The 40th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will be held on Saturday, March 3.
About 300,000 spectators are to expected watch 190 floats with 12,000 participants.
"Born from a single night of political protest in 1978, the true Mardi Gras spirit lives on 40 years later, bringing the city to a standstill with hundreds and thousands lining the streets in support of equality, pride and a dazzling spectacle of sparkles and self-expression," the Mardi Gras website says.
How to watch it live
The parade will start at Sydney's Whitlam Square (corner of Liverpool and Oxford Streets) and take a 1.7 kilometre route down Oxford Street and Flinders Street, before ending at Moore Park.
Pre-show celebrations are scheduled to start at 7:15pm. The parade is due to start at 7:45pm and conclude at approximately 11:30pm.
Members of the Tiwi Islands transgender community at Mardi Gras 2017. Source: Getty
But attendees are advised to arrive early. Very early.
A Mardi Gras spokesperson told SBS News his "hot tip" for parade day:
"The roads close at 5pm, so I would be telling people that would be a great time to stake out a great spot along the parade route," he said.
"Up near Taylor Square is always a primo position but it fills up quickly. If people want more elbow room I would recommend nabbing a spot along Flinders Street."
"It's going to be a huge celebration. Pack some snacks, water and get ready to celebrate!"
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell said Saturday's Mardi Gras will "probably be the largest (one) that we've ever policed" due to the 40th anniversary and the recent passing of same-sex marriage legislation.
The Dykes on Bikes. Source: Getty
"With thousands of people taking part in the parade and many thousands more coming to support the event, ensure you plan your night ahead of time; know how you're getting there, what you're doing at the parade and how you're getting home," he said.
How to get there
A Transport for NSW statement said that "trains run frequently to the CBD and additional buses will also run to help you get there. Extra late night services will run to help you get home after the celebrations as well".
The NSW Government has also relaxed the lockout requirements at licensed premises in the Oxford Street and Darlinghurst area for the event.
Patrons will be able to enter or re-enter licensed premises beyond the usual 1.30am or 2am times until closure.
Venues will need to stop serving alcohol by 3am or 3.30am for venues with live entertainment extensions.
A map of the event. Source: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
If you're watching from home
At 7pm on Saturday, March 3, you can watch the Mardi Gras parade from wherever you are in the world, via and SBS' and .
Then on Sunday, March 4 at 8:30pm, tune into SBS for a replay of the event. Join hosts Patrick Abboud, Joel Creasey, Magda Szubanski, and Urzila Carlson for our special Mardi Gras broadcast, including Mardi Gras commentary, a behind the scenes look at the parade and insightful stories that delve deeper into the issues faced by the LGBT+ community.
Record crowds are expected this year. Source: Getty
As well as full parade coverage, SBS is presenting a vibrant line-up of fresh and iconic LGBTQI films, documentaries and television shows. You can catch favourites such as multi-award winning , , and on SBS On Demand, as well as documentaries like and .
You can also check out - SBS On Demand's collection of some of the best LGBTIQI programs - for all new titles available during Mardi Gras season.
Enjoy the party!
