SameSame.com.au ~ Inside Out Australia

How Will You Recover From MardiGras?

Feature, By Christian Taylor, 26th February, 2010

With Mardi Gras season in full swing, we thought we’d take a moment to check out some of the best ways to unwind once the mirrorballs stop spinning.

Mardi Gras Recovery Week.
As their motto says, “party in Sydney, recover in Paradise!” So if a week of fun in the sun in Queensland sounds like your cup of tea, there’s still time for you to grab your friends and book.

The week kicks off on Monday March 1 with a visit to Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin, and more recently daughter Bindi. The zoo hosts an array of animals, including koalas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers and of course, crocodiles. (We’re not sure about stingrays.) That’s followed by a welcome cocktail party at Horizons at Peregian Resort in Noosa.

While in Noosa there are plenty of options to keep you busy – like river cruises, pool parties, male modeling competitions and sunset BBQs. You can go on a Fraser Island 4WD Safari for the day, and check out the world’s largest sand island. Fraser Island is World Heritage listed, ranking it with places like Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. Or you could head to the stunning Lady Elliott Barrier Reef, where you can stroll along the beach, swim or snorkel amongst the brilliantly coloured marine life. For the less adventurous there are glass bottom boat tours too.

After Noosa, everyone heads up to Brisbane for the finale – Big Gay Day. Each year the street party attracts thousands, and is headlined by ex-Destiny’s Child member, Kelly Rowland, along with ex-Bardot vixen Katie Underwood, Australian Idol’s legendary lesbian Kate Cook, Queen tribute band Killer Queen and Brisbane dance guru Mr. Timothy. There’s also a slew of the best gay and lesbian DJs Brisbane has to offer like Ish, Neroli, Corey Czok and Harry K, as well as Megadrag and the Gangstars doing their respective things.

Check out the photos from last year’s Big Gay Day here.

Click here for the full run down on Mardi Gras Recovery Week.

Far North Queensland
If you feel like venturing further north, then Far North Queensland has some great gay-friendly spots too. For the boys, Skinny Dips is a must. This secluded, male only resort and spa, is situated only 2 kilometres from the centre of Cairns. Once you’re here there really is no need to leave. They have a bar and restaurant on site, and all rooms face onto the pool and spa. Think Melrose Place, with clothing optional.

The hotel is also offering accommodation packages over the Mardi Gras period, which include a wildlife tour of the Daintree Rainforest and parties by the pool. Bring your friends, bring your partner, or even come here on your own – everyone is so friendly, you’re bound to leave with a whole bunch of new best friends.

The lesbian owned Pink Flamingo resort in Port Douglas is definitely well worth checking out. Comprised of ten private villas – each with their own outdoor bathtub – and two garden studios, the resort has a tropical pool area complete with a bar, a games room, and often hosts outdoor movie nights. It’s located across from the magnificent Four Mile Beach, and a few minutes from swanky downtown Port Douglas.

Hunter Valley.
If you’re after something a little closer to Sydney, then why not jump in a car and head up north to the Hunter Valley. This sophisticated little part of the world is Australia’s oldest wine region and boasts over 120 cellar doors. It’s also home to some stunning natural scenery, which of course is best seen from a hot air balloon. There’s also a myriad of other things to do – cycling, bushwalking, shopping, or you can take classes on cooking, wine tasting or cheese making.

Needless to say, this little tourist hotspot also has plenty of gorgeous restaurants and places to stay. Peppers Guesthouse and Peppers Convent are two upmarket options right in the heart of Pokolbin. The Convent is the fancier of the two. The building itself was actually once home to the Brigidine Order of Nuns at Coonamble and it was carefully transported 600kms to where it now sits in the Pepper Tree Winery Estate today. No mean feat. Peppers Guesthouse’s rooms are comfortable, surrounded by beautiful gardens and wide open spaces, and their buffet breakfast is definitely worth leaping out of bed early for.

Another hidden treasure in the area is the Wollombi Wine Trail, which is a short scenic drive from sometimes tourist-clogged Pokolbin. Stonehurst Wines is one of four cellar doors in the area. It also offers on-site accommodation in a bunch of what are seriously the cutest little wooden cottages you’ll ever come across. With views out to the vines, a complimentary decanter of port and a hearty breakfast hamper, you won’t want to leave. Seriously.

How will you be recovering from Mardi Gras? If you’ve got a Mardi Gras recovery suggestion, throw it in the comments below. Happy Mardi Gras everyone!