Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
About
Escape from the hustle and bustle to a serene, secluded garden—Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. The walled Chinese Garden respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden in its waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways...once you’ve discovered this secret garden, you’ll never want to leave! Opening hours 10am – 5pm - Last entry to the Garden 15 minutes prior to closing. The Garden is closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Town Hall • 6 min walk
- Museum • 8 min walk
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- jul1407Munich, Germany3,820 contributionsA quiet place in the middle of this huge city.A great garden where you can find a quiet place in the middle of the city. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with a large lake, small waterfalls and a Chinese restaurant. I thought the price was justified for what was offered.Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled that you enjoyed the Chines Garden as a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Our beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with a large lake, small waterfalls, and a restaurant, aim to provide a serene escape for all our visitors. We're glad you found the pricing justified for the experience. We hope to see you again soon at our tranquil oasis!Written 5 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 April 2024
- Sara G.Saint Louis, Missouri965 contributionsCalming & RelaxingThe Chinese Garden of Friendship feels like a serene oasis miles away from the city but it is right in the center. Spread over a generous area, this garden is ideal for meandering at a slow pace, so give yourself plenty of time to take it all in. Meandering pathways lead you through lush greenery, koi-filled ponds, and meticulously crafted pavilions. One of the unique aspects of this garden is its thriving population of Water Dragons! These little lizards can be spotted sunbathing on rocks or peeking out from behind foliage, adding a scare tactic for some of us. The garden’s waterfalls are also worth pausing for — they add a soothing soundtrack and are so relaxing. A visit to the garden wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the tea house. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a cup of tea and a snack.Thank you for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the serene oasis that is the Chinese Garden of Friendship. It’s great to know you appreciated the tranquil pathways, koi-filled ponds, and the beautiful pavilions. The Water Dragons are definitely a unique touch – we're glad you had fun spotting them! And we’re happy to hear the waterfalls and the tea house were highlights of your visit. We hope to welcome you back soon for another relaxing experience. Thank you again for your kind words!Written 28 November 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 November 2024
- jane cLondon, United Kingdom2 contributionsA peaceful oasisAn absolute oasis. My 11 year old son and I absolutely loved this place. Great value for money and very peaceful. We spent an hour there which is all you need unless staying to eat in their restaurant.Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so happy to hear that you and your son had a great time at the Garden. It’s lovely to know you found it peaceful and good value for money. We hope to welcome you both back soonWritten 28 November 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 November 2024
- cumbriaco85 contributionsTake the guided tour.The garden doesn't open until 10am. Having been in other parks and gardens here for free I was slightly surprised at the $12/adult charge, but paid up. There was a free 30 minute guided tour starting at 10.30. If you are into plants, garden design, the cultural meanings and explanation of the layout, history etc. I thoroughly recommend finding out when the free tours are taking place and go on one. We got far more out of the experience than we would had we not done it. Fantastic Koi and reptilian residents too ! Thank you Eamon.Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the guided tour – it’s wonderful to know you found it informative and enriching. We’re also happy to hear you appreciated the Koi and Eastern Water Dragons! They’re always a big hit with visitors. Thanks again, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another visit. A special thanks to Eamon for helping make your experience memorable!Written 28 November 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2024
- Åsa RSydney, Australia20 contributionsWorth the visitA really nice and peaceful place to visit! Lots of nice places to take pictures and food alternatives in the cafe. The pond is filled with fish and you will also see a lot of iguanas timing aroundThank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Garden. It’s great to know you found plenty of beautiful spots for photos and enjoyed the food options at the café. The fish-filled ponds and the iguanas are always a highlight for visitors! We hope to welcome you back soon for another peaceful and picturesque experience.Written 28 November 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 18 November 2024
- IMLady_MarionUnited States130 contributionsDelightful GardenWhile strolling through Darling Harbor one morning, I happened on this Garden. Tickets were available onsite, so I decided to explore. A map was helpful with suggestions, and excellent signage throughout the Garden provided commentary and context. The pathway passed by koi ponds, waterfalls, pavilions, and many opportunities to sit in meditative spaces. This is a delightful Garden in the middle of a busy city.Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad you stumbled upon the Garden and took the time to explore :). It’s wonderful to hear that the map and signage added to your visit, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the serene spots along the way. We hope to welcome you back for another peaceful stroll soon!Written 7 February 2025This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 January 2025
- Shalom A20 contributions52 out of 20!My nine-year-old son and I visited the garden during the Chinese New Year. My son rated it 52 out of 20, and I rated it 6 out of 5. We had a beautiful time in this serene environment, and almost forgot we were in the city but for the tall buildings peeping over the perimeter. As part of the New Year period, various zodiac animals were strategically placed around the gardens with a ‘treasure’ map. They were so well hidden that it was a true pleasure to spot them! And the real life critters—koi fish and a surprising number of friendly lizards—kept us entertained. Highly recommend.Wow! A 52 out of 20 and 6 out of 5 —now that’s an incredible rating! We're so thrilled to hear that you and your son had such a wonderful time exploring the Garden during the Chinese New Year and we're glad the koi fish and friendly Eastern Water Dragons added to the fun! Thank you for your kind words and recommendation—we hope to welcome you both back soon for another memorable visit!Written 7 February 2025This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2025Travelled with familyWritten 1 February 2025
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4.5
3,120 reviews
Excellent
2,043
Very good
828
Average
193
Poor
42
Terrible
14
corinne64d
Croydon, Australia49 contributions
Mar 2023
Georgeos Gardens which are carefully designed with the Yin-Yang principles in mind. There are many examples of balancing opposites. Love the exploring of the different temples, Lotuspond with the many Water dragons and Koi. There are so many hidden little places to explore. Make sure not to miss the cute little Buddha and the scattered Zodiac Signs throughout the Garden.
