Shannon Reserve

I don’t know how anyone can stand to eat lunch at their desk. People talk about how breaks make you 40% more productive, the staggering stats on our nation’s rates of vitamin D deficiency despite being one of the sunniest countries in the world, and really who wants to work when there are breaks to be had! And particularly not when you have places like Shannon Reserve nearby.
Shannon Reserve is prime lunch eating property with plenty of seating, sun (please select from dappled or full), a plethora of takeaway vendors nearby and no ibises! The Veggie Patch Van is usually parked a few metres away on Tuesdays too.
One of my favourite features however is that it’s probably the second best place in Sydney after the airport for people watching. Inner city hipsters, mothers’ groups, office workers on their lunch breaks, immaculately dressed children, Sydney’s homeless, musicians jamming on their guitars, people doing yoga, dogs big and small with their owners big and small… Shannon reserve gets them all!
If the sun never set, this would be where I would park myself all day long with a scoop of Gelato Messina from across the road, a pair of sunnies and a smile on my face.

Your sanctuary to temporarily escape from the city hustle and bustle, if you wish. Who would have thought that such a simple park as this would blend in so nicely into Surry Hills Crown Street territory. Perfect. Popular with families who have little ones, they get to enjoy the Surry Hills vibe too. Perfect locale, right across the road from the library with free WiFi, and must I say from awesome and popular Gelato Messina too. Grab yourself a scoop (or two) of quality ice cream in a cup, and enjoy in a park, as opposed to on the street scape.
A fairly good picnic destination for families and couples too.

Call me a hobo, but I love lounging in public urban parks. There’s nothing better than grabbing some local take-​away and pulling up a patch of grass in perfect position to watch the crowd flow by. Shannon Reserve is positioned on Crown Street adjacent to the popular Clock Hotel.
Although the park’s little moment to shine is on the first Saturday of the month when the Surry Hills Market blows in, it has plenty else to shine about otherwise. And that plenty else is mostly just location. Hell, you can even pop on into the Surry Hills library and grab yourself a fancy read to take with you. And what about a brown bag beverage to pass the afternoon? I won’t condone illegal activity, but I won’t tell if you don’t.

Shannon Reserve is a small sized park in the heart of Surry Hills which is usually dotted with people enjoying the grass areas throughout the day.
This is a great spot to grab some takeaway coffees and food and sit in the sun to eat lunch.
The park is great for families and has a children’s playground, with swings and climbing equipment and a slide.
On the first Saturday of each month, Shannon Reserve hosts the Surry Hills Markets, which feature a collection of new and vintage clothing, accessories and other second-​hand goods as well as some new pieces by up-​and-​coming designers.