Hidden Oasis Beneath Oxford Street

This small, underground garden is a concealed gem on bustling Oxford Street. Located in the heart of Paddington, you might walk right by without realizing it's there. The reservoir is a fascinating slice of Sydney’s early colonial history. Built in 1866, it was among the first reservoirs designed to ensure a steady and permanent fresh water supply for the colony. What you see now are the skillfully preserved remnants of the reservoir alongside a charming sunken garden. An elevated boardwalk lets you peer down over the site from street level, and stairs take you down into the garden. It’s most beautiful in summer with flowers in bloom, but even in winter when I recently visited, the ferns and leafy plants maintain its lovely appeal. It was a chilly but sunny day, yet the garden is somewhat of a sun-trap, making it a pleasant spot. Several people were seated on benches reading books, and a small group of photographers with substantial cameras were practicing their craft. NOTES: Entry is free, and there's an elevator at the rear for those with mobility challenges or pushchairs.