2017 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the largest gay events in the world.  It’s size is due to the fact that it’s a mix of gay pride parade, Carnival, circuit party and arts festival all in one.  This all-encompassing event is one of Australia’s largest tourist draws.  Mardi Gras will be celebrating its 38^th year with a celebration running from February 17 through March 5.  “Creating Equality” is this year’s theme.  Imagine enjoying all of this in one of the world’s most beautiful and gay friendly cities.

Mardi Gras started back in 1978 as a traditional gay rights parade.  Over the years, the event grew from a single day march into the multi-week festival it has become.  It is most famous for its enormous and flamboyant parade.  It has over 20,000 participants and draws a crowd of over 300,000.  There are also a multitude of popular parties to attend.  These range from vast dance parties on the beach, to sunset harbor cruise dance and wine tasting parties to an infamous pool party.  In addition to this are art exhibitions, a movie festival, comedy shows and a LGBTQI Fair that draws over 70,000.

Well known performers and Grand Marshals from both Australia and from around the world will entertain you.  Rupert Everett, Margaret Cho, Amanda Lepore and Lilly Tomlin have lead the parade in the past.  Previous entertainers have included Deborah Cox, Courtney Act, Rufus Wainwright, Kylie Minogue, RuPaul, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Boy George and Chaka Khan; among others.  With performers like these, there is always some type of entertainment to appeal to most tastes.

In addition to the officially sanctioned parties you also get to enjoy Sydney’s vibrant nightlife scene.  Locals and revelers from around the world are all out for a good time.  Oxford Street is the traditional center of gay nightlife in Sydney.  A recent Lockout Law has restricted how late clubs are allowed to let patrons enter and be served alcohol.  This has hurt business on Oxford Street.  During Mardi Gras, however, this area will be packed.  Because the Lockout Law mostly affects the downtown scene, a series of mini nightlife hubs have sprung up around the city for you to explore.  Nightlife options are changing, but still abound.

If the multitude of parties and events gets to be overwhelming, you always have Sydney itself to explore.  Sydney harbor is one of the most beautiful in the world.  Due to this, a harbor cruise is a must.  The city skyline and opera house dramatically come into view after sailing past jagged rocks and beautiful greenery.  You can do more than just look at the famous sails of the opera house though.  It will be opera season during Mardi Gras and you can catch a performance.  It also houses a concert hall and cinema if opera isn’t your thing.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge, known locally as “the coat hanger”, is another landmark.  You can cross it by foot for beautiful views of downtown and the harbor.  Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take a bridge climb tour over the top of its 400-foot plus tall arch.  Add in about half a dozen spectacular gay friendly beaches, shopping, a marvelous zoo and lively Chinatown and you have all the makings of an unforgettable vacation.

If you’d like to know more about the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, or about travel options to Australia in general, give Purple Light Vacations a call.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).