LGBTQ+ Walking Tour with 24 Hours in Sydney
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily walking on flat city streets
Overview
Step into Sydney’s LGBTQ+ history on a vivid 2-hour tour with 24 Hours in Sydney. Walk Oxford Street, meet lively locals, and soak up stories behind the iconic Mardi Gras.
Sequinned Steps - LGBT Sydney Tour
Ages 18+ • 2 Hours • Recommended starting time: 4pm
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About This Adventure
Explore Sydney's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on a captivating 2-hour tour. Discover the stories of influential figures, stroll down iconic Oxford Street, and learn about the legendary Mardi Gras. Enjoy a drink at a famous gay hangout, where you might even share a table with a drag queen, making for an unforgettable experience.
LGBT Sydney
Tour snapshot
Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras is the evolution of 200 years of gay and lesbian history in Sydney. From the gay governor whose conduct scandalised the British Empire to the bright lights of the gay strip on Oxford Street, hear the stories and see the sites that define Sydney as one of the friendliest cities for gay and lesbian culture in the world.
Highlights
- Hear the hidden tales of key gay and lesbian figures who shaped the Sydney landscape
- Check out Oxford Street, the traditional heart of Sydney’s gay and lesbian scene
- Learn about the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Have a drink at an iconic gay hangout (and maybe share a table with a drag queen)
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, choice of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink at the conclusion of the tour. Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Schedule details
Duration: 2 hours Meeting point: Hyde Park Barracks Piazza (Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney)
Recommended Starting time: 2.00 PM
Ending point: Kinselas Hotel
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers several city blocks on paved streets, so sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable throughout.
Bring ID for age verification
Participants must be 18+ and may need ID to receive alcoholic drinks at the final venue.
Check weather before your tour
Tours proceed rain or shine; dress accordingly and consider sun protection on warm days.
Reserve ahead to ensure your spot
Popular tour times fill up quickly, especially around Mardi Gras season and weekends.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like rainbow lorikeets frequent nearby parks
- Common brushtail possums may be spotted at dusk in nearby green spaces
History
Sydney’s LGBT community has shaped local culture since at least the early 20th century, culminating in the globally recognized Mardi Gras parade begun in 1978.
Conservation
Tour operators encourage responsible engagement with historic sites and urban environments to minimize impact on these culturally sensitive spaces.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating city streets and making the most of the 2-hour walking tour.
Light rain jacket
Protects against unexpected showers common in Sydney’s cooler months.
spring|fall|winter specific
Sunscreen
Sydney’s summer sun can be intense, even during late afternoons.
summer|spring specific
Photo-ready smartphone or camera
Capture colorful street scenes, historic sites, and lively nightlife moments.