Chinese Garden of Friendship
The basics
Conceived by Sydney’s Chinese community, the Chinese Garden of Friendship mimics a classical Ming dynasty garden. Visitors buy admission tickets to stroll independently or take guided tours around the walled 3-acre (1-hectare) grounds, which reveal a series of singular scenes in turn. Follow the paths to waterfalls and serene pools; watch the Koi carp being fed in the still waters; and admire ornamental pavilions, lotus plants, weeping willows, and rockeries. Visitors can also purchase tea, dim sum, and drinks at the garden’s Teahouse.
Prebook your ticket to secure admission and save valuable time during your stay in Sydney. Your ticket lets you wander at leisure, watch the daily morning Koi feeding, and join in-house guided tours for an in-depth understanding of the garden’s highlights, plants, or rockeries. Sydney hop-on hop-off buses stop near the garden entrance.
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Things to know before you go
- The Lower Walk at the garden is wheelchair-accessible, but other areas are not.
- Wear comfy shoes; some pathways are cobbled or stepped.
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a souvenir shop, and the Teahouse restaurant.
How to get there
The Chinese Garden stands on Sydney’s Pier Street, just south of Darling Harbour, and is comfortably reached by foot and public transit. The nearest metro station is Town Hall, about six minutes’ walk away; while the closest bus stops are Town Hall House and Harris Street at Macarthur Street. The easiest driving route from Circular Quay is via Elizabeth Street and Goulburn Street, with several payable parking lots near the garden.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The garden is usually open daily, although it’s closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Opening times are extended during summer when visitors can enjoy the garden in full bloom. While the garden is rarely crowded, it’s especially popular during weekends and school holidays—visit during weekdays or near the opening time to explore the garden at its quietest.
Wildlife at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship isn’t just about flora, architecture, and landscapes—it’s also rich in wildlife. Aside from admiring the magnificent Koi carp in its pools, keep an eye out for other creatures, including turtles, lizards, birds, and bearded dragons basking on the rockeries.
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