Sydney is one of the world’s favorite cities. Set on a stunning harbor the shopping and dining variety are superb and you are within easy access of the great outdoors. Sydney was voted by the readers of Conde Naste in 2008. Sydney is a gay friendly city and its wide range of attractions encourages gay travel to this part of Australia.

The highlight of the gay and lesbian calendar is the famous Sydney Mardi Gras held in February each year. This event is popular with the non-homosexual population as well. People from all walks of life stand along the parade route and it is televised on commercial TV. During this time of year accommodation is tight, so do book early if you want to stay.

Beaches are everywhere around Sydney. A short ride across the harbor is the Manly area with it’s surf beach and laid back way of Life. There are a wide choice of beaches that are good for swimming and surfing or just lying back and improving your tan. If you want to find naturalist beaches there are four in the area just to the North of Sydney.

The food side of life is well catered for and is complemented by a great cafe culture. The balmy to hot temperatures make outdoor dining possible and there is nothing better than sipping a glass of wine watching the water or people going by.

The main gay district of Sydney is centered around Oxford Street; affectionately know as the pink stip. Here there are many gay friendly bars and clubs and a wide range of shopping opportunities from start up designers to the much more high end range of shopping options.

If you are in need of some relaxation and sun don’t forget Sydney is southern hemisphere and the seasons are the flip of what they are in the Northern hemisphere – February is still summer. Gay travel to Sydney Australia is great and the city is definitely gay friendly.

If you want a different sort of twist on a southern hemisphere journey, you might try a gay vacation in beautiful Brazil, which is becoming increasingly tolerant.