Which street is the first named route street for the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade?

The first named route street for the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is Oxford Street.

Sydney’s Mardi Gras began as a gay-rights protest and street celebration on 24 June 1978. More than 500 people gathered on Oxford Street, and the crowd later grew as Saturday-night revelers joined the march. Police broke up that first parade and arrested 53 participants, helping turn the event into a major symbol of Australia’s LGBTQ rights movement.

The modern parade still prominently uses Oxford Street, although the route continues beyond it. It generally proceeds from the city side along Oxford Street, turns into Flinders Street, and finishes near Anzac Parade. That route can change for logistical or safety reasons, so “first named route street” refers to the traditional route sequence, not necessarily every year’s exact road closure plan.

The event is called Mardi Gras but is unrelated to the Christian Shrove Tuesday festival. It is a festival and parade rooted in protest, community identity, and pride.