Paddington Reservoir Gardens — Attraction in Sydney

What can I say about Paddington Reservoir Gardens. After researching the site, looking at countless photos of the beautified gardens and also contacting the City of Sydney Council (who highly recommend the gardens as a great day out) I decided to take a group of elderly people to see this best kept secret. OMG...WT? When you visit the site you will be very disappointed. We were advised that the gardens are well maintained, a small sanctuary in the middle of the city which will be enjoyed by all. Once again WT? It's not well maintained, the so called pond was dirty, the lifts haven't been cleaned in weeks, possibly months, and seeing the lower chambers were closed off to the public...it basically felt like I had taken a group of elderly people to visit an enclosed prison yard. Not that I know how that would feel, but one chap in the group said it felt like he was visiting an inmate in a forgotten jail lol! Don't waste your time folks. The grounds are not clean, especially for a picnic and I wouldn't recommend this garden to anyone. We spent a good 1.5 hours driving to the garden only to leave after 5 minutes. We all ended up taking a stroll through Rookwood Cemetary which outshone this garden. The cemetary was far more cleaner, spacious grounds and gardens if you can handle the dead folk. PS: If your thinking of having an affair during 2023 I do suggest you visit Paddington Reservoir Gardens because that's the only place you will be able to hide without prying eyes...creepy...

Paddington Reservoir Gardens in Sydney has a unique charm and has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The park’s design, which preserves elements of the original 19th-century water reservoir, is frequently described as a blend of the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. This architectural combination gives it a distinctive historic atmosphere that’s set against modern renovations, including wide boardwalks and a beautiful rooftop sunken garden. Many visitors enjoy its peaceful ambiance, well-maintained gardens, and areas shaded by brick arches, making it ideal for quiet relaxation or casual strolls​ Sydney city. ​ The space has also garnered significant praise for being free and accessible, with several spots to sit and enjoy the view, along with features like graffiti art in the eastern chamber that preserves its industrial past. It is an award-winning space, recognized for its urban design and historic restoration efforts, making it both a scenic and cultural highlight of Sydney city.

For those interested in history, the reservoir has gone through multiple transformations, from being a functional water reservoir in the late 1800s to serving various industrial uses before its restoration into a public park in 2009. This history is preserved in the structure, offering an experience that’s as educational as it is...

Wow, what a stunning garden! Definitely one of the most unique and well designed places in the city. It’s a relatively small space, but it manages to feel very spacious with several different sections below and above street level. It’s a historic site, both for its place as an important reservoir, but also as a former church, school, and then hotel. The signage describing the development of the site (on street level) shouldn’t be missed.

It’s wheelchair accessible (there’s an elevator on the west side) and would be a great place to come alone or with a group. The design feels part Roman, part Moorish, part Italian, and part contemporary.

Only rec would be to have some benches, although there were about 5 or 6 movable metal chairs.

Highly recommend a visit for both...