Sydney is peppered with many tranquil gardens and serene parks but there’s a part of the city that looks like it belongs somewhere in Ancient Rome. The Paddington Reservoir Gardens are a lush slice of green space in the heart of the busy Sydney suburb and a top-notch spot for history geeks. Although there’s no conclusive proof the Hanging Gardens of Babylon ever existed, the gardens draw on this somewhat mythical place as inspiration, presenting a fascinating mix of old and new. You’ll be hard-pressed to avoid the feeling of travelling back in time here.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Although the park in its current state opened in 2009, the reservoir itself served as an important source of water in the 19th century. The water supply stopped in 1899 and the site was used as a garage and a service station over time; it has now been repurposed as a sunken garden. The heritage-listed site offers a real oasis to escape the chaos of urban life with perfectly manicured gardens you could easily spend hours in.
The legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, provides inspiration for this photogenic spot along with the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome. Original brick, timber and iron fixtures were salvaged and the park was given new life with sustainable and modern elements. A walk down the stairs leads to a small albeit lovely sunken garden and pond, set in the preserved ruins of the 19th-century reservoir. Some other things you’ll encounter in the transportive space: octagonal columns, native flora and fauna, graffiti art, and brick arches. The garden is free to visit, find more information about it here.
Please note that although this is an excellent place for your Instagram, photography shoots are not permitted at the moment. Filming is allowed at the gardens only if you apply for a permit.