Cosmopolitan Sydney, capital of New South Wales, is home to two of the world’s architectural masterpieces: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s known for its progressive and exciting restaurant scene on one hand, and having some of the oldest buildings in Australia on the other. Sydney is one of the rare cities in the world to have preserved its waterfront for the use of the public. Bondi Beach’s Icebergs pool is world-famous among the yoga and surf set, and the 2.2 k.m. Glebe Foreshore walk starts at Bicentennial Park and ends at the famous Sydney Fish Markets, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Spectacular views and 27 hectares of beautiful urban parkland and reserves can be enjoyed along the way. Here’s our guide to the city: 

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DO 

Fleurs de Villes will be returning to Sydney this month to join the Sydney WorldPride festivities, alongside the half a million revelers at this landmark global event. To celebrate the 45^th anniversary of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, 45 LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Champions have been chosen by Sydney WorldPride - icons and trailblazers chosen for their contributions to Australian LGBTQIA+ community and culture.

From February 17 - 26, experience Fleurs de Villes PRIDE at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where some of Sydney's top floral artists will be creating floral tributes to 15 of the Rainbow Champions, and creating other joyful, colourful pop-up installations including a flower-bombed MINI Cooper and a flower festooned bar serving Aperol and Fiji water. As well as the floral tributes featured at The Calyx, 2 additional beautiful fresh floral PRIDE mannequins on display at Paddy’s Markets Haymarket and in the lobby of InterContinental Sydney, Fleurs de Villes PRIDE’s official hotel partner in Sydney.

The Mardi Gras parade kicks off WorldPride which culminates in the largest human rights conference in the southern hemisphere and a historic march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In between there are pool parties, dinner parties, water polo and a Bondi Beach party, as well as cabarets, comedies, and even a circus. Special musical guests include Kylie Minogue and the Canadian electroclash sensation, Peaches. Don’t miss our fabulous Floral Discos in and around our floral mannequins on Feb. 17^th and 24^th and our flower markets on Feb 18^th and 25^th. Purchase tickets here.

‍EXPLORE 

Across the street from the InterContinental Sydney, is the The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and is home to an outstanding collection of more than 27,000 plants from around the world. The garden is also a part of the Australian Institute of Botanic Science, one of the nation’s premier research organizations that helps to ensure the survival of plants and build more resilient ecosystems for future generations.

As part of Sydney WorldPride, on February 5^th from 8-9 p.m., Parramatta Park will be transformed into Rainbow of Light, a free light public neon light experience of tunnels, orbs and ribbons described as “an electric show of commitment to equality and inclusion for all members of our community.”  

A full slate of floral workshops, demos and talks will take place during the show, where you can put your creative skills to the test in a hands-on way. Learn the art of terrarium-making, fashion your own Pride floral crown, or learn the Japanese art of Ikibana. Purchase tickets here.

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SHOP

During Fleurs de Villes PRIDE, Fleurs de Villes merchandise will be available to the public at the Gardens Shop; pick up greetings cards, a notebook or tote bag to take a piece of your unique experience home with you, or grab a bouquet from one of our flower markets.

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STAY

Panoramic harbour views make picture windows at InterContinental Sydney, housed in the heritage Neo-Classical Treasury Building from 1851. White glove service and premium amenities are to be expected from this 5-star hotel which has undergone a $150 Million refurbishment. Make a reservation for the exclusive rooftop bar Aster, and don’t forget to check out the Fleurs de Villes PRIDE fresh floral mannequin in the lobby on your way up.

If you are planning to celebrate WorldPride in Sydney, book the Stay with Pride package at InterContinental Sydney and enjoy exclusive benefits including breakfast for two at the Conservatory, a $150 hotel restaurant and bar credit, and a delicious Pride cocktail at The Treasury bar.