Sydney Summer…LOVE!

Sydney in summer is AMAZING! It’s like the best summer city in the world; and definitely the most gay-friendly. This jewel of the pacific glistens and shimmers under the big, blue, wide, open Australian sky.

Settled on the shores of glorious Sydney Harbour, Sydney today is a hip, cool, happening, bustling cosmopolitan city, brimming with natural beauty and bursting with personality. It wants for nothing: fabulous food and wine, chic bars, happening clubs, high-end luxury, designer flagship stores and edgy inner-city boutiques. Sydney has style, and you’re going to want to own it.

As capital of New South Wales, Sydney is also gateway to the magnificent landscapes and unique experiences waiting beyond in Australia’s premier state. So why not extend your stay? Follow the pristine, sandy coastline; head inland to the grandeur of the mountains and the splendour of the wine country; or venture into NSW outback to the spiritual heart of this ancient land.

We invite people from around Australia and the world to join us over February 7 – March 2 for an unforgettable 2014 Sydney Mardi Gras. There’s no time like Mardi Gras, so we hope you can join us!

To help make planning your trip easier, here are some top tips and picks.

WHEN TO VISIT

Spanning three weeks, the festival includes performing arts, visual arts, social and community events, and for those who like to get physical, the Team Sydney Sports Festival!

For those who can only come for a short visit, we recommend visiting in the third and final week leading up to the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade from Friday 21 February until Sunday 2 March 2014.

For those who can stay a little bit longer, why not come for the full three weeks. Take in festival favourites like our fun community day in the sun, Fair Day, on Sunday 9 February. Watch the late afternoon sun sink behind the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge with thousands of gorgeous party-goers at Harbour Party on Saturday 22 February.

On the Saturday, March 1, watch the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade march up Oxford and Flinders Streets, then head to Mardigrasland, where you and 17,000 other up-for-it partygoers dance and roam to the best DJs from here and overseas and big-name artists blow you away.

Our season wrap’s up on Sunday March 2 with The Laneways. A chance for you to catch up with old and new friends and relive your Sydney Mardi Gras 2014 memories.

Of course, there are plenty of other great events within the festival. Why not have a browse our website and see what tickles your fancy.

WHAT TO DO

We recommend guests coming to Sydney just for the weekend to secure tickets to the Parade, Party and the Laneway as the ultimate Mardi Gras weekend experience. For those coming for a longer stay,  Harbour Party is a great way to kick off the celebrations. Stay tuned for more information on other Mardi Gras events once confirmed!

While you’re in Sydney, be sure to head to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Find out more about how you can take the love of the gardens home with you, and an exclusive special offer for visitors.

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you want to indulge in luxury or you just want the basics, there are plenty of options to suit any accommodation budget or length of stay. Stay tuned for our recommended accommodation options.

TOUR OPERATOR PACKAGES

For those who want to leave the organisation to someone else, there are a range of tour operators who offer Sydney Mardi Gras travel packages to suit every type of traveller!

For more information, see our Tour Operator Packages.

PLANES AND TRAINS

Stay tuned for recommendations regarding airlines and ground transport!