Gay Sydney, Australia

As the largest city in Australia, Sydney lays claim to several of the major attractions in the country, including the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, miles of open beach, and the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.  In addition, getting out of the city— which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Blue Mountains in the west— can provide some exciting outdoor adventures. 

The gay and lesbian scene of Sydney is localized around Oxford Street in Darlinghorst and King Street in Newton.  The city as a whole is considered gay-friendly, laidback, and welcoming.  The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is known internationally as not only a great deal of fun, but also an important political and civil rights event.  The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras runs throughout late February/early March sponsoring various activities throughout Sydney and culminates in a pride parade which, at its conclusion, becomes a post-parade dance party which rages until the following morning.    

Some of Sydney’s other main festive attractions include the Sydney Film Festival, World Environment Day, and Big Day Out, a rock musical festival which travels throughout Australia.  Sydney is home to some fantastic outdoor sites—national parks, botanical gardens, and sunny beaches—including the popular Bondi Beach (and the even more popular Bondi Beach Lifeguards).  Bondi Beach holds its own series of festivals and events, including the annual Sculpture by the Sea Contest and the weekly Bondi Beach Market.  

Only a day trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains provide a number of activities: from spelunking in lime stone caves to taking a ride down the mountain on The Scenic Railway, you will have the opportunity to explore both the natural phenomena of the Blue Mountains as well as the small towns and historic villages that characterize the area. 

When it is time to head indoors, check out both the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Powerhouse Museum—an eclectic museum of science, technology, and design.  And be sure catch performances by the Sydney Dance Company or the Sydney Theatre Company, both renowned for the talented artists they showcase. 

See you in Sydney!