It's a big continent. Yet you'll get a good sampling of Australia in this 2-week package, while enjoying the company of other gay travelers.

In the middle of winter, bask in two weeks of Australian sunshine. We've put together a trip that highlights five unique aspects of this spectacular continent, without feeling like "If this is Sunday, that must be a koala." Here's a sampler of what's included:
The Beach. Australia is famous for its beaches. We'll spend our first 24 hours on one of Sydney's finest, recovering from jetlag.
The Mountains. Next come 3 days in the lush Blue Mountains. Hiking, rappelling, and other adventures will bring you close to the continent's unique wildlife.
The City. Set on a sparkling harbor, Sydney is perhaps the world's friendliest big city. Our five days there will be full of options: harbor cruises, theater, great restaurants, a lively gay district, museums, the famous Opera House, and vast botanical gardens.
The Parade. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is easily the most festive in the world. Our package includes choice seats for the parade extravaganza.
The Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is undisputed among divers as the world's premier scuba spot. Snorkel, dive, or take a one-day scuba course and experience the thrill of diving in this surreal underwater world. Explore the nearby rainforest, and head out for a day of whitewater rafting.

Highlights:

• Admire the scenery (and lifeguards!) at Sydney's famous Bondi and Tamarama beaches.
• Watch for kookaburras, parrots, and other wildlife one day in the Blue Mountains...
• ...then the next day, don a wetsuit and follow a mountain river as it winds through a sculpted sandstone canyon, jumping into pools of water, and rappelling through a waterfall.
• Take a balmy evening stroll through Sydney's vast botanical gardens.
• Enjoy the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade from choice seating.
• Travel across Sydney harbour on the Manly Ferry, then tour Sydney's famous Opera House, historic district, and museums.
• Snorkel or dive on the world's largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef.
• Spend a day in the Daintree rainforest, amidst yet more of Australia's unusual flora and fauna.