Being involved in the “sex scene” in Australia is an interesting thing. I am really lucky that, as a sex writer, I get to cross almost all the different sides and “scenes”. (And the nympho in me loves it too) From sex workers to BDSM professionals, to swingers and tantra. I get to research and involve myself, get to know the people and the practices and broaden my own sexual knowledge along the way.

We are also very lucky here in Australia, to have many events that celebrate these particular aspects. There is Kink Fest and the Fetish Expo, Sexpo, various sexuality workshops and forums are held regularly and, no matter what you're into, you can usually find something to satisfy your knowledge or desires.

But, up until now, there has always been a bit of a separation between all the different sides, a sort of “us and them” attitude.

Sure, Sexpo is a national convention of sex but, to be honest and blunt, many people find it rather tacky. Personally I love it. I love the endless rows of vibrators, corsets and wank stain towels. I like the shows and the porn stars and the demonstrations... But a lot of people are turned off by the vulgarity of it. The almost neon flashing of “SEX, PORN, SMUT!” and that's fine. Everyone is different.

The one thing Sexpo doesn't really provide is that “space to share ideas”. Yes there are talks and demonstrations and bucket loads of pamphlets with info on them, but it can seem a little rushed and a little “surface”, especially to people who have no knowledge of a particular practice and want to learn as much as they can.

This is where Sex Camp 2012 comes in. It is a unique event that has been put together by pretty much one person. A dynamic and perpetually energetic and positive young woman named Vanessa Florence. Being personally involved in many of the more spiritual sides of sexuality including tantra and the interesting world of open relationships and non monogamy, Vanessa felt there was a gap in the “sex event” calendar for a melding of practises and a meeting of like-minded people. She wanted to bring together all aspects of the sex community to teach and learn from each other and to discuss ideas and thoughts in a safe, open environment.

In just a few short months from the conception of her idea people from all walks of the sexual path have come on board to be a part of this fantastically broad event.

There will be presenters and workshops on everything from a male ejaculation control, to learning about aphrodisiacs, to spanking and breath play. There will be talks on the swinger scene and how to create a relationship space that allows you to explore the lifestyle of non monogamy, and there will be talks and workshops of masturbation and self love.

Some workshops are women only and some men only and then others are mixed. It really is an amazingly diverse range of people, topics, practices and mind sets.

If any of this interests you and you're curious to learn more and perhaps attend this unique event, go and have a look at the website www.sexcamp.com.au and explore the many different things that will be on offer over the weekend.

It is an “away” event, held in a beautiful area of Yarra Junction (about an hours drive from Melbourne), but everything; food, accommodation, all the workshops, films and access to professionals are included in the price.

This really is a time and an event that all of the players in the varied and diverse world of sex can come together and share, learn and grow. I wholeheartedly recommend you go along and see for yourself how much more there is out there in the world of polyamory, spiritual sex, kink and BDSM, masturbation and sex work. Your erotic and sexy side will thank you, for many years to come.