It’s Sydney’s beaches and beautiful harbour that get most of the attention, but there are plenty of other public spaces that make up the urban landscape of our stunning city. And surprise surprise, keeping it looking fresh takes a lot of planning and meticulous work. Our city’s complex cityscape and lush landscapes make it one of the most unique cities in the world, and last night, the people helping to bring it to life were applauded at the annual NSW Landscape Architecture Awards.
In celebration of all things urban design, the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards were held on Thursday, June 26 in a ceremony at the State Library of New South Wales. The big winners of the night took home awards that celebrated innovative design when it comes to public spaces.
Amongst the winners was Parramatta Square which took home the Award of Excellence for Civic Landscape. The Parramatta Light Rail (Stage 1) was given the Infrastructure Award of Excellence. The public space around the first building at Sydney's new CBD Bradfield City was also honoured in the awards, and based on the green-space-focused plans we've seen, we have a feeling Bradfield City will be in line for a few more awards as it comes to life over the next few years.
The Barangaroo Station Park (the harbourside garden just outside of the metro station) won the Landscape Architecture Award, with the jury giving Pyrmont-based firm Arcadia huge kudos for their impactful design and “consultation with First Nations Knowledge Holders and archaeologists”, citing how the design “incorporates interpretive elements and native planting to tell layered stories of Gadigal Country and early colonial heritage.”
If you’ve ever hopped on or off at the popular metro station you'd be aware of just how special it is – with a huge new pavilion on the water’s edge now adding to the area’s wow-factor.
Wimbo Park – a corner of fresh air amid the bustle of Surry Hills – was given the Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space. Bordered by Bourke Street (and just steps away from one of the city’s best bakeries, Bourke Street Bakery) Wimbo Park is an urban oasis home to meandering paths and a ground-level trampoline for kids to enjoy.
You can check out the full list of winners – which includes a number of projects in progress – over here.
Congratulations to all of the winners, and a reminder to everyone to stop and smell the roses as you're making your way around the city.
Not sure where to start? These are the best public gardens in Sydney, and these are our city’s best parks.
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