Six years after Sydney’s original rainbow crossing was tarred over in the dead of night, the iconic symbol of pride returns in time for Mardi Gras. 

Sydney has unveiled the world’s first rainbow crossing that’s actually curved like a rainbow.

The multi-coloured crossing at the intersection of Bourke and Campbell Streets, near Taylor Square, coincides with the launch of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, which runs from February 15 to March 3.

It’s not the first time Sydney has had a rainbow crossing. The original was plastered across Oxford Street to mark the 35th anniversary of Mardi Gras in 2013.

It was enormously popular and one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, with people even lying in the middle of the road for a selfie.

But it lasted just two months before the then roads minister had it ripped up in the dead of night in the interests of road safety.

The new rainbow crossing gives priority to pedestrians over cyclists and motor vehicles, with a green light for vehicles only activated on demand.

The burst of colour has been installed on a six-month trial as it’s subject to an independent safety review. But there are high hopes it will be a permanent fixture.

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