There’s always a green space to spread out a picnic blanket, read a book in the sun or take some time out in Sydney. But one of the most ‘park centred’ suburbs is a surprising one. When you envision Paddington you don’t necessarily think ‘space’. But if you look past the famous Oxford Street shopping strip and side lane boutiques you’ll realise there are two particularly important open-air locations. Think Paddington Resevoir Gardens and Centennial Park…

Paddington Reservoir Gardens

It’s a new addition to the Paddington street and landscape but after being officially opened in March 2009 it has become a popular outdoor space that embodies an important part of Sydney’s history. For years the reservoir, which played a crucial role in Sydney’s early water supplies, stood disused and derelict. These days, you’ll see children playing, families picnicking and people spread out in the sun with their weekend newspapers. It’s a park (sitting on the roof of the reservoir) that has been completely reconstructed. What’s more, there’s even a sunken garden in the western chamber.

If you’re after visible ‘historical’ remnants you’ll find some vibrant graffiti in the eastern chamber, which is now also used as space for community and cultural activities. For the rustic architectural lovers amongst us other features to look out for are the timber and stonework.

The gentrification of this historic space on the corner of Oxford Street and Oatley Road has brought the key elements of the original designer, Edward Bell, back to life.

So for anyone in and around Paddington, the Walter Read Reserve is a must do and see ‘relaxing’ location. It’s got some big names to live up to after being described as a combination of the Baths of Caracalla and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon so this is something you’ll have to pass judgment on and check out for yourself!

Centennial Park

Sydney is lucky enough to be surrounded by a lot of natural space but Centennial Park could almost be described as the ‘lungs’ of the city. Entering through the gates you leave the busy streets and traffic behind. Whether you’re sitting back or getting some exercise, it’s a good place to be. For those seeking some down time, find a spot by the water, under a beautiful Morton Bay Fig, or in one of the many quiet corners of the park. Otherwise, get your roller blades and bikes out, take a run, walk or horse ride.

Apart from being a space loved by many, it’s one of the most historic parklands in Australia. Not many would believe it was originally a swamp. Luckily for Sir Henry Parkes vision, it didn’t remain so. His wanted to create a “People’s Park” in which the public could “take in the air” away from the city centre. He certainly achieved it.

If you’re set on making the most of these two open spaces and experiencing a different side of Paddington why not treat yourself to a hotel? Paddington is a stone’s throw from both the city, and the beaches – another kettle of ‘open space’ fish. So for your next trip to Sydney consider the range of Paddington accommodation on offer and it could be you walking to the Paddington Reservoir Gardens or Centennial Park with your weekend paper to lie in the sun.

If you’re a musical lover, Sydney is a good place to be this winter and spring season. With everything from the classic Mary Poppins to modern day Hairspray, you will have your pick of shows to dazzle you while you sit fighting to need to sing and dance in your theatre seat.

For those Sydney bound, here’s the must-see list.

Hairspray – Lyric theatre

This is without a doubt the feel good musical of the Sydney season. Wouldn’t it be terrible if we were all the same? Here’s a production with a message. Everyone’s different. Everyone has something to offer. Let this show lift your spirits – perfect for the young theatre-goer or anyone who loves big and colourful energetic displays.

Mary Poppins – Capitol theatre

Who hasn’t seen Mary Poppins as a child? Who hasn’t uttered the word, ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’? There wouldn’t be many. This is the multi-generation childhood classic which has made its way from book, to the big screen and now, to the stage. Sit back and enjoy the dance scenes, spectacular sets, ‘lift offs’ and the overall imaginative magical world of Mary Poppins.

Jersey Boys – Theatre Royal

There’s a reason this musical is so popular. It’s brilliant. On paper, the story of four blue-collar kids becoming a hit doesn’t sound like too much of a show-stopper. But it certainly is.  These boys are a sensation in storyline and on the stage. Go along and watch the rise of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi – the four seasons – who sold 175 million records before the age of 30. You won’t be able to help yourself singing along to their big hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. It’s a foot tapping spectacular!

Strange Bedfellows – The New Musical – Princess theatre

It hasn’t quite yet rolled into town but come October, Strange Bedfellows – The New Musical, based on the hit movie with Paul Hogan and Michael Caton, will be on stage! The flick, which also won Best Film at the Toronto World of Comedy film festival, had no trace of singing. But that’s about to change. This is a production set to take Australia, and the world, by storm. Think footsteps of The Boy From Oz, Shout and Priscilla. If you’ve ever been impressed by well-known composer John Foreman (known for his work on Australian Idol) you’ll love his original score for this musical.

Of course, any busy theatre-goer needs a place to rest their head after an evening of entertainment. Make a weekend of it and treat yourself to a Sydney musical trip. The beauty of Sydney’s theatres is that they’re all within a stone’s throw of each other. If you base yourself in the city, any location is a cab ride or short walk away. There’s always the CBD but also check out the surrounding suburbs. For something a little different, think Glebe, Paddington, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills hotel options. Surry Hills accommodation, for example, takes you one step out of the business sector and into the café culture and boutique shopping strip heart of Sydney.