Chinese Garden of Friendship
Precinct

Chinese Garden of Friendship



Getting Here
Nestled at the southern end of Darling Harbour the Garden is easily accessible by train, ferry, bus, and light rail. Secure parking is also conveniently located within ICC Sydney.
Address
Pier Street
Cnr Harbour Street
Darling Harbour

Get directions

Opening Hours
Daily
10am - 5pm
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Map, showing Chinese Garden of Friendship

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a tranquil retreat in the middle of the city, and one of the best things to do in Sydney.

Welcome to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, an enchanting oasis nestled in the heart of Darling Harbour. Discover this hidden gem of tranquility located in between Darling Square and Darling Quarter, and the harmonious fusion of traditional Chinese landscape design and vibrant spirit of Sydney.

Step into a world where nature and culture intertwine effortlessly. The Chinese Garden of Friendship offers a serene escape from the bustling city, where you can wander along meandering pathways adorned with intricate pavilions, peaceful ponds, and lush flora. Each step reveals a new vista, a new moment of awe-inspiring beauty.

Built to symbolise the friendship between Sydney, New South Wales and the city of Guangzhou in the province of Guangdong, China, and inspired by the philosophy of Feng Shui, the garden is meticulously designed to balance the elements of water, plants, stone, and architecture, creating a space that exudes peace and balance.

Find respite under the shade of willow trees, let the melodies of gently flowing water transport you, and admire the artistry of delicate Chinese sculptures that dot the landscape.

Whether you're seeking a moment of serenity, a touch of cultural immersion, or a picturesque backdrop for your photography, the Chinese Garden of Friendship offers a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

In the middle of a garden sanctuary you will find One Dining. In the old tea house try delicious dumpling, pork buns and more. And if you aren’t peckish in the slightest then you can sit for a spot of Chinese tea, choose from all the greats, jasmine, China lychee and green Chai.

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)

*Children under the age of 5 can enter the Garden for free

Adult, Child and Family tickets can be pre-purchased online. If you wish to purchase concession tickets, please present your proof of concession to the team and purchase in venue.

Friends of the Garden Annual Membership
$39 Concession/Student/Local Resident  (2000, 2007 and 2009 postcodes)
$58 Individual
$118 Family (two adults and three children)

View the Conditions of Entry 
 

 

 

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.

Facilities
The Chinese Garden has a fully upgraded accessible toilet and baby change facilities onsite.

Enrich your students’ cultural knowledge with a visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Sydney Learning Adventures Education Tours
Self guided visits

Thinking of visiting the Garden as a group and discover what the Chinese Garden has to offer? The Chinese Garden of Friendship is one of Sydney’s most popular destination for gardening groups, heritage clubs, specialty tours and other outings.

Download the Group Booking Form

The Chinese Garden of Friendship advisory committee was formed in August 2017 to provide independent advice on the long-term planning and strategic management of Garden, helping to inform a 10-year plan for the site.

The new committee brings a wealth of diverse experience across business, arts and Chinese culture and aims to support Government with the holistic management of the Garden by ensuring there is representation from a range of relevant disciplines and communities. 

Following an Expression of Interest process, the following members were appointed to the committee:

Mr Simon Chan
Director of Art Atrium and President of Haymarket Chamber of Commerce

Ms Oi Choong
Specialist landscape architect and consultant

Dr John Yu
1996 Australian of the Year for his vision to create a best practice paediatric hospital that integrate art, design and high-quality medical care for the benefit of young people and current Chair of Museum of Chinese in Australia.

Mr Julian Siu
Associate at GML Heritage

Ms Karen Soo
Executive officer, Haymarket Chamber of Commerce

Self Guided

Chinese Garden Map

Guide yourself through the Chinese Garden of Frienship with our downloadable map.
Download
What's On

Discover what's on at the Chinese Garden of Friendship

SUN 17 NOV
Micro Penjing Garden Workshop
Journey into the world of tiny trees, meticulous landscapes, and the profound philosophy behind this traditional Chinese art form.
Read more
Select Sundays
Sunday Sounds
Experience a harmonious blend of nature and melody in the Chinese Garden of Friendship - with tranquil tunes curated by Dr Nicolas Ng. 
FIND OUT MORE
Daily
Daily Guided Tours

Learn about the history, landscape and cultural heritage of the Chinese Garden.

Find out more
Tuesdays 12pm
Movement & Meditation Classes

Take time out of your Tuesday to relieve stress, shift energy and find focus during your lunch break.

Find Out More
DAILY
The Emperor's Quest

Can you find the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar that are hidden in the Garden? This free activity will expand your knowledge of the Chinese zodiac while exploring the magical garden paths. 

Find out more
11.30am daily
Fish Feeding

Feed the magnificent koi as they rush through the waters of the Chinese Garden of Friendship to get their lunch. Experience this free activity daily at 11:30am. 

Find out more

Meandering Pathway of Tranquility

Explore the brand new Meandering Pathway of Tranquility, a tranquil escape that weaves its way through the existing garden, connecting you with a repurposed area offering even more space for public enjoyment.

One Dining

Located inside the famous Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour, One Dining is an exciting Chinese 'Teahouse' style dining and events space.

Savor the rich flavors of Chinese culture at One Dining. Their menu features traditional dishes with a modern twist, alongside an impressive wine list and artisinal teas. One Dining is perfect for any occasion. Their tranquil atmosphere and sophisticated menu make it ideal for a casual lunch, indulgent high tea, or a memorable event.

See details

Friends of the Garden annual memberships

If you love the Garden, make visiting this tranquil haven a part of your regular routine. Become a friend of the Garden to unlock unlimited visits for a year, exclusive events, free parking, dining discounts and more! Or even reward your staff and build culture with our Jade or Gold corporate membership packages. Who doesn’t love a discount?

Weddings, Functions, Filming and Photography at The Garden

The natural beauty, architecture and elegance of the Chinese Garden of Friendship at Darling Harbour can provide a unique backdrop for any filming or photography project. Sheltered pavilions, graceful bridges, reflective pools and enchanting landscapes create the perfect setting for wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, cultural activations and many other events in the heart of the city.

History Of The Garden

Opened on 17 Jan 1988 for the Bicentenary, the Chinese Garden of Friendship was modelled after ancient private gardens in China from the 5th century. Discover the rich history behind the masterpiece of traditional Chinese culture infused with Australian characteristics. 

Share your experience

Whether it was the koi ponds or peaceful pavilions that made your visit memorable, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a review over on Tripadvisor to help others discover the tranquil beauty of the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
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