For 47 years the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has drawn hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate one of the most colourful and vibrant events in the queer social calendar. From the parade through Darlinghurst to the after-parties the festivities are an explosion of pride, connection, and inclusivity.
To make your Mardi Gras experience unforgettable for all the right reasons, here are some essential safety tips, including important information about the potential dangers of opioids being found in other drugs.
Tips for a safe Mardi Gras party
If you're going to be drinking alcohol:
- Pace yourself with water and food. Alternate each alcoholic drink with water to stay hydrated and slow your pace. Eating before and during the party can helps slow down the effects of alcohol and keeps your energy levels up.
- Set a drink limit and stick to it. Decide in advance how many drinks you'll have and spread them out across the night.
- Opt for low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options. Switching to these options keeps you in the spirit of celebration without overdoing it.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs.
If you choose to use illicit substances:
- Taking illicit drugs like ecstasy, GHB, cocaine or methamphetamine come with risks as you don't know the purity, potency, what other things have been added to them or how it will affect you.
- Drugs like MDMA can affect your body's ability to regulate temperature, especially in crowded or hot environments. Sip water regularly (but not excessively) and take regular breaks to cool down in less crowded areas.
- Look out for each other, and if you or anyone you're with feels unwell, seek medical help immediately.
Carry Naloxone
- Some drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA have been found to contain strong opioids like nitazenes. Consider carrying naloxone, an opioid reversal medication, which is free from community pharmacies or ACON. It can save lives in the event of an opioid overdose. You can bring the nasal spray naloxone to the party. Check the latest NSW Health public drug warnings.
Avoid the drop zone
- Mixing alcohol with GHB can cause you to lose consciousness, check out ACON's Avoid the Drop Zone campaign for more information. It's important to tell someone you trust what you've taken, and to get help immediately if you start to feel unwell.
Medical is there to help not judge
- If medical attention is needed, the medical team at the party or paramedics won't involve the police unless safety is threatened. It is vital that you or someone you know tells them what you have taken, so they can provide the best possible care.
Look After Your Mates
- Stick together with friends, agree on meeting points, and keep an eye out for one another.
- If you need help look for ACON Rovers – volunteers in bright pink vests – who provide support at major LGBTI events.
- Consider using location-sharing apps or buddy systems to stay connected throughout the night.
Mind Your Mental Health
- Big crowds and loud music can feel overwhelming. Step away from the action if you're anxious and find a quiet spot to recharge.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs if you're already feeling emotional or down, as they can amplify negative feelings.
Practice Safe and Respectful Sex
- Condoms play a vital role in preventing the transmission of HIV and other STIs, and with 60,000 free ACON condom safe packs at LGBTI venues and events during the Mardi Gras season, it's the cheapest and easiest way to stay safe.
- For HIV prevention, explore options like PrEP (for HIV-negative individuals) or UVL (Undetectable Viral Load for people living with HIV). Learn more at Ending HIV.
- If you think you've been exposed to HIV, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can help – but you need to act within 72 hours. Call the 24-hour NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 824 for assistance.
- Mpox is still circulating, so vaccination is vital. Two doses provide the best protection. Free or low-cost vaccinations are available without a Medicare card. Learn more at health.nsw.gov.au/mpox.
- Always seek and respect consent – make sure everyone involved is enthusiastic about what's happening.
Plan Your Journey Home
- Before heading out, plan your way home and have money set aside for transport.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and don't get in a car with someone who has been using them.
For more tips, harm-reduction resources, and support services, visit ACON or explore the Your Room A-Z Drug List.
The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer-based drug user organisation, offering strategies for harm reduction and current issues relating to drug use in Australia.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.
