For most people the words ‘gay Australia’ are likely to conjure up images of Mardi Gras, and while some may think of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and that “cock in a frock on a rock’, they probably won’t think of Australia’s red centre itself.
This is something that Phil Walcott has been trying to change over the last decade with The Rainbow Connection, the gay bed and breakfast that he runs with his partner Glenn Ponchard. Together they have been promoting Alice Springs and the red centre as a wonderful and varied holiday destination, as well as a quality gay retreat for domestic and international visitors. Alice Springs, with a population of 27,000 also acts as a major regional hub for travellers coming in and out of Central Australia.
“We’re the only gay B&B within about 1200 kilometres in any direction,” says Phil. “The idea was about promoting Central Australia and Alice Springs in particular to the gay and lesbian community domestically and internationally. We have a very strong gay community in Alice Springs, so guests who come to stay are immediately part of that rainbow fraternity while they’re here.”
Located in Alice Springs, The Rainbow Connection has four guest rooms, made up of one deluxe room attached to the main property, and a stand alone, self-contained three bedroom house. Breakfast is provided each morning, giving guests a great, social start to their day. Afterwards they can spend their time exploring the local area, or if they’re after some down time they can relax in the swimming pool, wander the gardens and or chill in the social entertainment area.
Recipients of the ‘Central Australian Tourism Industry Award for Industry Achiever’ in September last year, Phil and Glenn have been running the property for the last decade, providing a gay friendly oasis for gay and lesbian travellers to the region. An added bonus for guests staying at The Rainbow Connection is that the guys work closely with a number of gay friendly tour operators who, as Phil points out, “are legitimately gay friendly and not just chasing the gay dollar.”
Local company Emu Run operate a wide range of tours, and if you’re stretched for time they do have one tour that covers the 500kms down to Ayers Rock and back in a day. However, Phil says that guests who stay a week or so are the ones that leave completely satisfied. He recommends a minimum of four days to experience the area and to see the main sights.
Catering to all budgets and energy levels, local tours and desert safaris cover everything from Uluru and Kings Canyon, to Palm Valley and the West MacDonnell Ranges. All tours feature professional guides, including local Aboriginal people who share stories of the region with visitors. Nature lovers will revel in seeing free-flying birds of prey, getting up close to unique and rare animals in the nocturnal house, and learning about the native plants, animals and people of the Australian deserts.
For visitors looking to get away from the tour groups and spend some time alone, picnic hampers are also available from several suppliers in Alice Springs. The Rainbow Connection is just 1.2 kms from downtown and is an easy stroll for guests who want to stretch their legs.
“There are an inordinate amount of things to do within 100km of Alice Springs. You could easily spend a week just exploring the surrounding country,” says Phil. It’s not all about touring the countryside either – there are also opportunties to chill out with the locals too. “There are Friday afternoon drinks each week with a local social group, as well as a ‘boys breakfast’ on Friday mornings.”
The great thing about all of the local events is that the out of town guests are not only welcomed, they’re encouraged to attend. There are no cliques here, a claim not many ‘big city’ gay tourist destinations could make!
While The Rainbow Connection isn’t licensed and has no restaurant on site, there are a number of gay friendly restaurants, bars and resorts just minutes from the property. Voyages Alice Springs Resort, Elkira Resort Motel and Aurora Alice Springs are all very supportive of the local community and sometimes host gay parties and events for the community. The Rainbow Connection is about to celebrate too, with a ‘Decade of Rainbows’ party on site in April, to celebrate their tenth birthday.
When asked why gay and lesbian travellers would want to choose Alice Springs as a holiday destination over somewhere like Sydney or Melbourne, Phil says that it’s simple – “Because Alice is Wonderland!” Visitors come looking to see the icons, to experience the stories and history around Ayers Rock, to experience the desert. “It also satisfies those people looking for their own Priscilla bus,” says Phil. “Alice Springs is the kind of place where once you fall in love with it, you find it very hard to leave.”
So why not come and stay and be part of the family.
Rooms at The Rainbow Connection start from $140. Check out their website by clicking here.
Explore Same Same’s Northern Territory section. Click here.
Download Same Same’s pocket guide to Alice Springs.
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otter_qld
said on the 24th Nov, 2009