Katya Wilson, British ex-pat Sydneysider and her partner Miss Cyanne had very kindly offered to be my guides to the Sydney Mardi Gras experience, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. They very wisely weaned me into it gently, my first night in Sydney was almost clichéd: an authentic barbie in Kat and Cyanne's back garden!

The second night was slightly more Mardi-Gras, and slightly more tranny! A performance by the fabulous Tina C at the Opera House.

The third night was the Mardi Gras Parade itself. It was raining, but nobody let this dampen their spirits, and we had the added pleasure of watching the entire parade from the apartment balcony of the divine Miss Latrina Occupado, friend of Miss Cyanne's and drag queen extraordinaire!

By the end of the Parade, I was really needing some Becky time! Luckily Kat had swung tickets to the finale of Mardi Gras, a huge dance party in the Fox Studios complex. We headed back to base camp, got dressed up, and after the obligatory photo (or two), headed to the party!

And what an incredible party it was! 17,000 people of all genders, sexualities, kinks, quirks and race. All united by one thing only, the desire to have good time. I don't have any pictures of the party itself (they don't allow personal photography), but you can see some pictures from the night itself here.