'So proud': More than 50,000 people march across Sydney Harbour Bridge for LGBTIQ+ equality

Sunday morning's Pride March marked the final day of the WorldPride festival, which will wrap up in the evening with a concert at Sydney's Domain.

Traffic across the bridge was shut in both directions for several hours. Source: AAP / Steven Saphore

Key Points

• Thousands of people marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday morning as part of WorldPride.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those to take part in the Pride March.
• The 17-day event will wrap up on Sunday evening with a concert at the Domain.

More than 50,000 brightly-dressed people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday morning in support of pride and recognition of the long fight for equality for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese helped lead the march alongside a number of '78ers', the term given to those people who took part in Sydney's first Mardi Gras as an act of protest close to 50 years ago.

Spirits were high and the weather was clear for the event which helped draws to a close WorldPride 2023 festival.

Mr Albanese said it was an honour to acknowledge those who had fought to advance human rights.

"It was incredible to walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge with WorldPride this morning, supporting human rights campaigners from Australia and across the world," he said.

"No matter who you are, who you love or where you live – you should be valued, equal, and celebrated."

Mr Albanese was joined at the march by his partner Jodie Haydon, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her partner Sophie Allouache, and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney.

The 17-day WorldPride festival will wrap up on Sunday evening with a concert at the Domain.

Traffic across the bridge was shut in both directions for several hours as participants crossed from north to south to finishing points in the Domain and Hyde Park.

Drivers were advised to avoid the Harbour Tunnel until midday, which remained open but with the expectation of delays.

People from all parts of the LGBTIQ+ community took part in the march, as well as allies. Source: Getty / Brendon Thorne

Oxford Street remains closed between Flinders Street and Liverpool Street in Darlinghurst until 4.30am on Monday morning for the Sydney WorldPride street party.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich were among those who marched across the bridge, having thrown their support behind the festival.

"What a memorable few weeks it has been in Sydney: I'm so proud of our city for showing the world how truly global, diverse, and welcoming we are!" Ms Moore said.