Northern getaways

When winter starts to bite in southern states, where does every self-respecting sun seeker go? North to the tropical climes of Queensland, of course, to enjoy the sun, surf, and eye candy. Here’s a snapshot of the hottest, and gayest places to visit on your winter sojourn.

BRISBANE

Queensland’s capital Brisbane is hotting up at the moment with its annual Pride Festival in The Land of Queens. If you’ve forgotten, jump on a cheap flight right now and join in the fun.

Gay-friendly suburbs of Brisbane include West End, Woolloongabba, Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley and New Farm. It’s here that gay travellers will find gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodation in the form of serviced apartments or hotels as well as caf? pubs and bars. The gay bar and pub scene is thriving, with drag shows, cabaret and other performances weekly.

But beware, pubs have a 3am lock-out policy, which means you need to be inside by 3am or you’ll be heading home. Hot spots include the Wickham Hotel (www.thewickham.com.au), The Sportsman Hotel (www.sportsmanhotel.com.au) and Fluffy @ Family (www.fluffy.com.au).

SURFERS PARADISE

Searching for high rise and long, gorgeous beaches? The sparkle and glamour of Queensland’s Gold Coast stretches from Southport to Coolangatta.

The combination of long, sun-drenched beaches, a rainforest hinterland and a bevy of bars, caf? and shopping precincts is hard to resist. Rent an apartment overlooking Surfers Paradise, the playground of the Gold Coast, and enjoy a languid beach lifestyle of sunbathing, surfing and splashing around.

The Gold Coast swims in 300 days of sunshine per year. Gay venues are slim though: try MP’s Nightclub (26 Orchid Ave) and gay-friendly bars Ruby Tramp (4 Orchid Avenue) and the Capitol Bar and Lounge (cnr Tedder and Woodroffe Avenue, Main Beach).

SUNSHINE COAST

North of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast, of which Noosa is a key attraction. Noosa Heads is a busy little pocket of the Sunshine Coast which prides itself on its national parks, inviting beaches and European-style feel.

The main drag of Hastings Street offers luxury accommodation, Parisian-style caf? boutique shopping and excellent local galleries.

There are plenty of gay-friendly accommodation outlets in Noosa including: Noosa Peregian Beach (www.raywhite.com/qld/peregia), Horizons at Peregian (www.horizons-peregian.com) and Noosa Cove (www.noosacovegay.com).

TROPICAL NORTH

The palm-fringed tropical north area of Cairns and Port Douglas is possibly the most visited destination among gay male travellers.

The area has the largest concentration of exclusively gay resorts, and is a haven for southern gay and lesbian travellers who want a warm, often humid climate, gay-friendly atmosphere and excellent restaurants.

The area is touted as the only place in Australia where rainforest meets the Reef. The nearby World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park offers unrivalled rainforest in a haven of lush greenery.

See www.queenslandholidays.com.au.