Not to be outdone by its Melbourne counterparts, this April-May, Sydney will be hosting its own famous international comedy festival. As one of the fastest growing cultural events in the NSW capital, this extravaganza is the ultimate chance to not only see your favourite comedy acts, but to see them in some of the best venues in the country (for example, the Sydney Opera House).
Book your holiday accommodation in Sydney now and check out what's on offer in this year's comedy fest.
From April 20 until May 17 this year, literally hundreds of comedians will be getting up on stage and doing what they do best - making people laugh. This is the 11th edition of the annual event in Sydney, with previous years sometimes gaining an attendance of well over 100,000 people.
So what should you be looking forward to?
On May 3, one of the world's most famous venues - the Sydney Opera House - will be hosting the festival's most sought-after show - the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala. Sold out each year from 2012, the lineup for the famous Gala is always a winner.
If you can't get a ticket for the Gala, make sure you grab a seat at Cracker Night, on April 20-21. This spectacular show features both local and international superstars, and will be filmed for The Comedy Channel on April 20. It is hosted at both Enmore Theatre and The Concourse.
Of course, what is a comedy festival without its diverse range of both local and international talent? Stars have flocked from all corners of the Earth to visit Sydney for this event, with many shows selling out fast.
If you love 'The Mighty Boosh' and 'Luxury Comedy', make sure you check out An Evening With Noel Fielding, hosted by the man himself. With an extra show already added to accommodate the ticket demand, this evening promises to be a surreal, but most certainly hilarious, show filled with moments you'll be quoting for years.
"Ever wanted an excuse to not only see your favourite comedy acts, but also explore the world-renowned NSW capital? You should attend the Sydney Comedy Festival."
Or if you'd like to see a home-grown comedy powerhouse, make sure to catch Jim Jefferies between April 15 and 19. Three Weeks magazine in the UK perhaps put his unique brand of Aussie humour the best when they said, "WHY CAN'T EVERY COMEDIAN BE THIS FUNNY?"
Other personalities include Greg Behrendt (USA), Paul Foot (UK), Sammy J and Randy, The Axis of Awesome, Ross Noble (UK) and The Topp Twins (NZ).
There are plenty of improv nights, theatrical performances, children's comedy shows and other spectacular events happening in Sydney too, so make sure you check out the full list of shows and pick out your favourites!
There are loads of comedy venues taking part in the festival, both in the CBD and beyond. So how are you supposed to get between them all as a visitor?
Buses and trains are likely your best route. Transport NSW has plenty of services running all over the city, with the convenient Opal Card - Sydney's digital ticketing system - linking them all in a convenient, easy-to-pay way.
Seeing as how most of the shows are happening in the city centre, you'll want to stay there as well. That makes Mantra's fantastic hotel options perfectly suited for your needs.
Attending shows near Circular Quay? Book a stay at Mantra 2 Bond Street and you'll be within a five or so minute's walk from the ferries.
Prefer to be around Darling Harbour, within close walking distance to all its bars, including across the way at Pyrmont? Try instead Mantra on Kent, which is practically adjacent to Cockle Bay.
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