Parks
Moore Park
To the south east corner of this part of Sydney, this 115 hectare open park area has sport fields used by local the local community, bike and walking tracks run through the park area and Kippax Lake, a small lake near the sports stadiums is a pleasant area for picnicing or relaxing on days without major functions in the adjoining facilities. There is one gas-operated barbecue located on the western side of Moore Park near South Dowling Street. This park is part of a green zone connecting thru to the Centennial Park a little further to the east and the greater Moore Park area to the South east. Moore park adjoins the Sydney Football Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Fox Studios entertainment quarter. This section of the greater Moore Park area often hosts large performance events such as concerts, exhibitions and Big Tent Circus events.
Rushcutters Bay Park
Busy on weekends with walkers, people excercising their dogs, picnicers and local people playing informal ball games. The park has a cafe located toward the centre near the water that serves light meals, drinks and other refreshments.
Beare Park
A picturesque spot right on the Harbour on Elizabeth Bay, this is a popular place for picnics and a bit of inner-city sunbathing.
Embarkation Park
Great views of the CBD skyline and parts of the harbour. This is one the most popular places in the Inner East to watch the New Years Eve fireworks shows. The park may be locked at night.
Although the district is densely populated and space is certainly at a premium, there are parks and open spaces around.
Green Park
A small pleasant area just opposite St Vincents hospital.
Trumper Park Oval
Primarily used for cricket turf pitch, Trumper Park is also a good quiet spot to relax or get some sun.
In addition to those listed above, some of Sydney's largest and most popular parks and gardens lie in close proximity just beyond the boundaries of the district. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Domain and Hyde Park form part of the north-western boundary of the district and lie in the City Centre. Centennial Park and the 'greater' Moore Park area is just to the south-east of the district in the Eastern Suburbs.
Museums and galleries
Australian Centre for Photography
ACP established in 1973. The ACP initiated the first major retrospectives of work by photographers such as Max Dupain, Olive Cotton and Merv Bishop, and organised the early public displays of photographs by Bill Henson, Tracey Moffatt, William Yang and Trent Parke and has presented works by international photo-artists such as Bernd & Hilla Becher, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Larry Clark, Joan Fontcuberta, Nan Goldin, Roni Horn, George Platt Lynes, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, Duane Michals, Pierre Molinier, Erwin Olaf, Martin Parr, Man Ray, Cindy Sherman, Wolfgang Tillmans and William Wegman.
Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery
The gallery currently represents over thirty highly esteemed artists, who have had significant shows and whose works are held in major collections nationally and internationally. This gallery has supported work that is both challenging and at the forefront of contemporary art practice.
Blender Gallery
Exhibition space over several levels in a typical Paddington terrace. Blender is an outlet for both Australian and international photographers, collectors and enthusiasts.
Brettt Whitley Studio
Studio of the late Brett Whiteley is now an art museum that is managed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The museum is a tribute to the life of Brett Whiteley, considered by many to be one of Australia's most gifted, best known and controversial artists.
Ray Hughes Gallery
This established gallery has a wide range of interesting work from many artists spanning several cultures and styles including works on paper, canvas and others.
Australian Museum
With an international reputation in the fields of natural history and indigenous studies research, community programs and exhibitions, the Australian Museum was established as Australia's first museum in 1827 with unique and extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts. There is a cafe next to the entrance, that you can access without requiring payment for admission to the main exhibition area.
Please see the City Centre article for more comprehensive details on The Art Gallery of NSW and other nearby public Art Galleries and Museums
The City East precinct is home to an extensive range of private art galleries with a high concentration in the Paddington area.
Other attractions
El Alamein Fountain
Designed by Robert Woodward and erected in 1961 as a memorial to the Ninth Division during World War II. The fountain is somewhat iconic in Sydney, a "dandelion head" sphere of mist at the top of a tall stem and has been imitated globally on many occasions. A favourite meeting place for many travellers and locals alike.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Newly opened, interestingly designed gardens built in the old reservoir.
Elizabeth Bay House
Built between 1835-1839 and once "the finest house in the colony", this colonial mansion preserves the lifestyle of some of Sydney's wealthiest early settlers, Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay and his family. Designed by the most fashionable and accomplished architect of the day, John Verge, Elizabeth Bay House is a superb example of colonial architecture and is elegantly and authentically furnished in the style of 1839â1845. Guided tours are available on request.