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A wide banner, on the left is some coloured graphical elements that look like stylised rays of light and on the right a drone photograph of a Qantas plane ascending with a cloudless blue sky behind it

Travelling from overseas

Travelling to Australia

If you’re visiting from overseas, quarantine-free travel is available for travellers and proof of vaccination is no longer required, visit Home Affairs to ensure you meet the criteria. The easiest and quickest way to get to Sydney is by plane. Airlines from all over the world service Sydney Airport, and there are multiple flights each day from major hubs across the world. The CBD is just a few kilometres north of the airport, and there are plenty of ways of getting there quickly and affordably.

Qantas is the official airline partner for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. You can book flights to Sydney on Qantas.com.

Entering Australia

No matter what country you are coming from, to enter Australia, you must have a valid visa. You can easily apply for a tourist visa via Home Affairs, and we recommend you do so at least a month in advance, just in case the approval process is delayed.

Two women looking at papers in the Mardi Gras workshop

Upon your arrival

Once you’ve landed, you’ll need to present your Incoming Passenger Card (which you should be given on the flight) and hold a suitable visa. After you’ve cleared immigration, it’s time to grab your bags and hit the city!

Whether you prefer to save some cash and hop on a train or splash out for that chauffeur service, Sydney Airport has a whole host of options to get you straight to the heart of the city. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Train

Probably the quickest option, Sydney CBD is just a 13 minute journey from the airport. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and depart from the northern end of the terminal, near the Arrivals hall. To use this service, you can purchase an Opal card or tap on with your contactless card. Head to the travel planner below for precise routes and fares.

Aerial view of a Sydney train on a sunny day

Taxi & Rideshare Services

Whether you take a traditional taxi or request a ride from your preferred rideshare service, Sydney CBD is just a 20-30 minute journey from the airport and will cost you approximately $40-60. Head to your terminal’s designated taxi rank or arrange for your driver to pick you up from the Priority Pick-up zone if using a rideshare service.

A photograph of a grey taxi on a Sydney city street during the day. "13 CABS" is written on the passenger door

Shuttle

Convenient, efficient and affordable, shuttle services are a great alternative to a taxi. Wherever you’re heading, you should be able to find a shuttle that will drop you off! Take a look at the link below for some route and fare options.

Teenagers looking out of a shuttle window. One is taking a photo

Bus

Sydney Buses operate timetabled services that stop at both the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. You’ll find clearly marked bus stops on the Arrivals level outside each of these terminals. – just be sure to purchase an Opal card at the airport before you hop on!

Sydney bus with pride flag wrap that says "Ride with Pride"

There is no hotel quarantine

You may be aware Australia managed to contain COVID-19 successfully with a system of hotel quarantine during 2020 to 2021.

The hotel quarantine system is no longer used, so even if you’re unlucky to arrive in Australia with COVID-19, you will not be required to stay in mandatory hotel quarantine.

If you do get COVID-19 in Sydney, you can consult the NSW Health website for advice.

Keep Exploring!

Someone with tattoos collecting two rainbow cronuts from the counter at Infinity Bakery in Darlinghurst

Where to Stay

Sydney is a sprawling city of countless neighbourhoods, each with their own personality. Here are some of the best areas to stay and celebrate Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

2 people riding four-wheelers down large sand dunes in Port Stephens

Australia Highlights

While there’s plenty to do in and around Sydney, there’s a whole country out there to be explored: from the sparkling waters and pristine coastline surrounding this mega-island, to the legendary and endless outback.

3 ferries on Sydney Harbour with the Harbour Bridge in background

Getting Around Sydney

Public transport is used across Australia by locals, commuters and visitors alike, and Sydney is no exception. We give you the low-down on how to navigate from buses to Ferries and everything in between.

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Acknowledgement

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we celebrate and work.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.

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Acknowledgement of country

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras acknowledges that our events take place on Aboriginal land. We acknowledge the Gadigal, Cammeraygal, Bidigal, Darug and Dharawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney Basin.

We pay our Respects to their Elders past and present. Always was Always will be Aboriginal Land.