 7, 8, 9, and 10
Next up, after a 1.5 hour flight.. Sydney!
There's no other city like it on Earth, with its iconic beaches, stunning harbour, vibrant gay scene, famous architechture, world-class cuisine, coffee to rival Melbourne's, galleries, shopping, cocktail bars ... it's all waiting for you, and so much more!
During our few days in Sydney, we'll get out on the harbour for a sightseeing cruise, and take you down to the world-famous Bondi Beach. There's also a stunning coastal walk you can do from Bondi to Coogee (~2 hrs). Want to climb one of the most famous bridges in the world? That's an option too (it's optional, but totally worth it!).
As with all of our trips, there are no scheduled activities on the last day, so you can make travel plans from this day onwards. Not ready to go home? We don't blame you! That's actually why we purposely end our itinerary in Sydney - so you can extend your trip if it's possible. A few more days in Sydney perhaps? Or maybe a trip up to check out the Great Barrier Reef for a few more days of fun in the sun or to unwind before heading home, or how about a trip out to the iconic Uluru in the centre of this vast sunburnt country?
Our team are ready to assist with providing advice to help with your post-trip plans and/or hotel extension needs.
Included activities:
• Harbour cruise with lunch
• Bondi Beach visit
Some recommended optional activities:
• Bridge Climb, Mardi Gras events (specific trips only), galleries, museums, transit to Bondi and/or Manly beaches.
We don't like staying in smelly shacks on our vacations and we're pretty sure you don't either! You work hard to go on vacation and we believe you deserve an enjoyable, comfortable place to wind down at the end of each day. We put a LOT of time into finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. After rigorous Wi-fi signal testing, fluffing pillows, and taking a shower or two, we've narrowed down our favorite properties. Check out our approved accommodation to see where we've stayed in the past and where we'll likely be staying on your trip.
Brisbane
Capri by Fraser Hotel
Sleek apartment hotel in a modern high-rise building located in the centre of downtown Brisbane and just a 4-minute walk from Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a 24/7 fitness centre. The on-site Black Fire Restaurant produce some of Australia’s finest Mediterranean cuisine, serving delicious organic and fresh seasonal produce grown and sourced locally.
Melbourne
Lancemore Crossley St Melbourne Hotel
Centrally located between the Paris end of Bourke Street, Theatre District, and Chinatown, this cosmopolitan boutique hotel has a rooftop terrace featuring views of the city. There's also a 24/7 gym and a sleek lobby bar. Home to 113 art-filled accommodation rooms, with a style that is richly layered, complex and unique. At the hotel, rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels, free toiletries and an iPod docking station.
Sydney
Fraser Suites Sydney Hotel
 Perfectly situated in the Central Business District in downtown Sydney, this hotel features beautiful city skyline views and award winning design. Each room features air conditioning complimentary wifi, flat screen TV, mini bar, room safe, and a micro kitchinette. Offering free WiFi and a fitness centre with a sauna. Fraser Suites Sydney features luxury apartments with modern furnishings, kitchen facilities and views of the city skyline. Guests can start the day with buffet breakfast a featuring organic produce, fresh juices, and gourmet tea and coffee. There are many restaurants on the doorstep, in Chinatown and the Spanish Quarter.
*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all our trips. However, we will always replace these with similar hotels, and will never downgrade.
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The Climate
It'll be Summer in Australia when we're there, so that means the sun will be shining, temperatures soaring and the beaches dazzling (except in the far north where it's wet season). There's no denying it - it will be hot! It's nicknamed 'the sunburnt country' after all, so you'll likely see temperatures reach the high 20's 'C / 80's 'F with some days (especially in the outback) even getting into the mid 30's 'C / mid 90's 'F. The evenings are warm as the temperature rarely drops below 20'C / 68'F.
The People and LGBTQ Friendliness
Australia has a reputation where everyone's your 'mate', and you'll feel that warm genuine welcome from the minute you arrive til the moment you leave. Australia has 26.5 million people, with 30% of the population born from overseas making it one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 2017 and LGBTQ+ rights around Australia have advanced over the latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century making Australia one of the most LGBTQ-accepting countries in the world. With its long history of LGBT activism and annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival, Sydney has been named one of the most gay-friendly cities. While most people (78% according to a recent study) are welcoming of homosexuality, there may still be people, especially in rural areas, who may not be comfortable, and so out of respect we usually suggest keeping your excitement and affection for your partner to more private locations.
Meals
We could write a whole chapter on typical Aussie "tucker" (food), but instead we'll summarize some of the items you'll likely encounter (& should absolutlely try!) during your visit down under:
Barbeque - When you think of Australia you think of surfing, nice weather, kangaroos and... the barbecue. “Throw another shrimp on the barbie” is a quote often said even though Australians call them prawns and not shrimp! In fact, many Aussies dislike this phrase and claim that it’s just another Australian stereotype. A typical Aussie barbecue will have snags (sausages), burgers, steak, fresh seafood, bread and tomato or barbecue sauce, they sometimes include salad but it’s mainly about the meat and fish (and of course a few stubbies – that’s beer to the non-Australians)
Vegemite - don't knock it til you try it! It's a yeast extract, served with butter/margarine on toast/sandwiches.
