Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Paddington Reservoir Gardens sit on Oxford Street in Paddington, one of Sydney's most elegant and characterful eastern-suburbs neighbourhoods. A genuinely unique park, it's built within a beautifully repurposed 19th-century underground reservoir — combining the dramatic, atmospheric brick-and-arch structure of the old reservoir with sunken gardens, hanging greenery and a striking, award-winning design.

The appeal is that combination of remarkable heritage, striking design and a lovely green space: descending into the sunken gardens among the historic arches and columns, with the greenery and water features, is a genuinely special experience, a tranquil and atmospheric escape right off busy Oxford Street. It's a beautiful, distinctive spot for a pause, a wander or simply to admire the design.

With a 4.5 rating from more than 1,200 reviews, it's a much-loved spot. The gardens are a free, open public space, but conditions and any access arrangements vary, so it's worth checking before a special visit — though for a wander among the historic arches and sunken gardens, you can generally just head to the Paddington Reservoir Gardens on Oxford Street.