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

Regular 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

Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating 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 for those that are hungry but if you’re just looking to experience the garden itself, that’s fine too.
Nerine Cummins - in the last week

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3 Star Rating Entry fee was $4 less with a reservation at the restaurant, so good value. The gardens are very good and not crowded so well worth a visit. But the restaurant is very average, so over priced for the service. The food was great, hence 3 stars. But the service was slow, and impersonal. Better value and treatment at other inner city tourist locations. Entrees were served with main meals, why? The banquet was average. But the special (signature) Chinese new year cocktails were not available, run out. The only chicken main was not available either and was told it’s been like that for a while. At least honest. That said there is only one non- seafood option. Friendly staff but seemed not that interested. Was expecting more.
John McLoughlin - a week ago

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4 Star Rating Located next to Hay Market and Darling Harbour, the Chinese Gardens of Friendship is a wonderful place to explore the style of Chinese Gardens, architecture and some history and artifacts. There is a restaurant inside and during festivals and events such as Chinese New Year, there are activities such as horoscope readings that can be booked. There is a variety of sculptures, buildings, landscaping, fish and fauna, including bonsai trees. There is an entrance fee that helps fund the maintenance of the gardens. You can easily spend several hours walking around the gardens.
Soniqbuoy - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Wow! These gardens are so beautiful! Right near Darling Harbour! You pay a small entry fee and then you are free to wander the spectacular gardens! Absolutely stunning and so tranquil. You can spend hours just enjoying the space and sounds surrounding you. Watch out for the huge fish swimming by. There are also several lizards of all sizes if you look carefully enough. There is a bonsai garden and a restaurant. Parts were wheelchair friendly but best to park your pram if possible.
Sandi Grace - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Wonderful garden with ponds, man-made waterfall and some pavilions. Mixed with all elements created great feelings to stay hours. Like an oasis in the middle of concrete jungle. There is a restaurant for visitors, toilets clean and fee about $12 for adults.
Marko Smith - 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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