Sydney

Sydney is the queer capital of the southern hemisphere – and, with Mardi Gras, home to one of the world’s most famous Pride celebrations. Between long-established Oxford Street and alternative Newtown, the scene has two very different faces.

Oxford Street & Newtown

Oxford Street in Darlinghurst is the historic party strip: the Colombian Hotel is its reliable anchor, on Taylor Square Gingers @ The Oxford Hotel mixes cocktails to cabaret, and right next door Qtopia Sydney tells the community’s story in the old police station. But the scene is on the move: after 28 years the legendary Stonewall has left Oxford Street and now parties as Stonewall Newtown on King Street, right next to the drag pub Newtown Hotel. In neighbouring Erskineville, “Priscilla” once began her journey at the Imperial Hotel. To unwind there’s the Sydney Sauna right on Oxford Street.

When to go?

• February/March – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: A weeks-long festival with parties, culture and Fair Day; the highlight is the parade on Saturday 6 March 2027 along Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade.
• All year – Sunday parties: Sunday is party day in Sydney – for example with GROOVES Night at the Colombian or the shows in Newtown’s pubs.

Our favourites

• Stonewall Newtown – the icon in a new guise, full of drag and creativity.
• Qtopia Sydney – moving history in a place that once stood for repression.
• The Imperial Hotel – Priscilla nostalgia and cabaret in Erskineville.

Queer city tours

Want to get to know the scene during the day too? A tour with local guides is a great way to do it:

• Drawing & drinks with a drag queen – workshop

Tours & activities in Sydney

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Practical tips

• Planning for Mardi Gras: Accommodation around the parade is booked up months in advance; for a good view, grandstand seats are worthwhile, or secure a spot along the route early.
• Two neighbourhoods, one evening: Oxford Street and Newtown are around 20 minutes apart – it’s best to start the evening in Darlinghurst and move on to King Street by bus or Uber.
• Bring ID: Clubs and pubs check rigorously in the evening, and only valid photo ID is accepted.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organiser each year.

Places in Sydney

Events in Sydney

• 12. Feb – 8. MarFestivalSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival 2027 – HYPERBLOOMSydney, diverse Locations
• Sat, 6. Mar19:30 PrideSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2027Oxford Street / Flinders Street / Anzac Parade (Paraderoute)