Sydney will soon hit diva-pitch when the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade takes over the city once again on Saturday, 5 March 2016. 

Sometimes described as LGBTQI 'Christmas', visitors can expect a spectacular display with more than 170 floats and 12,000 participants to light up Sydney when the annual Parade weaves its way up Oxford Street.

Before guests don their 'sequins and sparkles' and 'feathers and leathers', Sydney has a host of places to drink, dance and stay along the 'Gay Golden Mile', on the famous parade route, as it is affectionately known.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, “The annual Mardi Gras Parade is a spectacular celebration of Sydney's LGBTQI pride and diversity. It is a milestone event on the Sydney events calendar and we look forward to welcoming the tens of thousands of international, interstate and regional NSW visitors who are coming to experience the iconic Mardi Gras Parade.

“On Saturday evening, Sydney will be sparkling in a sea of sequins, but the fun doesn't have to stop with the last float. Sydney and its surrounding precincts and attractions have much to offer visitors even after the glitter dust has settled.”

Experience some Sydney's best places to enjoy a drink, have a dance and soak in the atmosphere along the city's 'Gay Golden Mile':

• It's cocktail hour darling! Take your pick of hot spots, grab a seat and sip on a cosmo while you people watch over Oxford Street. Kinselas Hotel at the top of the 'Mile' is the perfect place to start, followed by a short walk to The Columbian, before taking in one of Sydney's most enduring gay venues, Stonewall. The scene is vibrant, adventurous and often packed to the hilt with revellers looking for fun

• Dance, dance, dance. The Oxford Street strip in Darlinghurst is home to the city's best-known LGBTQI venues. Kick up your heels at 'superclub' ARQ, or have some fun at one of Midnight Shift's drag shows, which are held most nights of the week. Phoenix Bar, The Palms and The Oxford are also close by and touted as some of the most popular gay clubs in the area

• Every diva needs her beauty sleep and there is a host of LGBTQI accommodation options close to the Parade route. Check in to the Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Vibe Hotel Sydney or the Cambridge Hotel. All are within walking distance to the main parade area and Oxford Street precinct, as well as transport hub Central Station.

While Saturday night will undoubtedly be a night to remember, Sydney also offers the ultimate post-parade hangouts and activities to help keep your après Mardi Gras Parade glow shining bright.

• The weather in Sydney is set to sizzle during Mardi Gras Parade week so it is the perfect time to soak up the sun and the sand. Head down to Bondi Beach post parade for a quick dip and be sure to swim between the flags. Afterwards, wander up to Hall Street for a bite to eat at Bondi Hardware, or continue enjoying the picturesque outlook with a drink at local Sunday session hotspot, The Bucket List

• If you're looking for something uniquely Australian for your Mardi Gras guests to enjoy beyond the parade route, why not visit Taronga Zoo? For one of Sydney's wildest experiences, a trip to Taronga Zoo brings visitors up close to tiny Feathertail Gliders, iconic koalas and kangaroos. Taronga's bushland setting offers panoramic vistas of Sydney's magnificent Harbour - the perfect post parade remedy

• Wanting something a bit more relaxing? Try a cruise on a Sydney Ferry between Circular Quay and Manly, or out to Watson's Bay. Sit back and watch the city skyline go by while taking in sweeping views out to sea and back towards the Harbour Bridge, or stop off for fish and chips and Sydney rock oysters at any of these iconic Sydney coastal locations.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade starts at 7pm on Saturday 5 March 2016. While there's plenty of room along the Parade route to watch all the action, get in early to make sure you get a great spot. Tickets for VIP parade viewing areas, Diamond Club and SideShow, are also still available but are selling out fast.

More information on Sydney and visit www.sydney.com 
For Mardi Gras Parade information and tickets, visit www.mardigras.org.au