Sydney’s racing scene comes alive during the Sydney Carnival, held from March 19-April 23th. At race courses throughout Sydney, the finest thoroughbreds battle it out on the field, while Sydneysiders and visitors come in their finest frocks for a day out with friends. If you’re in Sydney during this time, head to Randwick Racecourse to enjoy all the action – you might even win some money! Randwick racecourse is close to the city and the perfect way to get a taste of Sydney away from the tourist traps.

The Sydney Carnival consists of different carnivals and race days. If you would like to be part of Sydney’s biggest racing event, then get yourself along to Randwick Course on one of these days to celebrate the glamour, style and prestige of Sydney’s world-class racing carnival.

- David Jones Australian Derby Day, April 9^th

The excitement begins on April 9^th, the first race day of the Carnival to be held at Randwick Race Course. The 2011 Derby Day also marks 150 years of the AJC Derby at Royal Randwick. The star-studded Group 1 racing line-up isn’t the only thing to look forward to – Derby Day’s notorious Fashion on the Fields is sure to encourage Sydney’s fashionistas to dress in their finest! Fit in with the David Jones theme by wearing black and white.

- Emirates Doncaster Day, April 16^th

The 2011 Doncaster Day boasts a premier racing line up and trackside entertainment. There will be a Punters Podium, a Punter’s Club and an interactive Fashion Spotting Competition. Don’t miss out on your chance to win a $50,000 bet on the Group 1 Emirates Doncaster Mile. A win could make one of the best days on the Sydney social calendar even better!

- Schweppes Sydney Cup, April 23^rd

Held on Easter Saturday, the Sydney Cup is a great way to celebrate with friends during the Easter break. The Sydney Cup is the grand finale of the Sydney Carnival, so there’s much to look forward to. Huge prize money, high fashion and trackside entertainment add to the exhilarating atmosphere.

If you want to do something different while you’re visiting Sydney, or if you live in Sydney and are looking forward to enjoying one of its finest social events, then you won’t be disappointed by the 2011 Sydney Carnival. The races in Sydney are as much about the horses and races as they are about the fashion, friends and having a great day out! Randwick Racecourse is conveniently located to Sydney, so you won’t be far from your Paddington or Hyde Park hotel. On race days, there are also additional public transport services operating to get you there from your accommodation. Paddington, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are all Sydney suburbs located close to the action.

*Ladies, remember to wear comfortable shoes or carry a pair of flats in your bag!

Summer might be winding up and the weather cooling down, but there are plenty of things going on in March in Sydney. It’s a great time to explore the city with a range of activities and events to choose from. Make the most of March in Sydney – here’s a guide to what’s on.

Exhibitions – There are a number of exhibitions of note in Sydney during March. At the Museum of Contemporary Art you’ll find the Annie Leibovitz: A photographer’s Life 1990-2005 exhibition, which showcases the work of celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, as well as her photographic documentation of her family life and close friends. The exhibition features photographs of Daniel Day Lewis, Demi Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Al Pacino, Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt amongst other well-known faces. Leibovitz has been documenting American popular culture since the 1970s, and her works can be seen in Sydney until March 27. At the Australian Museum until March 13, you’ll find the most candid, extraordinary and unique photography of the natural world and animals at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010 exhibition.

Music concerts – Sydney attracts a number of world famous musicians. In March, Sydney welcomes stars such as Cyndi Lauper, MGMT, Usher, Rihannah and Santana. Catch one of their shows at one of Sydney’s great entertainment venues.

Festivals – A mainstay of Sydney’s March cultural calendar is the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival. The Palace Chauvel, Verona, Norton St. And Hayden Cremorne Orpheum cinemas host the event, and show some of France’s finest cinematographic pieces of the year.  Get your tickets early!

Earth Hour – The grassroots movement known as Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, and has grown to become a worldwide phenomenon. On Saturday, March 26 at 8:30pm, governments, businesses and individuals around the world will switch off their lights for a designated hour, in recognition of the environmental responsibilities the world faces and a commitment to uphold them. Do your part, and participate in Earth Hour in the city where it all started.

Mardi Gras – Every year in March, Sydney comes alive in celebration of its LGBT communities. The city hosts a number of events, and the festivities offer a great chance to participate in some of Sydney’s most flamboyant and outrageous parties and spectacles. If you’re in Sydney between February 20^th and March 6^th then get involved! The event culminates with the parade on Saturday, March 5^th. If you’re visiting Sydney and looking for accommodation, Surry Hills, Paddington and Darlinghurst are all suburbs with accommodation options close to all the action.

If you’re visiting Sydney in March, you won’t be short of things to do and see right on the doorstep of your accommodation. Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Paddington all offer accommodation options from which you can enjoy Sydney’s March events.

Experience Sydney's gay and lesbian Mardi Gras!

Between February 20^th and March 6^th, 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 19^th and March 6^th.

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 4^th.

Fair Day. To mark the beginning of festivities, Mardi Gras revellers come together in Victoria Park on Sunday February 20^th 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 6^th 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.