Gay and lesbian events

Melbourne has a reputation as host to some of Australia's best events. Home to the Australian Open Tennis championships, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup – the horse race that stops the nation – there's no doubt Melbourne is a lively city with plenty of colour and action. There is a busy calendar of events throughout the year that celebrates everything from art, music and film to sport. There's also a growing list of gay and lesbian-centric events.

For three weeks over summer Melbourne's gay and lesbian celebration, Midsumma Festival, brings a rainbow to every corner of Melbourne and gay-friendly country towns around the state. Showcasing queer art, theatre and dance, Midsumma also rallies the community for the annual Pride March and the ever-popular Carnival Day, arguably one of the nation's biggest pink picnics that becomes an open air dance party as night falls.

Every March, rolls of celluloid from near and far come out of the closet for the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Local and international features, documentaries and short films are screened during this 10 day festival, which culminates in a closing night screening and party.

For some queer country hospitality, head to ChillOut, a three day gay and lesbian celebration held every March in the townships of Daylesford and Hepburn. Expect dancing, music, markets and all else that glitters under a country sky in Australia's richest mineral spring and spa region.