Overview
Queensland might be home to a gorgeous holiday spot called Rainbow Beach, but patches of sand all along New South Wales are taking on bright hues on Sunday, February 27. Expect to see rainbow-hued clothing and flags, plus fluoro zinc aplenty, all thanks to a one-day Rainbow Beaches celebration.
The event comes courtesy of Lifesavers with Pride, who are getting a heap of surf clubs in Sydney and further north — up to Byron Bay, Brunswick and Yamba — decked out to showcase pride and diversity during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. So, if you can't make it to Mardi Gras itself, or you're keen on a dip as well, you can still get into the spirit of the occasion with your next stint of sun, surf and sand.
The festivities at each surf club vary — but expect rainbow attire among beach patrollers, nippers and swimming clubs, and on their equipment and sun protection.
The 2022 event follows a successful first run in 2021, and will hit up Bronte, Tamarama, Bondi, Cronulla, Maroubra, Dee Why, Bigola, Avalon and Queenscliff in Sydney — as well as Coogee, which is already home to its own rainbow walkway.
And, Rainbow Beaches will also take over those aforementioned regional locations if you're either heading north from the NSW capital or south from Brisbane.
Coogee Rainbow Walkway
"Surf life-saving has evolved to become far more diverse and inclusive since it was formed over 100 years ago to make our beaches safer. The more diverse, inclusive and welcoming we are as a community, the stronger and more effective our movement can be," said LWP's Ivan Power, who developed the Rainbow Beaches initiative with LWP Chair Gary Driscoll.
"Surf life-saving clubs are part of communities right around our country whose culture has changed substantially in recent years, reflecting the communities and members they serve. We are so pleased to be working with Mardi Gras to empower our members and clubs to show the progressive and inclusive nature of our communities and our movement," Power continued.
Now you know the brightest spots to have a splash on Sunday — and you can take a few cues from the theme yourself by busting out your most colourful rainbow-toned swimmers for the occasion.
Rainbow Beaches takes place on Sunday, February 27 from 8am at Bronte, Tamarama, Coogee, Bondi, Cronulla, Maroubra, Dee Why, Bigola, Avalon and Queenscliff in Sydney, as well as in Byron Bay, Brunswick and Yamba. For more information, head to the Lifesavers with Pride website.