We’re well into the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festivities, one of the world’s most iconic celebrations of LGBTQIA+ pride, but the best is yet to come. Yes, I’m talking about the annual Mardi Gras Parade, which sees around 12,000 marchers and over 200 floats make their way from Hyde Park to Moore Park in a show of love, solidarity, pride and celebration.
Not only does Parade Day ignite the city in a blaze of colour and celebration, but it also delivers one of the biggest nights of the year for Sydney’s nightlife.
Special event trading hours mean hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music venues across the Oxford Street cultural and creative precinct can keep the party going until 6am, while for the first time ever, 24-hour Metro services ensure revellers can get home safely and easily once the glitter settles.
Despite being one of the highlights of Sydney’s cultural calendar, Mardi Gras can be an overwhelming day, especially for first-timers. We spoke to Jesse Matheson, this year’s CEO of Mardi Gras and all-around number one knowledge source on the logistics of Parade Day.
Here are his tips on making the most of the day, what to bring, the crossing point and the one mistake people always seem to make.
Top tips from Jesse Matheson
For first-timers, what’s your number one tip for making the most of Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Day?
My number one tip would be to plan ahead and make it a full-day experience, because it’s a celebration that stretches across the whole day. There’s so much to see and do, and the Mardi Gras App is a great tool to help plan your day — it has listings of all the events throughout the weekend, curated queer and ally local business listings, and even filters for accessibility or late-night venues, so you can build your own perfect itinerary and make the most of everything Mardi Gras has to offer.
What time should people arrive if they want a good viewing spot along Oxford Street?
Public viewing areas can start filling from around 5:30pm, and popular spots go quickly. Ticketed Viewing Areas open at 6:30pm, and the crossing points will also be closed by then, so being in place early makes the night much smoother.
Are there particular sections of the parade route that you’d recommend for different vibes (families, party crowds, accessibility needs)?
Oxford Street is where you’ll find the biggest party energy — it’s loud, joyful and electric from start to finish. This year, more of the route will be available to the general public, including along Flinders Street. We have two sold-out viewing areas this year.
For those with accessibility needs, we offer a free Accessible Parade Viewing Area on Flinders Street (between Short Street and Linden Lane). It’s designed to be welcoming and comfortable, with flat accessible ground, seating, accessible toilets, a Quiet Room for sensory breaks, Changing Places facilities, charging points for electric wheelchairs, and dedicated volunteers and security on hand. We also provide audio description of the Parade, and support services to make the experience as inclusive as possible.
Our Ticketed Viewing Areas also provide structured seating and clear sightlines, and we encourage anyone with access requirements to review the accessibility information in advance so they can plan with confidence.
What should people definitely pack for the day (and night)?
Water, snacks, sunscreen if you’re arriving early, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket for later in the evening. With many people arriving from mid-afternoon and staying through the full Parade, hydration and energy are key. A portable phone charger is also helpful — it’s a big night for photos and videos.
What’s the one thing you see people forget every year, or the one mistake people make?
Not checking the event timings and transport updates in advance. Crossing points close by 6:30pm, and with road closures in place from early afternoon, it’s essential to plan your movements. Knowing when gates open and when key moments begin helps you avoid unnecessary stress.
How should people plan their transport? Is public transport the only way to go?
Public transport is strongly recommended. For the first time, most public transport services will operate 24 hours, giving people greater flexibility to arrive early and head home safely after the event. Our official Mardi Gras App has offline maps, logistics, and transport info to make planning your trip stress-free.
Dykes on Bikes are such a big part of the Parade! Do we know what time they’ll officially kick off the Parade?
The evening begins with Welcome to Country at 7:00pm, followed by the Pre-Parade at 7:10pm featuring Dykes on Bikes and Boys on Bikes. The official Parade then starts at 7:30pm, and when those engines roar down Oxford Street, you know Mardi Gras has truly begun.
Finally, what moment of the parade are you personally most excited for this year?
For me, one of the most thrilling moments is when the engines of Dykes on Bikes roar in, and the first floats begin rolling. A wave of cheers rises up from the crowd. ECSTATICA truly comes alive in that moment. It is a perfect heartbeat of Mardi Gras and always gives me chills knowing thousands of people are there, together, sharing that powerful energy and collective joy.
You can find out more about Parade Day here.
