– The Paddington story –

[ 220 years of history ]

Paddington was originally inhabited by the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who used the ridge of what is now Oxford St as a ‘muru’ or walking track. In 1803, convicts cleared the track to make a bullock road between the Sydney colony at The Rocks and Watsons Bay, forming the basis of modern-day Oxford St. Pubs and sandstone cottages began springing up in what is now Paddington. About 1840, construction began on the Victoria Barracks, a garrison to protect the colony from invaders from the south. A village called Paddington Town sprung up to the north of the Barracks, and Paddington began to flourish. A great wave of building swept the area between 1850 and 1910, during which a huge tract of English-style terrace housing was constructed. Although this area fell into disrepair after World War I, it gradually gentrified and is now one of the most sought-after residential neighbourhoods in Australia. Victoria Barracks, the workers’ cottages of Paddington Town and the terraced areas continue to exist to this day.

These days Paddington is one of the most interesting and engaging retail and hospitality hubs in Australia. Filled with unique retail outlets and well-regarded restaurants, it is a Mecca to tourists and locals who visit for a unique shopping or dining experience that cannot be found elsewhere. From The Intersection, on the corner of Glenmore Road and Oxford St, which specialises in contemporary Australian fashion, to William St, with its charming blend of up-and-coming designers and designer consignment stores, jewellers and gift shops, as well as the indefatigable Oxford St, with its big-name retailers across fashion, homewares and jewellery, Paddington is a shoppers and diners paradise, with a cafe, gallery and salon on every corner.

– Contemporary Paddington –

[ home of restaurants, cafes & retail ]

Location

Paddington is 1.5km east of Sydney CBD

ARRIVALS

on foot

Paddington is a 15-minute walk from the CBD. Walk via Oxford St Darlinghurst to Paddington

By bus

Catch the 333 or the 440 to arrive on Oxford St or the 389 to arrive at Paddington Five Ways

by train

Take the Eastern Suburbs line train towards Bondi, alighting at Edgecliff Station. Then walk to Paddington

by UBER OR TAXI

Stop at Paddington Town Hall or Paddington Reservoir Gardens on Oxford St

shopping

Homewares

Paddington has a collection of the nation’s finest homewares stores, from furniture warehouses to speciality accessory stores.

Fashion

Australian and international fashion coexist in large and small outlets dotted across the suburb.

Jewellery

From engagement rings to costume jewellery, find all your jewellery needs in Paddo.

Bridal

A huge range of designer, couture and off-the-rack bridal garments make Paddington the place-to-be for brides-to-be.

salons & beauty

Hair styling, massage, facials, injectables, hair extensions and everything in between.

Galleries

Contemporary art, Australian masters, photography, emerging artists and more.

food & drink

Restaurants

From hatted restaurants to cheap-and-cheerful pizzerias, Paddington has a venue for all tastes.

Heritage pubs

Dating back as early as the 1814, Paddington’s heritage pubs are its pride and joy.

Cafes

Nearly every corner in Paddo has a noteworthy cafe. Head down alleyways and back streets, or stay on Oxford St to find your favourite.

Bars and wine bars

Pop in for a drink or to kick off your night at one of these slick bars.

Food and wine stores

From European wine cellars to fresh food emporiums.

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