The Essential Guide To LGBT Travel In Brisbane Australia
Attractions in Brisbane just for Queer travelers
Obviously being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Brisbane during the day! Brisbane is a very safe city, and gay travelers in Brisbane do not need to take any extra precautions regarding public displays of affection in this very tolerant and progressive city.
If you are at a loss for things to do in Gay Brisbane or can’t decide – we recommend hiring a car and heading to one of the beautiful beaches during the day, or the seemingly endless supply of trendy coffee-shop and fabulous dining. Or you explore the wilder lures of Queensland. You can choose if we mean the wild rainforest and coastline or the hedonistic nightlife of Brisbane here…
Highlights Of Gay Brisbane
- Brisbears – A social club promoting the brotherhood of gay men who openly challenge the stereotypical image of the male ideal, men who are uninterested in society’s perception of gay men as hyper-thin, hairless, fashion victims, who instead celebrate the fact that they are sometimes large, less than perfect, and sometimes hairy all over. Bears share a broad and rich connection with their bodies, with nature and with spirit. Brisbears started in 1993 and currently holds around 200 members from all over the state, Australia, and the rest of the world. Their members come from all walks of life, and it is their compassionate, relaxed and non-judgemental attitude towards one another that represents the true hallmark of the bear community. Each month they gather together for friendly times, and to celebrate our common interests within the Sportsman Hotel on the 3rd Saturday of each month. So come on in, say woof to the boys, and give them a great, big, bear hug. They also host one-off events including Bear Go Wet n Wild and UnderBear parties, listed on their Facebook page. Sort of a must for gay travelers.
- Biking Brisbane – Take a bike tour through Brisbane to see some of the city’s top sights and destinations, from South Bank Parklands to the City Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the cooling breeze on your face as you cruise down bike paths that run near the Brisbane River, and explore the history and culture of the city. With many of the city’s best eateries, shops, and bars all begging you to stop, why not make a whole day of it!
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – Visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary, which is located an easy 20-minute drive from downtown Brisbane. Home to more than 130 koalas as well as more than 100 other animal species, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers multiple ways to learn about native Australian wildlife. Enjoy experiences such as watching koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos and wild lorikeets under staff supervision. See platypus, sheepdogs, and birds of prey in action.
- Stradbroke Island Day Trip – Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Dunwich and Amity, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas. Cool stuff for LGBTQ travelers
- Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland – From coffee to a seasonal lunch, this food tour will introduce you to some of the best food and beverages in Brisbane. It includes visits to four unique Brisbane venues, on a small-group tour (maximum eight participants). Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the food you’re eating, plus the Brisbane food scene, so you get much more than just the food on your plate. We are a huge, huge fan of food tours around the world and think they are a perfect way to discover a new destination, and much more fun than merely stopping by why sight-seeing.
- ITD Events – Otherwise known as In The Dark Presents is New Zealand and Australia’s leading LGBT event producers. Originally from Adelaide and now operating in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Auckland,  and more, they are responsible for bringing sickening drag race artists and other performers to town for one-off events that are not to be missed! Check their website for upcoming events.
- Mount Tamborine Winery Tour – Discover the boutique wineries of Mt Tamborine on a full-day trip from Brisbane. Stop at some of Queensland’s best local wineries for tastings of award-winning wines and a gourmet 2-course winery lunch. If your schedule allows, stop to sample locally made liqueurs, spirits, cheese, and fudge. It might not be as great as the wine regions near Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne – but hey, we would never turn down an opportunity to drink the day away…
- Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb – Take your adventurous spirit to new heights on a 2-hour Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure day or night climb. After a safety briefing, you’ll follow an experienced climbing guide from the central platform to the summit, then cross the width of the Story Bridge. Hear audio commentary about Brisbane’s surroundings and enjoy panoramic views of the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay, the Glass House Mountains, distant Mt Coot-tha, and Lamington National Park.
- Whale Watching – Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with migrating whales on this 5-hour cruise from Brisbane, available only between June and November. Set sail around Moreton Bay on a luxurious high-speed catamaran and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch onboard as you soak up the scenery. Finally, keep your camera to hand as you spot humpback whales swimming and breaching beside the ship – a rare opportunity to spot the gentle giants in their natural environment.
- Bushrangers Basketball – An queer basketball team seeking to generate interest in all players in the LGBTIQA+ community (and allies) who are disengaged in sporting activity or looking for a safe space to play basketball. For a fun way to socialize and engage with members of our own community – without the aid of alcohol – why not consider joining? They also have a partner club in Auckland and Melbourne.
- 2-Day Fraser Island 4WD Tour – Discover the natural beauty of Fraser Island on a 2-day guided tour — an ideal getaway for nature lovers. Stop at the stunning beach in Cooloola Recreation Area on the way, then enjoy offroading on Seventy-Five Mile Beach to the Maheno shipwreck when you arrive at Fraser Island. Your knowledgeable guide shows you all the highlights, including swimming spots at Lake Birrabeen, Seventy-Five Mile Beach and Eli Creek, and lush rainforest walks at Pile Valley, Central Station, and Wanggoolba Creek. Includes one night at a comfortable beach resort.
There are many more things a queer traveler could do or see in Brisbane. It all depends on personal interests and preferences.
We will come back with more stuff from Brisbane
Have enjoyable and very safe travel!