Plenty to see and do

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, with a population of nearly four million. Located on Port Phillip Bay, the city will host next year’s first Asia Pacific Outgames from 30 January to 3 February.
Sydney is expected to have a large contingent at the Games, which will feature 12 sports including swimming, tennis, hockey and running.
The event will also form part of Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival, the city’s equivalent to our Mardi Gras.
With that in mind, SSO decided to look at some of Melbourne’s outlying areas for those readers looking to make a holiday of the event.
Melbourne
A major centre of commerce, industry, sport and cultural activity, Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s “sporting and cultural capital”. During the 20th century Melbourne became home to many of the nation’s most significant cultural and sporting events and institutions.
Recently voted second in a list of 10 global destinations that are hot for gay and lesbian travellers by internet site gay.com, Melbourne is an international hub of fashion, food, wine, culture and sport.
The city is notable for its mix of stunning architecture, award-winning café, bar and restaurant culture, world-class shopping, beautiful parks and gardens, superb nightlife and its diverse, multicultural society.
Daylesford
Following Melbourne’s success at being voted one of the top 10 global gay and lesbian destinations, Daylesford has made it to the list too. This central Victorian town has been voted second in a list of the world’s top 10 secret getaways for gay and lesbian travellers.
Referred to by gay.com as a “gay utopia down under”, Daylesford is the only Australian town mentioned and one of only four destinations outside the US to make the Top 10 – the others are in Canada, Mexico and France.
Great Ocean Road
Winding along the western coast of Victoria between Geelong and Warrnambool is one of Australia’s great scenic coastline drives. It offers visitors stunning views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean, and they can experience laidback coastal villages and beachside activities along the way.
The section near Port Campbell covers some of the most scenic coastline in the world because of its striking and dramatic natural rock formations. The Twelve Apostles are giant rock stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean and offering breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset.