Ultimate Mardi Gras Package (10 nights)

There has never been a Mardi Gras experience like this – an amazing week of parties and culture, the highlights of Mardi Gras Parade and Party and the incomparable George Michael in concert!

You fly in on Friday and you’ll be heading to the Sydney Football Ground to catch George Michael in full stadium mode, performing material taken from the entire span of his career, including classic Wham! tracks.

Relax on Parade day because there’s a big night ahead. You don’t have to waste your afternoon trying to secure a great spot on the Parade route and a milk crate to stand on. You will have exclusive access to the Mardi Gras Members’ Box. You’ll have access to a bar, food, toilets and plenty of room to move around and stay close the action.

After the Parade you will just be a short stroll from the site of the Parade Carnival. This new event will bring together the parade floats, participants, volunteers and select others to celebrate another colourful Parade. Get up close to check out the award-winning floats (and marching boys and girls). Dance through the night at one of the indoor venues.

Sunday is recovery day and there’s nowhere better to do that than at Harbour ’10, one of the most famous dance parties in the world, set in the amazing surroundings of Sydney’s Botanic Garden. Two fabulous garden dance floors, a gorgeous party crowd and cocktails in the sun. Perfect!

Monday is recovery day from the recovery day before, this time at the glitzy Ivy Pool & Bar. This is Sydney’s venue of the moment. Even the changing rooms have their own dance floor!

If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can also take part in a huge Mardi Gras art installation taking place by the harbour and involving American artist Spencer Tunick. You’ll need to be ready to shed your inhibitions (and clothes) in the name of art. For more details visit www.mardigras.org.au.  

On Tuesday you’ll be jumping on a ferry to Sydney’s classic beach suburb, Manly. There’ll be a gay beach volleyball in the afternoon, lots of opportunity to tan and then sunset drinks at one of Manly’s beautiful bars.

On Wednesday you have a date for dinner as Mardi Gras takes over Taronga Zoo for its inaugural Dinner at the Zoo. Taronga is one of the most beautiful zoos in the world with a great view out over the harbour. You’ll get to hear the tales about the homosexual animals in the zoo, meet the locals and enjoy a stunning dining experience.

On Thursday you’re off the Opera House to catch Frisky & Mannish. This award-winning show takes you through fifty years of pop music at high speed. It’s a hilarious warm-up for the weekend ahead.

On Friday you’re off to Bondi Beach to watch the return of the infamous Bondi Drag Races. Handbag discus? The Dainty Dune Dash? Let the games begin!

You’re beachward again on Saturday and this time to beautiful Tamarama where you can top up your tan and join the gay Surf Lifesavers for their charity BBQ before heading back to the hotel to get your dancing shoes on.

Because Saturday night sees Sydney’s great gift to the party world explode into action with Mardi Gras Party. David Guetta (France), Bimbo Jones (UK), Leomeo (France), Carl Cox (UK), Dusty Kid (Italy) will be joined by the very best in Australian DJ talent and – hush, hush – some big surprise names. It’s a party the world flies in for with people from over 50 countries regularly turning out on the night. You’ll understand why!

Mardi Gras Party finishes at 8am. Time to freshen up, get a little rest and then head to the official after party, the renowned Toybox which takes place at Sydney’s iconic fun fair on the harbour Luna Park. Famous for its playfulness and invention this is a party guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Happy Mardi Gras!