# Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: what to do between sessions in Sydney

Source: https://eventweekends.com/culture/sydney-mardi-gras/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** Saturday, 6 March 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Oxford Street parade, Sydney, Australia
- **Free time:** Gaps of two to four hours between screenings or shows, and whole days for companions.
- **Best base:** The Rocks and Darling Harbour: Harbour views.
- **Getting there:** Sydney airport (SYD) has trains to Central in 13 minutes (with a station access fee).
- **Weather:** In March, Sydney temperatures average about 22°C, with roughly 104 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 43 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Blue Mountains day trip; Opera House guided tour; Harbour Bridge climb

## Weather and what to pack

In March, Sydney temperatures average about 22°C, with roughly 104 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 43 min of daylight.
- A rain jacket or umbrella: it rains often in this month.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag.

## Airport to venue

Sydney airport (SYD) has trains to Central in 13 minutes (with a station access fee).

Walk from Museum station.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Haymarket and Surry Hills. Near Central.
- **mid:** The Rocks and Darling Harbour. Harbour views.
- **luxury:** Circular Quay. Opera House views.
- Hotels we would book: Wake Up! Sydney Central (budget), The Russell Hotel (mid), Park Hyatt Sydney (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### Between screenings or shows

A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-day: Bondi to Coogee walk and surf lesson. Coastal walk and beginner surf.
- Eat: Harry's Café de Wheels, Pies since 1945

### A free day

For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Full day: Hunter Valley wine day. Two hours north.

### Evenings

After the last show of the day.
- Evening: Harbour dinner cruise. City lights.
- Eat: Sydney Fish Market, Seafood platters

### Rainy day

Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backup: Opera House guided tour. One hour inside.
- Free: Manly ferry (cheap, great view).

## Tours worth booking

- [Blue Mountains day trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Blue%20Mountains%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): Three Sisters and Scenic World.
- [Opera House guided tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Sydney%20Opera%20House%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): One hour inside.
- [Harbour Bridge climb](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Sydney%20BridgeClimb&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): Climb the arch.
- [Harbour dinner cruise](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Sydney%20harbour%20dinner%20cruise&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): City lights.
- [Bondi to Coogee walk and surf lesson](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Bondi%20surf%20lesson&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): Coastal walk and beginner surf.
- [Hunter Valley wine day](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Hunter%20Valley%20wine%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): Two hours north.
- [Whale watching (May to November)](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Sydney%20whale%20watching&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-sydney-mardi-gras): Humpbacks off the heads.

## Where to eat

- Sydney Fish Market: Seafood platters
- Bills: Ricotta hotcakes
- Chat Thai: Thai in Haymarket
- Harry's Café de Wheels: Pies since 1945

## With kids

- Taronga Zoo by ferry.
- SEA LIFE Sydney.
- Luna Park.

## Rainy-day backups

- Art Gallery of NSW.
- Australian Museum.

## Getting around

- Opal or contactless on trains, ferries, buses and light rail. Accor Stadium is at Sydney Olympic Park by train; Allianz Stadium is near Moore Park.
- Tap on with a contactless card on trains, trams, buses and ferries in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Uber, DiDi and taxis are easy; distances outside the centres are long.

## Questions people ask

### When is Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2027?

The next edition is Saturday, 6 March 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras?

In March, Sydney temperatures average about 22°C, with roughly 104 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 43 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Oxford Street parade?

Sydney airport (SYD) has trains to Central in 13 minutes (with a station access fee). Walk from Museum station.

### Where should I stay for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras?

For most visitors the best base is The Rocks and Darling Harbour: Harbour views.

### What can we do between sessions at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras?

Good short outings in Sydney include Opera House guided tour, Harbour Bridge climb, Bondi to Coogee walk and surf lesson. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras?

Family-friendly picks: Blue Mountains day trip, Opera House guided tour, Bondi to Coogee walk and surf lesson. Taronga Zoo by ferry.

### How far is Oxford Street parade from Sydney centre?

About 1 km in a straight line. Walk from Museum station.

More in Sydney: https://eventweekends.com/city/sydney/