Sydney

Globally, Sydney is Australia’s most well-known city. Known for iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, cultural attractions like The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and, of course, well-loved (and well-photographed) beaches like Manly and Bondi Beach.

Sydney is a sprawling city with countless suburbs to explore. From trendy and eclectic shops in Newtown to historic architecture in The Rocks to upscale boutiques in Balmain, each part of the city has something unique to offer. It is also one of Australia’s most multicultural cities, meaning you have a variety of delicious cuisines to try no matter where you go. You can find mouth watering food at markets across the city, like organic farmers markets and the famous Chinatown Night Markets, or on special occasions, like the Lakemba Ramadan Markets and the Vivid Sydney Night Markets.

Aside from vibrant city life and delicious food, Sydney is home to a number of attractions that are fun for the whole family, like climbing the Harbour Bridge, encountering wildlife at the zoo and aquarium, or learning how to surf. Getting around Sydney is easy with public transportation, and you can tap on and off with your bank card for extra ease of access.

Sydney is a hub of travel and tourism, and as such, there are a number of tour operators and travel agents that can assist you in creating the perfect getaway. Hermes Holidays, Points of Difference, and Guys Adventures specialise in tailoring holidays for LGBTQIA+ travellers, while Planet Dwellers hosts events and tours for the queer community.

Sydney has a rich LGBTQIA+ culture, with historic Oxford Street serving as a queer safe-haven and place of protest since the late 1900s. To connect with the local queer community, take a walking tour with Pride History Group and explore sites of activism, community, and LGBTQIA+ celebration. Today, Oxford Street in Darlinghurst is still a hotspot for gay clubs and drag shows, and is also the site of the annual Mardi Gras Pride Parade. Beyond Oxford Street, The Imperial in Erskineville is featured in cult classic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and has been a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ patrons since the 80s. The Bearded Tit in Redfern is another queer haven, as a lesbian-owned business that prides itself on inclusivity and expression.