Sydney is a sprawling city of countless neighbourhoods, each with their own personality. There’s great accommodation for travellers on all budgets, whether you want to be right by the beach, in an inner suburban neighbourhood, or right at the centre of the city.
Here are some of the best areas to stay and celebrate Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Darlinghurst and Surry Hills
Looking to stay right in the middle of the action? The inner city suburbs of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are divided by Oxford Street, home to the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and many of the city’s best gay venues. Surry Hills was recently voted by Time Out as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and there are wonderful boutique hotels along with some of the city’s most loved bars and restaurants.
Kings Cross and Potts Point
Just a little further north from Darlinghurst are Kings Cross and Potts Point, two more of Sydney’s traditionally queer suburbs. The area is historically a party precinct, and has a fabulous history of adult entertainment and nightlife, stretching back to the 1930s. It has mellowed a little in recent years, but there are still fabulous nights out to be had here.
Central Business District
If you’re looking for five-star luxury, start your search in the CBD. There are plenty of pockets worth considering – stay at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay if you want to be within a stone’s throw of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, or stay right on the Bridge’s doorstep at the stunning Pier One Sydney Harbour, which sits out over the water. The Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is ideally located for walking to many of Sydney WorldPride’s biggest events. For the more budget conscious, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park is right in the heart of Chippendale, and you can easily walk to Surry Hills, the city, Glebe and you’re only a short bus ride to the inner west gaybahoods.
Inner West
Sydney’s Inner West is known as a hub for alternative queer culture, with great bars and restaurants, vintage shops, and plenty of left-of-centre live performance. Stay around Newtown and Enmore for more affordable accommodation and fast, easy access to the city via public transport.
By the water
If you can’t resist the siren song of the ocean (and who could blame you?) there are plenty of wonderful hotels around the city’s beaches. Coogee and Bondi Beaches both have a range of options to suit different budgets still within reach of Mardi Gras events, or if you don’t mind a 40-minute commute to the gaybahood, you could head all the way north to Manly, where you’ll find relaxed beach accommodation.
