Paddington

Rows of graceful Victorian terraces march up and down the gentle hills of Paddington: an inner-east community known for its elegant boutiques and flourishing pubs and restaurants.

Clad in decorative plasterwork and iron lace filigree with fleur-de-lis points, the terraces range from imposing three or four-storey edifices to surprisingly spacious single-storey homes, yet there is a harmony of design across the district that continually refreshes the eye. Most of the terraces have small balconies and small front gardens, often with tessellated tile patios. Back gardens can be surprisingly deep and lush.

A bustling suburb surrounded by natural beauty – the green haven of Centennial Park, the yachts bobbing in Rushcutters Bay, and the imposing sandstone architecture of Victoria Barracks, Paddington has a cosmopolitan flavour all its own.

SUPERLATIVE SHOPPING

Lined with elegant boutiques selling the latest in high fashion, the classic shopping boulevard of Oxford Street winds through the centre of Paddington.

In the smaller leafy side streets, tiny artisan shops nestle next to gourmet cafes. On Saturdays, Paddington Market comes to life in a church and adjacent school, with stall-holders selling everything from tea to teapots, from snacks to fashion.

SO CLOSE

Three kilometres from Sydney’s city centre, Paddington is served by a number of bus routes, and for sports fans, the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz stadium are within walking distance – there’s no sitting in frustrating sports traffic jams for Paddington residents.