Fairy bread - funny name for a kids' treat, but also the perfect name for a gay bakery wouldn't you agree? This is buttered-bread with sprinkles (100's & 1000's) on it.
Tim-tams - chocolate biscuits (cookies), that have become popular around the world now, best enjoyed as a tim-tam-slam!
Meat pies - you'll find these everywhere, and they're not the same anywhere else in the world, crisp puffy pastry filled with loads of options inside (steak, chicken, veggie, etc.) Always topped with tomato sauce.
Chicken parma - Loads of pubs have a parma night where you can grab a decently priced chicken parma with a beer. A chicken parma is a chicken schnitzel topped with a tomato sauce and melted cheese on top.
Kangaroo - While visitors usually take pictures of kangaroos bouncing around. Aussies actually eat Kanagroo meat. You’ll see them packed on supermarket shelves and on restaurant menus. Kangaroo is lean red meat, it’s healthy and you can prepare it in many ways – steaks, burgers, sausages, and much more
Lamingtons - Made up of a deliciously, delicate soft, sponge cake, and topped with decadent chocolate topping and immersed in coconut flakes, the ole’ Lamington has been a fixture on the dessert table here for generations.
We don't believe in limiting your choices by including all of your meals at pre-decided restaurants as part of the trip package. Instead, we include all of your breakfasts to start your day off as well as select meals through the trip, then encourage you to explore all of the different restaurant options available to you for other lunches and dinners. This way you can eat when you want, where you want, with whomever you want, and spend what you want! Your trip leader definitely has their favorite spots so if you'd like some advice on the best in each location, just check with them.
What to bring?
Our advice is simple. Pack your bag, then take half of those things out and leave them back home. It’s common to hear people wishing they’d packed less stuff, but we’ve never heard anyone complain that they didn’t bring enough. Everywhere we visit on our itinerary is convenient for grabbing any last-minute things as you go, so if you realize you forgot to pack a crucial item you can just pick it up on the trip. We'll include some trip-specific packing advice based on expected weather as part of our update email to you, sent 10 days prior to your trip.
Money
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). In an effort to avoid bank fees, we suggest arriving to Australia with some local currency (around 300 AUD) and ATMs are widely available, so your debit card from home will be the most economic way to withdraw local currency as/when you need more. Credit cards are widely accepted, and you should have no problems paying for your portion of the group meal with card or cash. AMEX isn't widely accepted in Australia, mostly just Mastercard and Visa.
Tipping
While tipping isn't a native custom in this destination, those working in the tourism industry all over the world have come to expect gratuities when providing good service. This extends to local guides, restaurant wait staff, bus drivers, taxis and your Detours trip leader. Of course the actual amount is left up to your discretion, if you've been provided excellent service we suggest leaving around 15% for restaurant/wait staff as well as the local equivalent of a few dollars to bus drivers and luggage porters, as well as around $10-15 USD per day for local guides and your gay trip leader.
Accommodation
We have pretty high standards when it comes to choosing our accommodations, and trust us, we’ve done plenty of room-sniffing, pillow-patting, and bathroom inspections to make sure we stay at quality spots. Our accommodations provider, a guesthouse must preferably be locally owned (to support the local community), be in an amazing location (close to the beach or other hot spots), AND be gay-owned or gay-friendly. We won't be staying in 5-star Ritz-Carltons but we also won't subject you to anything we wouldn't want to stay in ourselves. Clean, comfortable, well-located spots that'll put a smile on your face, you can count on that!
Trip Leaders
Your gay trip leader will be there with you every day to help ensure that this is your trip of a lifetime by taking the hassle out of your trip and enabling you to experience everything you came to Australia for. Consider them like a friendly concierge that's traveling along with you. All of our trip leaders are gay and all are well-traveled and experienced in the destination they're leading in, so they'll be a great part of your experience!
Alarm Clocks
We do absolutely everything possible to avoid needing such a mundane awakening. A world without alarm clocks is one we want to be part of! Our travel days might start a bit earlier (due to flight schedules) but for the majority of your adventure you'll be welcome to start each morning at your leisure, come on down to breakfast when you wake up and are ready to start the day. In most places your natural alarm clock will be the sound of a laughing kookaburra or magpie outside your window encouraging you to seize the day. Don't worry these are peaceful sounds and very Australian!
Your Group
Our trips operate with a maximum group size of 16 plus your gay trip leader. Ages of group members vary but the average travelers are in their 40's to 60's. Whatever the age of the guys on our trips though, everyone's got something in common, an exciting new experience in a new country! The Australia trip will be led by your gay trip leader(s) who are there to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, allowing you to focus on having the time of your life!
Solo Travelers
Traveling solo? No problem! About 60% of our travelers come solo and our trip will provide plenty of chances to meet great people both inside and outside of our group, including other solos. As far as your accommodations go, you’ve got two choices. We can either pair you up with another solo group member in a two-bed room, or you can have your own room for a reasonable surcharge.
Electrical Outlets
Traveling solo? No problem! About 60% of our travelers come solo and our trip will provide plenty of chances to meet great people both inside and outside of our group, including other solos. As far as your accommodations go, you’ve got two choices. We can either pair you up with another solo group member in a two-bed room, or you can have your own room for a reasonable surcharge.
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