Curtain Raiser

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Party venues don't come much more memorable than this. On Feb. 28, the sleepy Australian outback town of Alice Springs, usually known for its ecological attractions and bush walks, plays host to Alice Is Wonderland—a riotous, daylong extravaganza catering to divas, drag queens and those with a simple yearning to dance in the desert. Alice Springs (pop. 25,000) would appear to be an unlikely setting, but it apparently boasts a higher percentage of lesbian residents than any other town in the country.

Formerly held as the after-party to Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Alice Is Wonderland has been brought forward this year—the hundreds of regulars who fly in from the rest of Australia and the world can't wait, it seems. Expect DJs from the country's mighty Spin F-X sound system and an atmosphere of good-natured debauchery. If you need a place to stay, one option is the Rainbow Connection, tel: (61-8) 8952 6441—central Australia's only gay and lesbian bed-and-breakfast. Book now, because it's going to be a full house before long.