Paddington Reservoir Gardens

The Paddington Reservoir Gardens are an ideal location for a quiet rest surrounded by the traffic along Oxford Street and other roads. There is a sweet playground for the children and plenty of bench seats for the adults. The green areas and the variety of plants are a haven for birds, and the amateur biologists amongst us!

Free entry to this small but pretty reservoir gardens which remind me of the old ruins around the world with plants growing from the roof and brickwork seeming to crumble away. It was said to be built in the 1860s and a place where city water was stored after being pumped from Botany Bay. At the time I went it was pretty quiet with a few people taking photos and a group recording dance videos. There was lift access to the bottom level and a lovely little pond in the centre, under the pretty archway with the native plants and trees.

Worth visiting! My friends and I had a lovely day exploring the area, which beautifully blends historical architecture with natural scenery. Whether you're into history, photography, or just want a relaxing day out, this place has something for everyone.

Best place to visit after the market or just general walk around, several exhibitions are held. Fantastic, quiet and full of tranquility place. Head on exhibition is on in Nov 2025

This award winning garden is like rare jewel hidden in this busy part of the town. It’s cleverly transformed with careful planning, innovative restoration & a combination modern & historical elements. Once one is down there, u could find yourself immersed in the tranquility of this beautiful garden. One can enjoy the nature, as well as learn the history of the reservoir. If one is around, it’s highly recommended to come for a visit!

A perfect peaceful spot to relax whilest my baby grandson slept. Lift access or stairs. Grass section or scattered chairs available. Sunny or shaded areas. Well worth a visit.

The Paddington Reservoir Gardens was a place of interest and a very interesting place to visit. The architecture was great to see.

Beautiful spot, you wouldn't know it's here, lots of history, even as lift to access lower level

This entire garden is a landscape architecture gem. It has won numerous award and is the staple project on every architecture fan's lips. A must visit. Arguably one of the best adaptive reuse project in Australia, the reservoir promotes and celebrates the beauty of its past life while revels in the future and its potential. It's wide enough to host functions and gatherings etc, and when I was there, people used it for work meetings or simply just to meet up with friends. The bench initiative where you get to grab a deck chair and sit wherever you want is genius. Protip: come during sunset and watch the world go by as the sun goes down. It is stunning.

It's a very small garden. It's fun to walk around. It's next to an apartment/condo building. There's a section of the garden where it's locked. Would be nice if it's open to the public as well.

D1 and 30-40 of her boho buddies had her 21st here. I got the food organised and dropped it off for her. Then I was told I was no longer needed. Three things amazed me about this place. First it is a brilliant restoration of an archeologically important site that can actually be used. It is not a museum 'look but don't touch' place. Second, it was kept away from developers even though its location must have made them hyperventilate at the profits that could have been made by destroying it. Third, its free. Her 21st was free! I cannot believe my luck! Apart from some students making a short film and a couple taking wedding shots there was no one else there. Chairs are provided and there are undercover areas if the weather turns, it has everything. I was overcome by my creative side, a side that appears only to me and which is denied by my family who say it is simply boredom. Anyway, I took some photos, some of my best work I think. Its a great spot.

Serenity, history and all round sunshine soaked gardens. A great little oasis on the busy Oxford St in Paddington. Took a coffee and a breakfast bagel here for 45mins of chill out time. Highly recommend it for people with small apartments who want to enjoy a book in a peaceful place or those with laptops - free wifi!!!

The restoration of the Paddo Reservoir seemed to take forever but has been subject to much praise and fanfare now that it's complete. (It even won the Australian Award for Urban Design in 2009.) Sitting across the road from Paddington Town Hall on Oxford Street, it features beautiful gardens, a boardwalk, lighting and plenty of info boards to read up on its history. The reservoir was originally designed by engineer Edward Bell in 1866 and was a vital component of Sydney's water supply system until 1899 when the Centennial Park reservoir was built. It has various uses and a storage space and garage over the years, but when its roof collapsed in 1990, it was decided it would be given back to the people. Today a lovely garden that sits above the reservoir (the Walter Read Reserve) and a small park sits beside it (the John Thompson reserve). It's an interesting space to take a book or even just pop your head over as you're waiting for the bus after a day of Oxford Street shopping.

A visit to Paddington is never complete without going to Paddington Reservoir Gardens. A historical garden that was renovated to incorporate a modern vision, its the perfect place to relax and have some quiet family fun within the hustle and bustle of Paddington. The gardens are stunning, the eastern chamber that can be used for community and cultural activities have a striking graffiti art on its walls, and the stones and wood surrounding the reservoir are comforting and stylish. Shaded seating can be used by people looking for a quiet spot to relax and read. A fish pond can also be seen here where you can enjoy an afternoon with the kids watching the beautiful fish swimming past. And best of all, you can enjoy this beautiful place for free. Highly recommended!