Celebrate Sydney WorldPride with Mardi Gras back on the streets
A carnival atmosphere will descend on the harbour city this weekend with Sydney WorldPride kicking off festivities and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade returning to Flinders and Oxford streets after a two-year hiatus.
Friday will see The Domain host 20,000 revellers at the WorldPride opening concert.
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people will line Oxford and Flinders streets to see the Mardi Gras Parade take to its traditional route from the city to Moore Park from 7.30pm to 11pm.
On Sunday, another 25,000 party-goers will enjoy another concert in The Domain to round out the first weekend of big ticket events for Sydney WorldPride.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said public transport was the best way to get to and from WorldPride events, including the Mardi Gras parade.
“We have plenty of extra services running for Sydney WorldPride across trains, light rail and buses to get everyone where they need to go,” Mr Collins said.
“Transport for NSW has been working closely with event organisers, other NSW Government agencies and stakeholders, including Destination NSW, to prepare our public transport network for an expected increase in patronage during Sydney WorldPride.
“We urge local residents, visitors and commuters to be aware of major road closures which will be in place between the city and Moore Park from 4pm on Saturday 25 February for the Mardi Gras parade.
“We also strongly advise motorists against driving in the city, Darlinghurst and Moore Park while roads are closed. There will be detours in place via Surry Hills and Kings Cross.
“But if you must drive in the city on Saturday night, please allow plenty of extra travel time and be prepared for heavy traffic on detour routes including on Cleveland Street, William Street and Darlinghurst Road.”
Key road closures include Oxford Street, Flinders Street, Liverpool Street, College Street, Anzac Parade, Wentworth Avenue and South Dowling Street.
To help crowds safely leave the CBD, sections of Elizabeth Street, Castlereagh Street and Pitt Street will close from 9pm until 1am.
Most major roads along the parade route will reopen between 2am and 4am on Sunday morning.
Parade spectators will be unable to cross the route after 7pm.
Those intending to watch the parade from the northern side can catch a train to Town Hall, St James, Martin Place or Kings Cross stations.
Spectators travelling to the southern side of the parade are advised to alight at Central Station and walk to their destination.
Museum Station will close from 5pm Saturday until 4am Sunday due to large crowds and road closures.
From 4pm Saturday, many buses will divert, use different stops and end trips early because of the road closures.
Parking restrictions will be in effect on various roads in the Sydney CBD, Surry Hills and Moore Park between 6am Saturday and 4am Sunday – so, motorists are urged to please check signs before parking because vehicles left in special event clearways will be towed and a fee applies.
Regular public transport ticketing applies for most Sydney WorldPride events, including the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 25 February.
Participants and spectators can use Opal cards or contactless payment methods to pay for travel across the public transport network across the weekend.
For more information on public transport for Sydney WorldPride and Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, including extra services and trip planning, visit transportnsw.info/sydney-worldpride.
For more information on road closures and changed traffic conditions, visit livetraffic.com.
For more information on Sydney WorldPride events, visit sydneyworldpride.com.