The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day this year was held in brilliant sunshine for most of Sunday 12th February. Held in the delightful Victoria Park adjacent to Sydney University, the huge turn-out of several thousands of visitors was testament to the energy that this event still maintains after 35 years. The sprawling presence around several acres of land hosted a variety of stalls, stands, music and other entertainment.

GALTA was well positioned in the fair precinct under some beautiful, undulating old Moreton Bay Figs. We had collateral product from over 25 members that we we able to pack into our branding savvy ‘pink bags’.

The team (Rod, Rohan, Reece and myself) distributed over 700 travel packs to very keen attendees. There were many questions pertaining to what was avaialble during and post the Mardi Gras celebrations. With so many events and possiblities on offer around Australia, it was easy to engage people in answer to those questions.

The national and international branding of GALTA continues to build. So many international guests to Sydney were delighted to know that such an organisation exists and that it’s foot-print covers the whole country. The Mardi Gras festival contines now up until and culminating with the annual parade and party on Saturday 3rd March 2012.

Image: Reece Farmilo and Rod Stringer on the GALTA Stand at Fairday

The 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival kicks off this Sunday with Fair Day, and a plethora of events celebrating our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community.

Alongside iconic Mardi Gras favourites such as the Parade and Party, Sydney Mardi Gras 2012 will encompass a broad program of social and cultural events including cabaret, theatre, sports, music and arts shows.

Fair Day is the ultimate way to kick off the official Mardi Gras season, with a fun and relaxed day out in the park with friends and family, even your pets!

Up to 70 000 people are expected to attend, to sit on the grass, browse and enjoy the wide range of delicacies available at the stalls, have a few drinks, but most of all, catch up with old friends – and make some new ones.

Fair Day will feature an impressive line up on the Main Stage including Star Maxine Kauter, Brendan Maclean and Mary Kiani. Community groups Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir and the Police Band will also be crowd favourites. The Main Stage will also feature talents Gen Chadwick, Shimtastic and Kristy Apps.

The stage will also deliver some sneak peeks of Festival events to come including a very special appearance from Miss Gaynor Tension and an early showcase of the performers from blackcat lounge: queer cabaret. The popular Mr and Mrs Fair Day competition is back and better than ever before – who will come away with the coveted title?

Fair Day is a day for the whole family- pets included! Doggywood is back, featuring a number of categories for our furry friends and their owners to compete in. It’s been called the gay version of the Easter Show (but with style) and it’s not to be missed.

For those wanting to take some time out and relax on the day, the Gaydar Lounge is the place to be. The Finlandia Lounge is also a great option for a chat and a cool drink to wind down!

GALTA will be participating at Fairday. Lookout for us on Stall ST-206 on the City Road side of Victoria Park. We will be distributing our fabulous ‘Pink Showbags’ full of tourism information supplied by our members. Come and ‘sign up’ to our OUT in Oz newsletter for a chance to win a wonderful prize supplied by our members.

2012 Mardi Gras Fairday
Date: Sunday 12 February 2012
Time: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Location: Victoria Park, Camperdown

For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.

It’s time to start working on that tan ready for 2012 Mardi Gras Recovery Week on the beaches of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Despite the devestation of natural disasters across Australia in 2011, the Sunshine Coast remained untouch and as beautiful as ever.

Whether you are Gay, Lesbian, Bi or somewhere in-between, you deserve some R&R in paradise. Noosa is the place to be and be seen post Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.  Head north for the Noosa Mardi Gras Recovery week, running 5 – 9 March 2012.

The Noosa Mardi Gras Recovery Week takes place over a 7 day period with events that take place in Noosa and on the Sunshine Coast. The Big Gay Day Party in Brisbane on Sunday 11 March is Australia’s largest gay street party – a great way to finish your visit to Noosa.

Events include: Welcome cocktail party at The Boathouse floating restaurant on the Noosa river. The Mardi Gras recovery pool party at the Hideaway Resort Peregian Beach, a sunset river cruise aboard the Noosa River Queen followed by the Gala dinner at Trios restaurant at the Noosa Marina. BBQ lunch and pool party at Horizons Resort Peregian Beach, Recovery breakfast at the fabulous Noosa Home Stay B& B in Sunshine Beach, 4 wheel drive safari to Fraser Island… and lots more!

Noosa lays claim to being one of the most gay friendly resort towns in Australia. Its world renowned restaurants, boutique shopping, pristine beaches and national parks offer the discerning traveller a wide choice of experiences.

For more information,visit: www.mardigrasrecoveryweek.com.au for details.

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas – the only hotel with beach and ocean views sets amazing new standards of premium boutique accommodation in Port Douglas.

Overlooking the magical and famous Four Mile Beach that features pristine turquoise waters surrounded by breathtaking rainforest, you can expect a high level of privacy coupled with the exceptional unobtrusive personalised service.

