Where to find rainbow paths and crossings in Sydney

This 90-metre pathway has just appeared in time for Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, bringing a bold dash of colour to the area of Prince Alfred Park known as the Equality Green. This is where, more than three years ago, a crowd gathered in anticipation of the announcement of the result of the marriage equality vote. “This is a permanent tribute to the moment when more than 30,000 Sydneysiders gathered together to hear the results of the marriage equality postal survey in 2017,” lord mayor Clover Moore said when initial plans for the rainbow path were announced in November. “The path will represent both the progress we have made towards equality and the long way to go before our LGBTIQ communities are free of discrimination.”

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This curved rainbow crossing on the corner of Bourke and Campbell streets, in the heart of Sydney’s queer district, was said to be the first actual rainbow-shaped crossing of its kind in the world when it was permanently installed in 2019. Taylor Square was previously home to a temporary rainbow crossing next to Whitlam Square in 2013, which was installed for the 35th anniversary of Sydney Mardi Gras. When the crossing was removed just months after it appeared, it sparked the DIY Rainbow protest movement, when rainbow chalkings popped up around the world. You can now strut across the eye-poppingly bright permanent fixture with its red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple stripes. But be careful when you’re snapping those selfies – this is a fully functional crossing on a road where cars are also passing. 

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Sissy that walk down to the sand, because Sydney has scored its first beachside rainbow walkway. The temporary but bright new fixture was unveiled on February 20, 2021 and is planned to stay in place for several months. It takes over the naturally rainbow-shaped form of the Coogee Beach steps, and its installation falls into high-heeled step with Sydney Mardi Gras celebrations. The installation of the 50-metre long walkway was unanimously supported by Randwick City Council. It is intended to be a statement in support of diversity, inclusivity and equality with the local LGBTQI+ community. It can be found on the lower main steps of Coogee Beach near the corner of Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road.

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