About Paddington
ABOUT US
220 YEARS OF HISTORY
The Paddington Story
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.
HOME OF RESTAURANTS, CAFES & RETAIL
Contemporary Paddington
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.
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Your Local
Business Community
The Paddington Chamber of Commerce works to support, educate and facilitate a healthy, vibrant business community with an emphasis on the betterment of Paddington.