As a GALTA Member and gay managed, the Peninsula Boutique Hotel extends an Indulgent Package to all participants of the 2012 Mardi Gras Festival.  We believe we offer the perfectly located hotel to unwind, recover and relax following your ‘Big Sydney Festivities’.

This luxury adult only retreat comprises an exclusive collection of one bedroom suites or for a real indulgent stay, upgrade to our Peninsula or Coral Spa Suites –  all with uninterrupted views out to the Coral Sea. The luxury suites feature contemporary inspired interior furnishings that exude style and tropical ambience, natural timber plantation louvers, spacious private balconies, discreetly concealed fully self catering kitchenette plus ensuite with twin bath and
walk-in shower.

Redefining intimate levels of service, suites are serviced daily and are fully air conditioned. This unique hotel boasts private sun decks, stunning multi levelled swimming pools, waterfall, cold water grotto and hot and cold spas.  Featuring lush tropical gardens, relax to the sounds of the native birds or the gentle waves lapping Four Mile Beach.

Indulge in the Peninsula’s own Hi Tide Beach Bar & Restaurant with its innovative cuisines or float in one of the amazing heated pools whilst sipping on that tropically inspired cocktail. This is the oasis you will never want to leave – all the little extras make are just so perfect!

Indulgent Package – Indulgence, Relaxation, Soothing with a touch of Luxury

• Guaranteed Upgrade to Oceanview Suite
• Private  arrival Sedan Transfer to Peninsula Boutique Hotel from Cairns Airport
• Welcome Cocktail each at your leisure – Soothing
• Luxury Peninsula ‘Bath Pack’ – Indulgence
• 1 Hour Full Body Massage per person by ‘the Best Therapists in Port Douglas’ – Relaxation
• Coastal Sunset Cruise for two on Aquarius Luxury Catamaran on the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef – Luxury
• Full Hot Tropical Buffet Breakfast daily
• Daily Room Servicing

$1595 per couple for 3 nights/ 4 days with late check out!

For more information, visit: www.peninsulahotel.com.au or telephone: 1800 676 674 for details.

GALTA Member, Marina Shores has been recognised in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards for 2012 as one the top 25 hotels in Australia.  Another outstanding accolade for Marina Shores having recently won the Tourism Whitsunday Best Luxury Hotel Award.  Enjoy award winning accommodation for your next escape to the Whitsundays…stay at Marina Shores

For more information, visit: www.marinashores.com.au for details.

Venture North Australia recently won two major awards at the prestigious 2011 Northern Territory Tourism Brolga Awards. Owned by brothers Aaron and Hugh Gange the company took out the best Cultural and Heritage Tour for the second year in a row while head guide Hugh won Outstanding Interpretive Guide.

These leading cultural and ecotourism operators specialise in taking guests off the beaten track (in comfort) to places that aren’t part of the usual touring itinerary. Operating the remote Cobourg Coastal Camp, a safari-style camp in northern Arnhem Land, the boys love showing guests their unique part of the world.

“Guests often can’t believe it when they arrive up here in the National Park and don’t see another person for days” says Hugh Gange.

All Venture North tours are small group, with a maximum of 6 guests to one guide to keep it personal. Along the way Indigenous guides are employed to interpret sacred rock art sites in Arnhem Land, giving guests an insight into the world oldest living culture. After exploring Kakadu National Park tours culminate at Venture North’s camp where guests enjoy champagne on arrival and settle in for three nights.

The camp has most of your home comforts while still allowing you to feel close to nature, i.e. open-air monsoonal showers and the ‘loo with a view’.

On tour with Venture North each day holds something new; whether it’s beachcombing on deserted beaches, cruising the Marine Park by boat, croc spotting or simply relaxing in a hammock overlooking the ocean. Include some good food and good company and you are in for an unforgettable Top End experience!

For more information about details Venture North. visit: www.galta.com.au/listing/venture-north-australia-nt-safaris for details.

GALTA Member, Huon Bush Retreats, has just added its newest eco cabin, Buttongrass Retreat. Set in the vast open expanse of a classic Tasmanian buttongrass plain, this is a place to spend a couple of nights exploring Far South Tasmania or just relaxing.

This self contained eco cabin provides a complete contrast from the big city gay strips of Oxford or Brunswick Streets. No one else around, wide open sky and spectacular mountain views. The eco facilities such as solar electricity and hot water, wood heating protection of the natural values mean your holiday can be eco friendly.

This is the southernmost accommodation in the whole of Australia. From here it is 20 minutes drive to the end of the road, then a 2 hour walk to South Cape Bay. Stand on the cliffs looking out to the Southern Ocean and be the southernmost people in Australia.

Right next door is the Ida Bay Railway which rattles its way to a beautiful secluded beach. Hastings Caves, numerous bush walks, gemstone fossicking, a winery and many beatuiful beaches complete the range of activities in this area of waterways, wilderness and wildife.

