Archive for February, 2011

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Experience Sydney's gay and lesbian Mardi Gras!

Between February 20th and March 6th, Sydney is once more set to come alive in celebration of its LBGT communities. Sydney’s Mardi Gras festivities are world renowned for the flamboyant, hilarious and outrageous parties, costumes and activities that the city’s gay and straight communities participate in. Sydney has long embraced its LGBT populations, and the Mardi Gras festivities attracts tourists from all around Australia and overseas. From fairs, to parties to film festivals and the culmination of the revelry with the Mardi Gras parade it’s certainly an occasion not to be missed.

If you’re visiting Sydney for this celebration or will be here over the Mardi Gras celebrations, get involved in the annual shenanigans for a good time – whether you’re LGBT or not!

Here’s a rundown of some of the events to look forward to between February 19th and March 6th.

Drag Races. Whether you compete or just watch the hilarious spectacle, visitors to Sydney will see the world famous Bondi Beach from a different perspective, as drag queens compete for the titles in events such as the handbag discus and high heeled beach sprints. The games are to be held on Friday March 4th.

Fair Day. To mark the beginning of festivities, Mardi Gras revellers come together in Victoria Park on Sunday February 20th for some food, shopping and entertainment. In true Mardi Gras style, the it’s not exactly your run-of-the-mill fair. Go along to watch a tug-of-war between gay men and lesbians, or the annual dog show showcasing some of Sydney’s most pedicured pooches!

Parade. Mardi Gras celebrations culminate in the flamboyant parade on Saturday, the 6th of March. The brash and bold parade makes its way down Oxford and Flinders Street. Cheering crowds come to show their support and marvel, laugh and enjoy the serious to outrageous floats carrying Sydney’s LGBT communities. In 2011, the parade theme is “Say Something!” – go along to join in the conversation! You’ll be a stone’s throw from the parade’s course from a Paddington hotel.

Party. After the parade, Sydney’s entertainment quarter throws the official after party, with visiting DJs and musicians and enough space for the whole LGBT – and more – to shimmy and dance the night away!

Throughout the celebrations, there are also theatre productions, film festivals music events and gallery exhibitions in the Mardi Gras theme. It’s a great opportunity to get a dose of Sydney’s alternative art and culture scene. If you’re in Sydney for the celebrations, make sure you stay close to the action. A Surry Hills hotel will place you close to the parade route. A Paddington or Darlinghurst hotel will also keep you at the centre of all the festivities.

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Sydney’s Outdoor Cinemas

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Catch a movie in Sydney by sunset

One of the best things about summer is doing things outside. Outdoor dining, outdoor drinking, and yes – even outdoor movie watching. During the summer months, outdoor cinemas pop up all over the city and offer the perfect setting for Sydneysiders and visitors to take advantage of the warm weather and long nights. Most open air cinemas show recently released movies as well as classics and popular films from years gone by.

If you’re interested in catching a movie at one of these open air cinemas, then here are a few of the most popular venues to choose from.

St. George Openair Cinemas, Mrs Macquaries Point. Set at Mrs Macquaries Point on the edge of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, this outdoor cinema offers sweeping views of beautiful Sydney Harbour as the sun sets. Once night falls, a three storey high screen rises from the harbour with a different nightly movie, from new releases to classics or popular indie films. If you want to watch a movie in one of the most spectacular settings in the world, then this is your spot! But make sure you book your tickets early as sessions sell out quickly. The St. George Openair Cinemas will run from January 12 – February 19, 2011.

Bondi Openair Cinema, Bondi Pavillion. On the shores of world famous Bondi Beach, this open air cinema offers a fully licensed bar, free beanbags and live music and DJs playing before the film starts. It’s the perfect way to spend a chilled summer evening. Bondi’s Openair Cinema runs from January 20 – February 5, 2011.

Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema, Centennial Park. Set in the lush greenness of Centennial Park, the Moonlight Cinema offers a tranquil setting in which to watch new releases as well as classics such as The Godfather and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The Moonlight Cinema will also screen some 3D movies. Hire a bean bag and settle in for a night of movie watching under the stars.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema, North Sydney over. North of the Bridge at your accommodation in Sydney, North Sydney oval offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Starlight Cinema plays a mix of new releases and old favourites, but also offers the option of upgraded seating. With Star Class, customers get a drink on arrival and gourmet snacks, while the Crust Lawn Lounge tickets get you a bean bag bed from which to watch the movie.

If you’re looking for fun and different things to do while you’re staying at Sydney accommodation, then make sure you get yourself to an open air cinema.

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