GayDream Island: A tropical paradise welcoming LGBTQ fun lovers
Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a queer, sun-kissed, tropical island?
Mark
Have you ever fantasized about partying on a tropical island where almost everyone else is queer? If so, you might be interested in the first GayDream Island festival.
The event takes place May 28 – June 1 in Australia. The organizers are taking over the whole of Daydream Island in Queensland’s Whitsundays, an archipelago of over 70 islands in and around the Great Barrier Reef. The nearest travel hub is Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Mario Paez and Barry Warner, the founders of Australian LGBTQ+ tourism business Planetdwellers, originated the concept.
When they founded Planetdwellers in 2007, they concentrated on incoming travel to Australia. They’re now also arranging queer-friendly local packages for Australians and those from further afield.
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They found great success with Pride cruises they launched in conjunction with P&O. However, the cruise giant withdrew from the Australian market earlier this year. Without a cruise partner, Planetdwellers decided to come up with a new idea: GayDream Island was born.
“When the sun finally set on our legendary Australian Pride Cruises, the Planetdwellers community didn’t just ask for an encore — they demanded one,” co-founder Paez told Q News.
“But as the ships in our waters grew a bit too giant for the intimate magic we love, we had to think outside the hull.”
“Thus, Gaydream Island was born: all the charm of a Pride Cruise, but anchored firmly in paradise.
“Think of it as a voyage where the only thing rocking is the party, and the only ‘sea legs’ you’ll need are for the dance floor.”
The team is taking over the whole of the Daydream Island resort for four nights and five days of fun in the sun. With 240 rooms and suites, it has a capacity for 550 guests. For its first year, Planetdwellers has concentrated on selling to the domestic Australian market. However, if the first one is a success, expect them to promote it more heavily internationally in future years.
There will be entertainment on offer on two stages (indoor and outdoor), including tribute act 100% Kylie, Minnie Cooper, comedian Chris Knight, and Drag Race star Hannah Conda (below).
There will be different parties each day (just like on a gay cruise), including the Jungle Party, the White Lotus Pool Party, and the Arrival Diva Party.
It’s not just about partying, though. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling on the nearby reef, try out yoga sessions, or enjoy scenic hikes.
“Whether you’re front and centre at the show or tucked away in a quiet corner with a cocktail, we just want you to do exactly what makes you happy,” says fellow organizer Barry Warner.
“We’ve poured so much love into making sure there’s something for every heart and every hobby,” Warner adds, “We can’t wait to get our toes in the sand and watch this incredible line-up take the stage.”
Price-wise, prices start from AUS$1,545 (US$1,105) per person twin share (1 x King Bed or 2 x Queen Beds) – or slightly less if sharing a room with three, or more for single rooms. Poolside or oceanside rooms and suites also cost more.
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