Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a beautiful oasis within the city
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was opened in 1988 as part the commemoration of Sydney's bicentennial. Located near Darling Harbour at the northern end of Chinatown, this lovely garden is well worth a visit and the admission fee is very reasonable.
The garden was designed by landscape designers and gardeners from Sydney's sister city of Guangzhou in China. It is modelled after the likes of private gardens common during the Ming Dynasty, but is somewhat smaller than they were. A unique aspect of the design is that there is no point in the garden where you can see all of the garden at one time.
You will be delighted by the beauty of the gardens natural features and settings accented by a variety of architectural backdrops and Chinese sculptures as you stroll along the meandering pathways through the garden. It is this natural beauty that makes the garden very popular for wedding photography. Some of the features to watch for include the Dragon Wall, the Water Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance, and the Twin Pavilion.
The garden also has a Tea House, where you can enjoy a cup of Chinese Tea of some other refreshments. Be sure to bring your camera.
Nearby attractions include: Chinatown, Powerhouse Museum, Capitol Theatre and Darling Harbour.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesChinese Garden of Friendship Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Pier Street, Cnr Harbour St, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9240 8888
Official Website: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship Reviews
Rated out of 5
Absolutely gorgeous gardens. So much to see, I spent hours in there walking around and finding all kinds of hidden little spots to view.
A great place to have a picnic as there are little areas with seating to sit back and enjoy and listen to the sounds.
I can't believe that it is surrounded by the city. It's so peaceful and beautiful.
Karen Dellaway - a week ago
Tranquility in the city. We visited as a family with 2 young kids and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent here which was around an hour or so, but easily could have spent longer. So much to explore. The water dragons and fish were a great surprise for the children. I will be recommending to friends and family.
Charlotte - 2 weeks ago
One of my favourite places I'm Sydney. These gardens are stunning, calming and beautiful thought out. It's amazing that such a beautiful place can be right in the middle of the busy city. That kind of makes it all the more special.
The Chinese gardens of friendship us a must stop if you've not yet been.
I come every time I am in Darling Harbour.
Penelope - a month ago
I finally visited the garden and it was lovely! Small entry fee ($8 for students) and very well kept. Even visting during a cloudy day didn’t detract from its beauty. A lovely calming oasis tucked between the bustling city.
Although it was a small garden (roughly 20 minutes just walking the loops), I took my time and spent over an hour. There are distinct zones with different scenery and I loved the small plaques with information dotted around.
What a lovely symbol of friendship between NSW and Guang Dong province! I highly recommend everyone (including locals) to visit at least once.
The teahouse is also a nice spot to sit and relax with a view of the pond.
I did also see there was signage for a wheelchair accessible path, but I am unsure how accessible it is as many paths from memory are uneven and rocky.
Renie Siu - 2 months ago
Such a nice place for a calm walk in the middle of the city. The landscaping, architecture, and vistas are really stunning. A great place to clear your mind and take a walk in nature. There is an entrance fee of $12.00 AUD and it’s totally worth it!
Akhil Dakinedi - 2 months ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rail L1 | Exhibition | 2 minutes |
| T2, T3, or T8 | Museum Station | 5 minutes |
How to get to Chinese Garden of Friendship by Train
By Light Rail: exit at Exhibition Stop, walk down the ramp on the east side of the station and cross Darling Drive. Continue east through the pedestrian path lined with palm trees until you reach the plaza on the east side of Sydney Theatre. The entrance to Chinese Garden of Friendship is across the plaza from the ICC Sydney Theatre.
By Train: exit at Museum Station and proceed west on Liverpool Street crossing Harbour Street via the elevated pedestrian overpass. Go left at Tumbalong Park and follow the garden wall through the pedestrian plaza until you reach the entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Chinese Garden of Friendship:
Photo Gallery
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A pond reflecting the natural beauty of the Garden cc licensed photo by David Swhartz -
Bonzai plants in the Chinese Garden of Friendship cc licensed photo by craigcullum -
Photo Credit: jjordan64816 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr
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