Perth is “The City of Light” and the gateway to Western Australia.  It’s Australia’s fourth-largest city and is located in the southwest between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Range. It’s as far as you can get from the main gay cities of Sydney and Melbourne, but Perth has a thriving community of its own.

Perth Pride started more than two decades ago.  Each year more and more LGBT locals and tourists from around the world take part in the festivities.  Perth Pride takes place every October.  The Perth International Arts Festival is also a hit with five weeks of film, theater, dance, writers, visual arts and more.  Bears Perth have regular events too.

The skyscrapers of Perth’s Central Business District are an impressive sight to behold. The older buildings, some of the country’s most venerable, are equally as eye-catching. Perth is also a foodie’s haven, especially for lovers of seafood. It’s also a magnet for those who love the outdoors, as the beaches are beautiful and the national parks incredibly varied.  Many of the gay venues are located in Mount Lawley and Northbridge.

Western Australia is an extremely gay friendly area.  In 1984 the Equal Opportunity Act was passed, ensuring more rights for LGBT individuals and couples.  More recently, same-sex couples were allowed to jointly adopt children