Melbourne: Gay and Lesbian

Melbourne is a perfect destination for a fun-packed Gay and Lesbian getaway in the sun. A welcoming, cosmopolitan city, all of Melbourne is geared up for tourism and Gay and Lesbian holidaymakers should have no worries about their trip. Life's a party, or at least it should be, and Melbourne's gay and lesbian community certainly know how to enjoy it. Melbourne's hippest nightlife is dispersed throughout its labyrinth of laneways. Spaces that originally housed fabric companies, warehouses and retail outlets, now pulsate with hip tunes and smart cocktails.

Some of the key avenues to keep in mind are Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street, each with an array of hidden bars to discover. North of the Central Business District, laidback and bohemian alternatives are what it's about, from pubs with live music to dance bars and leather clubs.

The gay and lesbian scene is largely found in Collingwood and Abbotsford, and other inner city suburbs which many in the GLBT community choose to call home. To the south, it's all about designer fashion and seaside frolics. There are just as many nightlife options to choose from, but you may have to dress up a little more. Commercial Road in Prahran is Melbourne's main gay strip, with gay bars in abundance, while St Kilda boasts nightlife with an ocean view. There are many gay-friendly districts offering some great accommodation as well as some fantastic restaurants and shopping areas - and Carlton, Richmond, Prahran and South Yarra all offering a unforgettable gay and/or lesbian holiday experience.