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Getting there
The international airport is a 10-minute drive from the city.
On the train, it's takes about 40 minutes to reach the centre
of the Mardi Gras festivities in Darlinghurst.
Where to stay
All of the good accomodation will booked up early and so
some advance preparation is recommended. The Oxford Koala
(Tel: +61 2 9269 0645) on the corner of Oxford & Pelican
Street has rooms with balconies from which you can watch the
parade. Kings Cross has a number of hostels but doesn't offer
the most salubrious surroundings. Glebe (in the inner west
and close to Newtown) also has a number of hostels and is
a centre of student life. Try the Glebe Point YHA at 262-264
Glebe Point Road (+61 2 96605577) or Glebe Village Backpackers
at 256 Glebe Point Road (Tel: +61 2 96608133).
The inner eastern suburbs such as Surrey Hills, Kings Cross,
Paddington and Potts Point are all close to Darlinghurst.
Although it is more convenient to stay as close to Darlinghurst
as possible, if you have to stay further afield, stick to
the inner west or eastern suburbs.
Other expenses
This is a festival where self-indulgence is a priority you
should allow at least US$20 a day for food, drinks and frolics.
Many of the events that take place throughout the festival,
such as Frocks at Fox and Fair Day (a massive party in Victoria
Park), are free-for-all family affairs. Other concerts and
exhibitions charge an entry fee of up to around US$6. If you
want to ensure you have a good view of the Parade, you can
get a seat at the stands on Taylor Square for between US$35
and US$70. For tickets, contact the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.
Tickets to the Official Dance Party tickets can now only
be purchased by members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi
Gras Association and will set you back over US$50. If you
are not well enough connected or solvent enough to obtain
these there are countless alternative Mardi Gras dance parties
and Sunday morning recoveries which are usually much cheaper
- many of the clubs and venues charge between US$10 to US$15
for entry on the night.
Once you're there
Try to avoid Oxford Street itself during the parade. It is
better to head down Moore Park Road which attracts slightly
fewer crowds. Make the extra effort to dress up for the biggest
party on Sydney streets. The festival is about feeling sassy
and sexy, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the chances
are that you will be on your feet for at least four hours
(though if you wear trainers you won¹t be able to get
into many bars or clubs afterwards). There are certain clubs
and bars that are off limits to straight people but most gay
venues welcome everyone, as long as you are gay-friendly.
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Local attractions
The Blue Mountains are only an hour's train ride away while
the Hunter Valley wine growing region, is within a few hours
drive.
Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches offer great swimming and
fantastic perving opportunities, as well as boardwalks, cafes,
and people watching. South of Tamarama is Coogee Beach, where
there are more locals and a less fashion conscious crowd.
At the southern end of beach are the Coogee Women's Baths.
Lady Jane nudist beach and Obelisk Beach in North Shore can
get quite crowded at times. If you want to get away from it
all, try Palm Beach, DeeWhy and Curl Curl North of Sydney,
where it's quieter, there are no cafes and the scene is characteristic
of the eastern suburbs.
The Andrew 'Boy' Charlton pool on the Domain by the harbour
is usually filled with beautiful bodies and can be quite cruisy.
Similar events
Sydney's Sleaze Ball is traditionally held at Fox
Studios in September to raise money for the Mardi Gras Festival
and Party. It's the second largest gay and lesbian party in
the world, after Mardi Gras itself. New York's Gay and Lesbian
Pride happens every year in June, in commemoration of the
1969 Stonewall Riots. In Amsterdam, there are several city-wide
gay events during the year though biggest and best takes place
in August. Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in London (formerly
known as Gay Pride) is a one-day event which also happens
in August.
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