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As bank branches are retired, Australia finds itself with a surfeit of these solid, unwanted buildings. A few, like this one in Paddington, are finding a new lease of life as hotels.
Mrs Banks, which dates from 1914, retains its art deco façade, but the interior has been transformed into a warm, welcoming space.
Despite a few flashes of design flair, this boutique property is fairly sober and grown-up. Rooms are not especially large but are extremely comfortable and clean.
Paddington is a character-filled suburb, filled with streets of immaculately restored Victorian terrace houses. It’s centrally located for exploring the wider city’s sights, but away from the main city crowds.
It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting a quieter, more atmospheric stay in a popular local neighbourhood.
While Oxford Street, Paddington, is no longer the fashion powerhouse it once was, this part of Sydney retains a certain cache. Away from the main shopping precinct, the visitor will find plenty of charming streets and immaculately restored terrace houses. Many of the old Victorian pubs survive and the weekend markets continue to attract big crowds.
Although there is a constant stream of traffic on Oxford Street, Paddington itself is pretty genteel, with plenty of good cafes, boutiques and eateries – and its own art house cinema.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 miles]
An extraordinary and unique cultural spectacular – Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras parade sees 65,000 glammed-up marchers, 160 outrageous floats and tens of thousands lining the streets.
Best for ages: Any | Free | 2-3 hours
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.9 miles]
The Australian Museum, fresh from a two-year refit, is a dynamic, interactive and multi-faceted learning space for people of all ages and interests.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.1 miles]
Venerable art gallery showcasing fine Australian, Aboriginal and Asian art in a scenic waterside setting, with over 30,000 works on show.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.5 miles]
See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.
Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.5 miles]
Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[3 miles]
Every city has an aquarium these days, but this is a good one, and great for kids with specimens from the Great Barrier Reef.
Best for ages: 4+ | £32
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[3 miles]
This small museum, set in two former police courts and a former police station, was the original legal hub at the time of the settlers. Today it preserves the history of crime and punishment in the city, with exhibits on famous criminals, collections of weapons and restored prison cells.
Best for ages: 6+ | £7
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[3.2 miles]
Anyone interested in Australian history should head to this fascinating museum that showcases and explores Australia’s naval war history, Aboriginal history and its white settler history. Don’t miss the fully-restored, 19th-century tall ship the James Craig.
Best for ages: 8+ | £12
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
New South Wales, Australia
One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.