Paul and Michael have been GALTA Members for the past 7 years with their multi award winning Huon Bush Retreats. They are excited that this new addition will add yet another dimension to the GLBTI friendly eco- experiences in Tasmania.

For more information, visit: www.galta.com.au/listing/huon-bush-retreats for details.

It was reported in The AGE that Melbourne’s midsumma Carnival on Sunday 15 January had a record attendance of over 120,000.  The event was again held at Birrarung Marr on the banks of the Yarra behind Federation  Square. The crowds were somewhat boosted by the thousands of tennis fans heading to the Australian Open who had to walk by the Carnival site.

GALTA represented its members at the event and distributed lots of its infamous ‘pink showbags’ containing membership information and member brochures.  They also signed up hundreds of subscribers to its popular Out in Oz gay travel newsletter. Each subscriber has a chance to win a holiday prize at one of its members properties.

GALTA represents its members at some 10 international, national and regional gay festival and fairs annually. Membership is open to any business or individual who has an interest in promoting their product to the gay and lesbian tourists.

Image: Claudio Halstenberg, Leonard Streusel and Stefano Hagn assist on the GALTA stand at midsumma Carnival

An estimated 120,000 people descended on Birrarung Marr yesterday for  Midsumma Carnival, the free opening event of Melbourne’s annual queer arts and  cultural festival, setting an attendance record.

In addition to the $16,000 donated by Tourism Victoria last November, Liberal  Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown announced that the Victorian government  would donate an additional $20,000 to this year’s Midsumma through Arts  Victoria. ”While it’s a niche event it’s also a massive festival,” he said.  ”It’s a big deal for Melbourne and it’s appropriate that the government  supports it.”

Newton-Brown and Tourism Minister and acting Minister for the Arts Louise  Asher were among the officials who gave welcome speeches at Carnival. ”It’s a  very, very good event for Melbourne obviously,” Asher told The Age.  ”I’m delighted to be here to add government support to a major event on the  Melbourne calendar.

Speaking on behalf of the City of Melbourne, Councillor Jennifer Kanis  addressed the crowd holding her four-month-old baby. ”I hope this little one  remembers his first Midsumma for the rest of his life,” she said, praising the  festival for representing ”all that is fantastic about queer culture”.

Apart from yesterday’s opening event, Midsumma CEO Adam Lowe singled out  panel discussion After Homosexual: The Legacies of Liberation, as a festival  highlight. Hosted by Helen Razer, the panel included Australian writer and  academic Dennis Altman and leading UK gay historian Jeffrey Weeks discussing the  impact of Altman’s landmark book Homosexual: Oppression and Liberation,  40  years after its publication.

”It’s a great time to look back at how far we’ve come and where we still  need to go,” said Lowe. ”Midsumma grew out of a need for demonstration. Over  24 years now it’s become an affirmation. Midsumma is a celebration of queer  culture, but it’s an affirmation of how much value we as a community contribute  to the mainstream community in dollars, in creativity and in human value.”

Two stages at Carnival showcased everything from drag and burlesque  performers to the ever-popular Dulcie’s Dog Show, with prizes including cutest  bitch, sexiest ”boy” dog, best owner and dog combo and biggest tail. First  time Carnival attendee Jonathan Doherty hoped his Jack Russell, Bulley, would  take out cutest dog. So did Bulley undergo any extra grooming in preparation?  ”Oh, god no, I took enough time getting myself ready,” said Doherty. ”It’s  great that I can wear my makeup here and feel totally normal and accepted,” he  said.

Other attractions included stalls hosted by Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia  and Italian Australian LBGTIQ (Lesbian Bisexual Gay Transgender Intersex  Questioning) women, among many others, and a youth stage for under-18-year-olds.  The annual end-of-carnival dance party, T Dance, kicked off at 5pm and included  a performance from Ricki-Lee.

Source: www.theage.com.au/national/melbourne-life/a-big-day-out-to-celebrate-gay-pride-20120115-1q1dv.html#ixzz1jrLh2r92

GALTA Member, Huon Bush Retreats has claimed top honors at the 2011 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Award winners were announced recently at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner, held at Wrest Point Convention Centre in Hobart, Tasmania.

Huon Bush Retreats won the award for best Unique Accommodation as a carbon positive (Green Globe accredited) retreat offering guests a choice of contemporary, self-contained cabins, deluxe tipees and private campsites against an inspiring backdrop of Tasmanian native forest.

“Huon Bush Retreats is indeed unique. Established in 2004, we are based on conservation values and environmentally responsible infrastructure that includes solar power, fresh rainwater and composting toilets and covenanted protection of large areas of natural habitat.” says co-owner, Paul Dimmick.

“The tourism activity provides the income to support the environmental outcomes.”

This is Huon Bush Retreat‟s first Tasmanian Tourism Award, having been “highly commended‟ in the Sustainable Tourism category in 2008 and 2009. Huon Bush Retreats will now go on to represent Tasmania at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre in March 2012.