Note: This article was originally published in September 2010, but was updated with new information in March 2013.

Welcome to Canberra!

Our nation’s capital has plenty going on for the gay traveler who knows where to look.

The smallish city of almost 350,000 has its own dedicated gay bar/nightclub, a local gay magazine and several other LGBT-owned businesses and social networks.

Locals describe Canberra’s gay scene as friendly and relaxed, ramping up annually in November for its SpringOut pride festival.

The Australian Capital Territory has progressive civil partnership laws, giving gay couples the ability to hold legally-binding ceremonies. Same-sex couples are also jointly allowed to adopt children, unlike in some other states.

And due to a little loophole in the law, it’s also possible to legally buy X-rated porn from stores located in Canberra’s industrial suburbs.

Canberra is a young, well-organised and easy-to-explore city, with a variety of attractions, including many must-see monuments, museums, parks and art galleries as well its biggest landmark – Parliament House.

The best online mainstream guide to what’s happening and where to go around the city is the Visit Canberra tourism website.

Meanwhile, here’s Same Same’s guide to the gay hotspots around Australia’s capital…

Cube nightclub

Canberra’s dedicated LGBT nightclub is Cube, located at number 33 on the Petrie Plaza pedestrian mall, open Thursdays to Sundays, from around 9pm until late.

Like must gay bars around the world, its at its busiest after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, when there are colourful drag shows by its diva residents.

Cube features themed parties regularly and a girls’ night every couple of months. Find out more on its official website here.

Tilley’s café

The delightful Tilley’s café is a friendly point-of-call for lesbian or bi women visitors to Canberra to find their bearings or just take a rest stop. It’s a short distance from the central city, located at 1/94 Wattle Street in Lyneham. Tilley’s also hosts a monthly lesbian drinks get-together. Until a few years ago men weren’t let in, but male patrons are now welcomed in the company of female friends.

Mustang Ranch

This is Canberra’s all-male sex space, located 10 minutes’ drive from the CBD. It’s gay-owned and operated, featuring a cruising lounge, private spaces, and a large adult shop. It’s open every day until midnight at Fyshwick Unit 14, Molonglo Mall, Fyshwick.

SpringOut – Canberra’s Pride Festival

A springtime LGBT festival colours up Canberra with a Fairday, forums, picnics, an attention-grabbing rally and parties galore. The SpringOut Festival hits the city during November, and always kick off with the traditional Fair Day on the lawns of Westlund House, and ends with the legendary annual Bushdance Party.

Groups

Canberrans can join in on a variety of sports, youth, coffee and other groups targeting the LGBT communities. A good place to find out what’s happening when is the ACTQueer Yahoo! Group.

Qnet is an online space especially for young LGBT people under the age of 25. Explore your identity, chat to new people, and access support services on this friendly space.

Bit Bent the youth group meets 6pm Mondays in Belco and 5pm in Woden at the youth centres.

You can sing? The city’s LGBT choir QWIRE is stronger than ever and meets regularly for rehearsals and concerts. Contact canberraqwire@yahoo.com.au.

Perhaps you’re a bear… or an admirer of bear culture? Email secretary@bearscanberra.com to find out where Canberra’s bears meet up.

Diversity ACT is an orgination supporting the LGBTI people of the ACT. Visit its website or contact its support service on 1300 794 717.

For HIV+ people’s support, the AIDS Action Council has been the ACT’s sexual health and wellbeing go-to guys. Catch up with their activities here.

Local LGBT media

Fuse magazine is a great glossy flip-through to discover what’s out and happening across Canberra and around the ACT. You can pick it up free every two months from local venues, or check it out online here.

QRadio is Canberra’s own weekly LGBT radio show, featuring music, interviews, community news and reviews. Listen in on 2XX, 98.3FM and find its website here.

Enjoy Canberra! But have we missed something? Share your own ACT recommendations below.