Melbourne

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Anchoring the South Eastern corner of the Australian continent is the state of Victoria and the very proper city of Melbourne. Victoria may be Australia’s second smallest state (after Tasmania), but it offers a variety of experiences: world-class wineries, charming coastal villages, endearing wildlife and one of the most scenic drives in the entire world!

Getting to Australia’s second largest city is easy with daily international flights from the US, New Zealand and the South Pacific and Asian ports.

If you’ll be staying in the city of Melbourne during your stay, it’s easy to get around using trains, trams and taxis. Driving in Melbourne’s downtown can be especially tricky, as making left hand turns requires a carefully choreographed dance with the trams.

And while day tours are readily available to take you to the Yarra Valley wineries, to the famous Penguin parade and to the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find driving in the Victorian countryside to be a snap.

Save the dates: Victoria's Gay Events

Did you know there are already six things on the 2010 Calendar of gay and lesbian-centric events in Melbourne?

1. Midsumma Festival

Melbourne's annual gay and lesbian arts and cultural celebration, with a pride march, carnival day and dance parties over three weeks in January/February.

2. ChillOut Festival

Held in Daylesford and Hepburn in on a long weeend in March, ChillOut is the largest celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride in rural and regional Australia.

3. Melbourne Queer Film Festival

The largest queer film festival in Australia –with over 140 local and international features, documentaries and short films, screening over 12 days and nights in March.

4. Bendigo Queer Film Festival

Held annually in April in Victoria's goldfields region, it features Australian and international films, art exhibitions and evening performances.

5. whiteOUT!

A premier gay and lesbian snow event, at the whiteOUT! Ski Party in July. Ski and snowboard by day and party by night.

6.Spring Migration Festival

A gay and lesbian festival open to all. Meet and greet pub night, dining out, drag shows and live performers.

#4 is my personal choice.

Friends Patrick and Wez who live outside of Melbourne say the Bendigo Queer Film Festival is growing each year, yet many who live in the city don't realize they can drive to Bendigo in 90 minutes, stay overnight after seeing a film or two, and get back to Melbourne the next day.

If you need help with accommodations in Victoria, try Rainbow Tourism.