Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2015-03-17 by Carl Williamsfollow
Calm and somewhat surreal, a hidden treasure can be found just a few steps down from the cafes and boutiques of Oxford Street in this chic Sydney suburb. In the heart of Paddington, the award winning Paddington Reservoir Gardens is a place of transformed industrial Victoriana that offers a subterranean oasis for the community to enjoy.



Awarded the prestigious 2009 Australian Award for Urban Design, commended under Sustainable Sydney 2030 and the recipient of numerous heritage and architectural accolades, the space blends a sunken garden with water features, walkways and historic Escher-like arches. This historic site, originally used as water storage to supply water from the swamps of Botany Bay to the suburbs, has been sensitively renovated by incorporating modern design without losing its heritage.

Wandering through the gardens, while taking in the original masonary brick vaults and antiquated structures, conjure up feelings of ancient Roman ruins. Indeed, the gardens have been described as a 'combination of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.' Alternatively you can recline in one of the deckchairs and ruminate on some of the more esoteric aspects of life.



The site is also the venue for various events, such as the Heads On Photo Festival. Photographers – Australian and international, established and emerging – exhibit their work around the perimeter of the gardens. The space provides the perfect backdrop for exhibiting the photographs, and has brought the gardens to the attention of people who otherwise may never have known they existed. This author included.

#free
#fun_things_to_do
#gardens
#outdoor
#parks
#city
%wnsydney
197369 - 2023-06-16 04:27:19

Tags

Free
Outdoor
Festivals
Music
Markets
Nightlife
Fundraisers
Family_friendly
Community
Arts_culture
Food_drink
Educational
Random
Theatre_shows
Holiday
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226