Sydney has been transformed. The north-west corner of the city was locked away as a disused container yard for decades, but has been reinvented as an imaginative, carefully considered, native garden for all to enjoy.

The reserve connects the CBD with the harbour, and provides new perspectives. Strolling through Barangaroo Reserve reveals new panoramas of East Balmain, Mort Bay and Goat Island, leafy, historic areas of Sydney that add to the reserve's sense of place.

Barangaroo Reserve is 6 hectares, and contains a recreated headland, small coves, and a rugged sandstone foreshore. It has been planted with native species, angophoras, banksias, and Port Jackson and Moreton Bay fig trees.

The foreshore has been constructed with massive, sandstone blocks. A total of 10,000 blocks were used in construction of the reserve, along the shore, lining walkways, and amongst the terraced gardens. The blocks were excavated from the site - and are an affectionate tribute to Sydney’s famous stone.

The reserve is also home to Sydney’s most spectacular and ambitious new cultural space - The Cutaway. The cavernous space can accommodate 5,500 people, and blends architecture with the environment. One wall is a vast sandstone panel, and the roof opens to the sky, linking the natural world with the internal space.

At the opening of Barangaroo Reserve, Premier Mike Baird acknowledged Paul Keating's contribution to the reserve. “Obviously, we don’t agree on everything politically, but I have absolute admiration for a man that had a vision here, and to see it realised,” Baird said.

A three-month Barangaroo Welcome Celebration begins on September 6. A range of events is planned for every weekend, including free entertainment, art, culture, talks, and family events.