There’s no doubt that Broome, a small town in Western Australia, is a beautiful spot. Surprisingly full of culture and with a stunning landscape where the burnt orange desert meets the tranquil blue Indian Ocean, Broome is truly special. But, it never shines brighter than between the months of April and October when a stunning phenomenon crosses the night sky.

Based on the town’s geographic location and its unique topography, as the full moon rises across the ocean, the reflection along the local mud flats create an optical illusion that has been dubbed the Staircase to the Moon. Making the sky light up with visions of a direct path from Broome’s local shores to the stars in the sky, locals and visitors alike flock to the beach and watch as hundreds of people snap their cameras and sit in awe.

Rainbow Tourism loves all aspects of travel and showing off nature at its finest – so, to explore a truly one-of-a-kind place, be sure to check out Broome and all that Western Australia has to offer.

Now in its fifth year, the event has placed Hobart and Tasmania firmly on the map of gourmet destinations around the world.

The Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend also will be part of the Savour Tasmania program.
Wine makers from across Tasmania will showcase their superb range of reds from a variety of vintages.

Taste Tasmania program here.

Tip your red wine glass here.

Savour Tasmania and Red Wine Weekend Accommodation in Hobart

With crisp table wines, warming reds and world-class muscats, Rutherglen Winery Walkabout is a great way to taste and compare some of the best new wines coming from the 20 something wineries around Rutherglen.

One of the unique features of Winery Walkabout over the years has been the costumes many choose to wear, adding to the festival atmosphere. (Look out for the Rainbow Ramblers wearing something pink, purple or rainbow-ish.)

Visiting the Rutherglen Wine Region (due west from Albury-Wodonga junction in Victoria’s High Country, 3 hours’ drive from Melbourne).

To find out more about navigating around the region and where to taste, eat and stay, have a chat to the fabulous staff at the Rutherglen Wine Experience building in town or plan your visit by using their website www.rutherglenvic.com.

Rainbow Tourism Picks: Places to Stay

This event takes place on 1 June at the Northam Recreation centre in the heart of the picturesque Avon Valley, a short drive east of Perth.

Visitors can experience flavours from the Avon Valley and all over the world – including chilli, cheese, chocolate, olive oil products, nuts, preserves, yabbies, wine and beer tastings – and enjoy live entertainment inside and out.

Travelling with kids? Outside there will be rides, a cuddly animal farm and live entertainment. Inside, a cooking stage will delight all ages, and if you have the stomach for a 5-course meal, sign up for the Festival Long Table Degustation Dinner from 7pm till late.

More info on Event Website

Celebrate WA 1-3 June

Perth Stories http://www.rainbowtourism.com.au/perth/

While Australia waits for Marriage Equality movement to catch fire in the states and territories, New Zealand’s decision to legalise gay marriage could see a spike in trans-Tasman tourism.

New Zealand celebrants have received a steady stream of inquiries, mostly from Australians, since passage of the reform, which will come into effect on August 19.

Rodney Croome, the national director for the lobbying group Australian Marriage Equality, said that more than 1,000 people have signed an online survey saying they would travel to New Zealand to wed, though same-sex marriages would not be recognised under current Australian law.

The Greens Party has announced the introduction of a bill that will see overseas same-sex marriages recognised in Australia. If passed by Parliament, Australia would join the likes of Japan, Israel and Slovenia who all recognise same-sex couples married overseas, despite not allowing same-sex marriage domestically.

More info from gay media http://qnews.com.au/article/push-recognise-nz-gay-marriage-aust

More on Rainbow Tourism NZ

The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend,  now in its 29th year, was the first food & wine event of its kind in Australia. The event was created to celebrate the end of vintage each year and is focused on the award-winning food and wines for which the region has become famous.  This year, the festival runs 18-19 May.

The natural beauty of an authentic, relaxed wine country setting provides the backdrop to this enchanting weekend adventure. It’s an easy hour drive from Adelaide.

The festival offers visitors the chance to meet the winemakers and learn first-hand what makes their wines and the region so special. This unique experience is enhanced by the enjoyment of superior local produce and the tune of live music.

Gay Adelaide stories

Places to Stay

Things to see & do in the area when staying in South Australia

Festival-goers can interact with 10 of the top 50 S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant chefs, along with international and national stars of the culinary, wine and media world. Add a lifestyle exhibition, food trails, cooking demonstrations and concerts with Australia’s hottest entertainers and you will understand why thousands of international and national visitors come together to taste, drink, watch, participate and sample the best of Australian and local produce.

In 2013 the festival will unveil a stellar line-up for its birthday celebration with some spectacular surprises and culinary creativity set amongst the regions most magical and iconic settings. Not only for food lovers, the event is also for those who seek a great reason to relax, eat and be entertained.

Noosa International Food & Wine Festival

Sunshine Coast places

Sydney is a diverse mecca that offers a variety of events for locals and visitors alike, and this soiree in Pyrmont is just one of many that takes place throughout the year in Australia’s largest city. So, check out the Pyrmont Festival and keep up with Rainbow Tourism to keep track of all of the great events happening in Sydney and all of Australia!

Encouraging cabaret connoisseurs to really get into character, the show invites you to come dressed in your best and be an active participant in the fun along the way! “Life is a Cabaret” will be the perfect amp up to what is sure to be a great Brisbane Pride 2013 season, so why not join the adventure a little early!

Rainbow Tourism is always on the prowl for more pride events – so, keep checking us out and share with us some of your favourite places to celebrate pride!

Yarra River centerpiece of Melbourne

Unlike the more tropical cities in Australia’s north, the change of seasons in Melbourne is quite distinct – and thanks to its proliferation of urban parks and gardens and nearby countryside, autumn is one of the best seasons in which to appreciate the beauty of its transition.

If you’re headed to Victoria or lucky enough to live near the captial, you might try something different in the way of a cool night on the town before capping off the night with drinks at one of the GLBT clubs.

Think a gourmet dinner cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra River. Watch the city light up on a 3-hour Melbourne dinner cruise. The changing vistas and coloured lights will make this a movable feast with a difference.

Rainbow Tourism Accredited places to stay

Gay Melbourne stories