Chinese Garden of Friendship

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a beautiful oasis within the city

Architectural features accentuate the natural surroundings in Chinese Garden of Friendship
Architectural features accentuate the natural surroundings in Chinese Garden of Friendship cc licensed photo by David Swhartz

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: Yes

Chinese 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 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I haven't been here for years and coming again recently was so lovely. Really cheap to get in and you could easily spend hours here reading or studying, it's so calming. Even on an overcast day, it was so beautiful. Walking through and stopping for plenty of photos took about an hour or so, and it's walking distance to lots of eateries on the harbour. The cherry blossoms were lovely and so many little water dragons, and even a kookaburra. Highly recommend if you're in the area.
Crystal Russom - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely fantastic! I cannot believe there is such a beautiful and peaceful garden in central Sydney! The ticket was not expensive, and I spent a few hours in the garden just chilling. There are so many details of Chinese culture, and I can tell they spend lots of effort designing and maintaining the garden. There is also a tea house in the garden, and you must come here, sit down, and drink some tea with the amazing view.
hehe - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Located at Pier Street, Cnr Harbour Street, Darling Harbour, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺 (Between Darling Square and Darling Quarter). Would very highly recommend visiting this absolutely beautiful place. Definitely worth a visit. Very peaceful and beautiful. There are many steps so it’s absolutely NOT wheelchair friendly and would also not be easy for people with mobility issues but for the able bodied people, they would definitely find it a serene experience. There’s a Chinese restaurant (One Dining) for those that are hungry but if you’re just looking to experience the garden itself, that’s fine too. There are guided tours twice daily but you must book and places are limited. Cost $12 Adult $8 Child (under 12*) $30 Family (two adults and three children) Concession/Student: $8 (Australian card holders) Senior: $8 (Australian card holders) Accessibility Pathways and pavilions in the lower garden are accessible for wheelchairs, buggies and prams; however steps and rocky pathways make the upper part of the Garden difficult to access. The closest passenger drop-off point to the garden is on Harbour Street. This is a definite Thumbs up from me! 👍👍👍👍
Nerine Cummins - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Visiting the Chinese Garden of Friendship was an unforgettable experience! From the moment you step through the entrance, you're transported to a serene oasis that feels worlds away from the bustling city outside. The meticulously designed gardens are a testament to the beauty and tranquility of Chinese landscaping traditions. Every corner offers a new visual delight—whether it’s the stunning koi-filled ponds, the intricately carved pavilions, or the lush, well-maintained flora. The peaceful ambiance is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a reflective pause by the water. For anyone seeking a moment of calm and a touch of cultural enrichment, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a must-visit. It’s a gem that beautifully showcases the harmony and elegance of Chinese garden design. Highly recommended!
Timothy Kandilis - a month ago

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5 Star Rating It was beautiful to see this garden within the busy city of Sydney, it’s a light walk, the trees and plants are so very beautiful and vibrant. The bonsai collection was impressive with the oldest tree that was dated 1932. It was a weekend however, it wasn’t too busy. At the end of the garden walk there was a lovely tea house with nice views. The Chinese donut was amazing as it had mochi in the middle. Honestly, I would revisit the garden on my next trip to Sydney.
Nicole Rodrigo - a month ago

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Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Light Rail L1Exhibition2 minutes
T2, T3, or T8Museum Station5 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.

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