Queer Capital & Island Escape: Exploring LGBTQ+ Friendly Canberra and Norfolk Island

Known as Australia’s queerest city, Canberra boasts the nation’s highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents, the country’s most progressive laws on LGBTQ+ rights, and an incredibly inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Each November, the city comes alive for SpringOUT, Canberra’s annual Pride festival celebrating LGBTQ+ culture with a month-long lineup of parties, performances, and community events. Whether it’s dancing under the stars at Bushdance (an annual gay Canberra event since 1984!), experiencing queer storytelling at the Canberra Qwire’s concerts, or joining the vibrant parade and celebrations, SpringOUT makes for an unforgettable time to visit.

Beyond Pride, Canberra offers year-round LGBTQ+ friendly travel experiences, from its thriving cocktail and nightlife scene to stylish, welcoming stays at design-forward hotels like Ovolo Nishi, known for fostering community and connection. Plus, the city is incredibly safe, walkable, and easy to navigate, with everything from top-tier restaurants to scenic nature walks within a 20-minute drive.

New Fiji Airways flights launched late last year from Dallas with a quick stopover in Nadi, Fiji (joining routes from LAX, SFO, and Vancouver), and Canberra is now more accessible than ever for American travelers. As you plan the LGBTQ travel directory, I’d love to be a resource for stories about Canberra as a top LGBTQ+ travel destination.

Norfolk Island, an external territory of Australia, is a South Pacific island with a rich history; once inhabited by Polynesian and Micronesian communities centuries ago, Norfolk Island also bears the remains of European penal colonies. A place where you can experience 360 degrees of history, nature, and adventure, Norfolk Island is an ideal holiday destination for escaping daily life. For those interested in history and culture, make the most of your stay on Norfolk Island with a visit to one of Norfolk’s four museums. You can also learn more about the island’s past at the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will tour through various historic military and government buildings. The island also has strong connections to Australian LGBTQIA+ history; reports of gay couples living together date back as early as 1846, and Norfolk led the charge towards marriage equality in 2014.

For lovers of nature, Norfolk is home to 32 kilometres of coastline to explore, with ample opportunities for water sports like snorkelling, surfing, and fishing. After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to one of the many self-care experiences available on the island, like a hot rock massage, a yoga session, or an evening of stargazing. Norfolk is also a foodie’s paradise, with rich soils producing fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables served in world-class restaurants across the island. Getting to Norfolk Island is no trouble, with direct flights departing from Brisbane and Sydney. For a welcoming South Pacific experience in a fast-developing tourism destination, Norfolk Island is the perfect getaway for Australia’s LGBTQ+ travellers.