Sydney 5-day Itinerary
Australia
Where to go and what to see in Sydney to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Mark Chipperfield.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Credit Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
With its beehive hairdos, leather cowboy chaps, glitter balls, Dykes On Bikes, dancing queens, and outrageous costumes, the Mardi Gras Parade is a unique global phenomenon, attracting partygoers, performers and spectators from every corner of the planet.
Now in its 44th year, the ‘Mardi Gras’ is actually a whole program of Gay and Lesbian themed events spread over two weeks, including film, comedy, art and plenty of parties. But it’s the world-famous Saturday evening parade that people come for, and which is the undisputed star of the show.
In all, over 65,000 glammed-up marchers and 160 outrageous floats wend their way along Oxford Street, Taylor Square and Flinders Street, in front of tens of thousands of cheering spectators lining the streets. The atmosphere is festive, and at times, electric. Plenty of (straight and gay) locals mix in with tourists and it’s very inclusive – crowds typically include families and plenty of children (who love it).
The parade finishes up at Fox Studios, where an enormous party is then staged, continuing until dawn, for gays, straights and everyone in between.
Editor note: at the time of writing, the parade was being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to Covid restrictions.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
Frequency: annually
When: 1st Sat of March
Duration: 2-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
The parade starts in the city at Hyde Park, then winds its way up Oxford Street, through Taylor Square, and along Flinders Street. The first floats leave at 6pm.
Crowds 4-5 people deep line the streets, so if you can’t see over or if you have kids in tow, you need to get there early. Groups will start claiming their space from morning onwards. Once it arrives, the complete parade takes about 2-3 hours to pass you by. No tickets are needed to watch it from the street – just turn up. There are usually grandstands on Flinders Street where you can buy a seat – see the website for details.
When to do it
The Parade takes place in the evening on the first Saturday in March. The Mardi Gras festival itself runs from mid-February until the beginning of March.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Crystalbrook Albion
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]
Located in trendy Surry Hills, this cheerful little hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city, and for those who prefer an edgy, local vibe.
Official star rating:
Larmont Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 miles]
A contemporary hotel with affordable rooms in the heart of trendy Kings Cross, close to the city centre and good transport links. An ideal base for sightseeing away from the crowds.
Official star rating:
Spicers of Potts Point
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 miles]
A character-filled boutique hotel set in three grand Victorian terrace houses. A convenient location for sightseeing, in one of Sydney’s nicest residential suburbs.
Official star rating:
Mrs Banks Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 miles]
Berthed in the heart of Paddington, this 30-room property is a pleasant alternative to the city’s big brand hotels and offers easy access to most of the major attractions.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Sydney
New South Wales, Australia
One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Australian Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 miles]
The Australian Museum, fresh from a two-year refit, is a dynamic, interactive and multi-faceted learning space for people of all ages and interests.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.3 miles]
Venerable art gallery showcasing fine Australian, Aboriginal and Asian art in a scenic waterside setting, with over 30,000 works on show.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.9 miles]
See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.
Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 2 hours
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.1 miles]
One of the world’s great scenic walks – a one- to two-hour, wildlife-filled stroll that takes in Sydney’s harbour, the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.8 miles]
Every city has an aquarium these days, but this is a good one, and great for kids with specimens from the Great Barrier Reef.
Best for ages: 4+ | £32
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Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.9 miles]
Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
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Experience
Justice and Police Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.1 miles]
This small museum, set in two former police courts and a former police station, was the original legal hub at the time of the settlers. Today it preserves the history of crime and punishment in the city, with exhibits on famous criminals, collections of weapons and restored prison cells.
Best for ages: 6+ | £7
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Experience
Australian National Maritime Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.1 miles]
Anyone interested in Australian history should head to this fascinating museum that showcases and explores Australia’s naval war history, Aboriginal history and its white settler history. Don’t miss the fully-restored, 19th-century tall ship the James Craig.
Best for ages: 8+ | £12
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