Sydney WorldPride: What to Do, Where to Stay
WorldPride is coming to Sydney this summer. From 17 February through to 5 March 2023, Sydney will play host to the first WorldPride that has taken place in the southern hemisphere.
As part of WorldPride, Sydney will also be marking the 45th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
With events planned throughout the city — including live music, parades, exhibitions, parties, talks, and performances — there’s so much to do and see during Sydney WorldPride.
Flying into Sydney Airport for WorldPride?
During WorldPride, Sydney will welcome visitors from around the country and across the world.
If you’re flying into Sydney for WorldPride, you might be looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation for when you arrive or depart Sydney Airport.
Novotel Sydney International Airport is situated a short distance from the airport terminals.
Located just across the Cooks River from the airport, you’ll enjoy the convenience of easy access to and from your flight together with a quiet guest room thanks to the hotel being positioned away from the direct flying route.
You can walk between the airport and hotel, but if you’re arriving or departing with luggage, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a shuttle transfer. Sydney Super Shuttle operates between the hotel and Sydney Airport at a cost of $10 per person each way — take a look at the schedule to plan your travels.
The good news is, regardless of when your flight arrives or departs Sydney, our friendly reception team is here for you 24 hours a day… and so is our all-hours room service menu!
Relax in the comfort of your guest room, take in views of the Sydney city skyline from the pool, work out in the gym, enjoy a cocktail in the lobby bar… or all of the above.
Whether you’re gearing up for the festival, or recharging after having had exhilarating time in the harbour city, you’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience here at Novotel Sydney International Airport.
WorldPride Cocktail Special at The Marke Bar
Raise a fairy-floss topped toast when you visit The Marke Bar during WorldPride.
The Pride of 1978 cocktail features French berry liqueur, pineapple, Polish vodka, agave, grapefruit bitters, lime, with a cotton candy cloud.
It's available in The Marke Bar, located in the lobby of Novotel Sydney International Airport, from Friday 17 February through to Sunday 5 March 2023.
What to Do During WorldPride
Transforming Sydney into the Rainbow City, the program of events for WorldPride takes places in locations right across Sydney, on the traditional lands of the Gadigal, Cammeraygal, Bidjigal, Darug, Dharawal people.
To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve curated a few highlights to get your planning started.
Mardi Gras Fair Day
You know it’s Mardi Gras season when Fair Day rolls around! Kick off your Sydney WorldPride experience with a big day out at Mardi Gras Fair Day. Enjoy entertainment, market stalls, picnics, and all the fun and festivities that Fair Day known and loved for. Happening on Gadigal Land in Victoria Park on Sunday 19 February from 10am through to 9pm. More info.
Kensington Street’s 150m Rainbow
Running the length of the street, the rainbow will be in place from 1 February, with a street parade on 18 February. More info.
Coogee Beach Rainbow Walkway
Your beach rainbow photo-op awaits! You’ll find the freshly updated rainbow walkway is on the main steps of Coogee Beach. More info.
Scenic Skyway at Katoomba
It’s not just central Sydney getting in on the excitement of WorldPride. Ride high with pride as you take in some of the very best views across Blue Mountains National Park. The Scenic Skyway cable car that transports visitors between cliff tops high above the Jamison Valley will feature the progress flag during Pride. More info.
Powerhouse Late: WorldPride
Enjoy a free program of after-hours events at Powerhouse in Ultimo. Happening every Thursday night during WorldPride (from Thursday 16 Feb through to Thursday 2 March), the program features performances, talks, and more. More info.
PRIDE (R)EVOLUTION
Visit the State Library of NSW to see this free exhibition of photographs, posters, letters, and other works celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities. More Info.
Mardi Gras Parade
Don’t miss the world-famous parade down Oxford Street marking Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 45th anniversary. This is the festival’s night of nights! From 6pm on Saturday 25 February, witness the parade from one of the viewing areas along the route from Hyde Park to Moore Park. Be sure to plan ahead so you’re aware of the parade’s route and associated street closures. More info.
Bondi Beach Party
Taking the party to the beach! From 3pm on Saturday 4 March, enjoy the sun, surf, sand, and a day of dancing featuring Nicole Scherzinger and an all-Australian DJ line-up. This is a ticketed 18+ event, more info and tickets available here.
Queerstories x WorldPride
If storytelling is more your speed, head to Riverside Theatre in Parramatta for an evening of Queerstories. This event is also on Saturday 4 March and kicks off at 7:30pm. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Rainbow Republic
Dance the night away at the Domain as WorldPride draws to a close. This event is 18+ and ticketed, learn more and get your tickets here.
You can view the full program of WorldPride events on the official Sydney WorldPride website.
However you decide to spend your WorldPride, we hope you have an incredible time soaking up the sun and fun in Sydney!