Beautiful Victorian terrace houses and leafy jacaranda trees line the streets of Paddington, New South Wales. The affluent neighbourhood is a stone’s throw from the Sydney CBD and one of the city’s most coveted postcodes. Locals affectionately call it “Paddo” and flock to shop at designer boutiques, sip espresso at trendy cafes and enjoy the village-style atmosphere.
Things to do in Paddington
Paddington boasts some of the best-preserved Victorian terrace houses in New South Wales. Walk along Oxford Street and admire the unique narrow facades, decorative iron lacework balconies and arched doorways. Visit in October or November to see the jacarandas in full bloom. The trees blanket the streets of Paddington in lilac flowers.
Discover Australian designers at the Intersection. Set at the junction of Oxford Street and Glenmore Road, the retail precinct is home to high-end boutiques. Browse stores by luminaries like Zimmerman, Oroton, Sass & Bide and Rachel Gilbert. You’ll find independent art galleries along William Street, a hidden laneway lined with handsome terrace houses. Shop for arts, crafts and vintage clothing at the famous Paddington Markets.
Relax in heritage-listed Paddington Reservoir Gardens. The former Victorian water reservoir is reimagined as an elegant park with emerald-green lawns and picturesque water features. The soaring brick archways covered with lush greenery are reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
From trendy brunch cafes to chef-driven restaurants, you’ll find dining options for every occasion in Paddington. Sit down for a unique farm-to-table experience or relax in a sunny beer garden. After dark, you’ll be lured into British-style pubs, sophisticated wine bars and chic cocktail lounges.
Getting around Paddington
Paddington is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while local buses run between the Sydney CBD and Paddington in 20 minutes. Trains run from Central Station to Edgecliff Station in five minutes. From here, it’s a 20-minute walk to Paddington. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.