Sydney WorldPride’s CEO, Kate Wickett, shares her top tips for the ultimate queer trip to this wonderful city
EDITED BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY DESTINATION NSW
Are you ready for Sydney WorldPride (SWP)? With Kylie Minogue confirmed as a headliner and over 300 events taking place across the city, there’s a lot to look forward to. SWP’s CEO Kate Wickett spoke with DIVA to serve up her ultimate LGBTQIA guide for anyone planning their getaways to this wonderful city.
Looking to connect with the LGBTQIA community?
Newtown is the hub for queer women and non-binary people. There are cool bars all along King Street and the surrounding area. The Bank Hotel, the Courthouse and the Warren View Hotel are two of my favourites.
Sundaylicious is a monthly event at Cargo Bar and Big Thick Energy hosted by the Darlinghurst Theatre Company is an amazing performance night that celebrates body positivity and diversity.
Recommendations for lovers of drag…
There are so many drag shows in Sydney – Universal on Oxford Street has one most nights of the week!
For trans and gender diverse people, there are some great drag nights including Drag Kings and Queers of Joy at the Red Rattler.
Let’s talk about Sydney’s LGBTQIA nightlife…
There’s lots to choose from! If you like going for a dance, head to the famous Oxford Street strip and check out Universal, Stonewall and the Oxford Street Hotel. The famous Imperial – one of the locations for Priscilla Queen of the Desert – is also great for a night out, as is the Red Rattler.
Go-to budget friendly activities
Sydney is a beautiful harbour city and the beach is the perfect place to go on a budget – it’s free! Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Sydney but there are lots of beautiful spots: Clovelly, Bronte and Coogee beaches are all near and equally as beautiful.
There are lots of great hikes around Sydney. You can walk from Bondi to Coogee, right along the coastline, and it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, before ending in a café or a pub for a drink. You can also kayak around the harbour and experience the beauty of the city from the water.
In Kate’s own words…
What do you think Sydney has to offer the LGBTQIA community that can be hard to find in other cities or countries?
“Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community is an actual community. I’ve lived in lots of big cities around the world and I’ve never felt part of a community in the way I have in Sydney. People know one another, look out for one another and party together. It’s a great place to be LGBTQIA+.”
What are you most looking forward to at Sydney WorldPride 2023?
“I am looking forward to our diverse community enjoying the diversity of our programming. There is so many different events going on, from parties to plays to sports to gala concerts. If I had to pick one event, though, it would be the Human Rights Conference, which will shine a spotlight on the human rights issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community across the world.”
For all tickets to Sydney and for Sydney WorldPride, visit sydneyworldpride.com/travel-providers
Want more travel tips from Kate, why not pick up a copy of our November issue via the link below.
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