CoolChange, Hot Times

Sparks will fly as partygoers from all over the world join locals on Sydney Harbour for the internationally-acclaimed waterside party, CoolChange: Harbour ’12, writes Andrew Georgiou.  

Let’s be honest, as far as internationally acclaimed parties go, CoolChange: Harbour ‘12 is a major over-achiever and a massive spunk.

Not content with having the breathtaking Sydney Harbour as its stunning backdrop, this iconic party spoils us with a delectable al fresco serving of hot international visitors, amazing DJ talent, sensational live performances, sun-drenched dance spaces and a jaw-dropping fireworks display that all come together to make us the envy of the queer partying world.

Since making its debut in 1997, Harbour Party has beckoned a migration of super-hot party revellers from around the world to her doors. With Mrs Macquarie rolling in her grave over the half-naked booty shaking taking place across her beloved point, this awe-inspiring party landscape and its welcoming crowd never fails to pull in prime party trade from across America, Europe, Asia and beyond.

For the past two years, San Francisco resident Todd Mordick has been making the annual migration to Harbour Party to take in all its glory and meet with his Fijian born, Sydney-based fiancée Ranj. “We first saw Harbour Party from the comfort of a gorgeous boat in the harbour in 2010,” says Todd who will reside permanently in Sydney this year. “The following year we just had to be in the thick of it and attended our first Harbour Party together.  

“As a visitor, I have always felt so incredibly welcomed by everyone and the fact that I was dancing right there with the city’s most loved icons in the background was amazing. When the sunset starts, along with the great music, magic happens!”

This year Todd and Ranj will create Harbour Party history by exchanging nuptials at the Point before descending on the party with their family and friends for their unofficial wedding reception. “We actually moved our formal wedding reception to the Sunday so that all of our friends could join us at Harbour Party,” says Ranj. “It’s the perfect place where our local friends and guests from San Fran can come together and we’re proud to show it off to first-time visitors.”

Across the globe, Londoner Marcus Longinotti — who is returning to Sydney for another dose of Harbour Party —can’t wait to throw himself into a party that he calls ‘impossible to duplicate’. The self-confessed high-top sneaker addict and dashingly handsome Gaga fan believes there is no other event in the world quite like it and happily lost his Harbour Party virginity in 2008.

“My first Harbour Party experience was Sol y Luna. It was my second day back in Sydney after six years away and this was the ultimate welcome back party,” Marcus says. “It was the first day party I’d ever been to and the gorgeous sunshine on the day was only rivalled by the sensational music and the amazingly hot chaps.” It’s fair to assume Marcus is referring to the hot boys at Harbour and not a sale item at Sax.

While Todd and Ranj will be newly hitched at Harbour, Marcus and an airbus-load of other un-attached international hotties destined for CoolChange will be looking for locals to show them just how hot and hard we party. It won’t be the first time a smile on the dance floor has led to a steamy international affair.

CoolChange: Harbour ’12 is on Saturday, February 25, 3pm-11pm, at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaire’s Point. Tickets from www.mardigras.org.au.