Highly recommend it, I will definitely visit it again earlier in the day to be able to enjoy tea in the authentic Teahouse overlooking the Lotuspond. Entrance Fee well worth it, and really not expensive.
Highly recommend it, I will definitely visit it again earlier in the day to be able to enjoy tea in the authentic Teahouse overlooking the Lotuspond. Entrance Fee well worth it, and really not expensive.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, Corinne, for your wonderful comments and giving us a 5* ranking!!!! That's so lovely knowing that our visitors like visiting the Chinese Garden and find it so special. Hope we can welcome you back very soon.
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deb E
Mooloolaba, Australia52 contributions
June 2022
A beautiful haven of quiet in the centre of the city. Waterfalls, pavilions, koi ponds and wandering paths provide myriad options for peaceful reflection. Daily fish feeding occurs at 11:30am and guided tours are available at midday.
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW, thank you so very much for such lovely feedback and for giving us 5 stars - it really means a lot to us. We are also super thrilled that you enjoyed the Garden's peaceful landscape. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Stay safe and best regards from us all
Written 16 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gong k
3 contributions
Feb 2023
We had time to kill before our rooms were ready, so we walked over not expecting much. It was a pleasant surpise to see how nice this garden was. We liked it more than similar gardens in Seattle, Portland, San Marino (Huntington Gardens), Hamilton NZ,
The odd touch were the big lizards (iguana?) and ibis that roamed around like they owned the place.
I wouldn't call if peaceful due to the amount of street noise and the high rise buildings surrounding the garden.
But I would go back there again.
The odd touch were the big lizards (iguana?) and ibis that roamed around like they owned the place.
I wouldn't call if peaceful due to the amount of street noise and the high rise buildings surrounding the garden.
But I would go back there again.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We hope that you enjoyed your time in Sydney and are honored that you have chosen to visit the Garden while you waited for your rooms. So glad to hear that you would come back for another visit, hope to see you soon.
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julia
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
Feb 2022
Last night I went to Nature Illuminated in the Chinesse Gardens. We bought VIP tickets which was really not worth the extra cost. When we arrived the Standard Line was very long so we were excited to see that there was a VIP entrance with no queue. However we were kept waiting because the "Bar" where we got our 'compilmentary' cocktail that came with the VIP package was busy so we stood waiting while we watched the whole Standard Queue enter! There was supposed to be 4 cocktails to choose from however they only had 2 on offer. The 'cocktail' was served in a half full paper cup and tasted like methylated spirits. I took one sip and handed it back.
The gardens were beautiful however the whole upper section was roped off so it was very packed in the lower section.
The gardens are worth seeing but DO NOT pay for a VIP ticket as it felt anything but VIP.
The gardens were beautiful however the whole upper section was roped off so it was very packed in the lower section.
The gardens are worth seeing but DO NOT pay for a VIP ticket as it felt anything but VIP.
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Trip16244811266
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback.
We understand your frustration regarding the back half of the Garden. Unfortunately we close the back half in the evenings as we are committed to ensuring the safety of all our visitors. If you would like to view the entire Garden, we encourage you to revisit us in the day time, when admission is an affordable $8. We are open daily 10am-5pm.
Regarding your experience with the queue and the cocktail we will be sure to pass on your feedback to the folks over at Nature Illuminated.
All the best,
Written 1 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael H
Surfers Paradise, Australia20 contributions
Nov 2019
A Chinese style garden really worth visiting in the heart of Sydney in walking distance from Darling Harbour. It incorporates pagodas, waterfalls and streams, and other Chinese-style buildings with great traditional planting. The attention to detail and the lay-out of the garden is amazing and creates an air of serenity that is so peaceful. Well worth a visit allowing 60-90 minutes to soak in the atmosphere.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much, Michael, for your lovely feedback and giving us top ranking. Your reccomendation is much appreciated as well! Hope to see you again soon. Kind regards
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarox210
Townsville, Australia369 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
You could spend hours here. I went with my mum and sister and we LOVED it. My children would have loved it even more. So many different little spacious and such a gorgeous change in the middle of the city. Plenty of architecture and nature. There are koi fish in the ponds and dragon lizards all over the place that are obviously accustomed to tourists as they stay right up close to you. There is an app or a map with a game to find each of the 12 Chinese New Year animals hidden throughout the park and there’s also a restaurant and tea room.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
That's so lovely knowing that our visitors love visiting the Chinese Garden and find it so special. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, reccomendation and 5* ranking!!!! Hope we can welcome you back with your children very soon. Best wishes and kind regards
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happy Traveler
5 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Well worth a visit whilst in Sydney! We visited just after opening on a Sunday & had the garden to ourselves for a few minutes. The guided tour was excellent & our lovely guide explained so much about the cultural & symbolic significance of how the garden design was arrived at. Two hours spent here is time well spent!
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Dasmachichdoch,
Thank you for your fantastic review. We hope that you enjoyed your time in Sydney and are honored that you chose to visit the Garden. We hope that it gave you a chance to slow down while exploring this fast paced city. So glad to hear that you found value in the tours. We really love to share the stories of the Garden with our visitors. Come back any time!!!
Written 28 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,240 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Wonderful oasis in Sydney. We stumbled on this venue while wandering back to our hotel. It really is a lovely garden with waterfalls, flowers, rock formations. There Are wonderful large lily ponds with large flowers- quite breathtaking. The lizards were sitting on rocks and absorbing the warmth.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your glowing feedback! We're thrilled that you stumbled upon the Chinese Garden oasis and had such a delightful experience. It warms our hearts to hear that you found our Garden to be lovely, with its waterfalls, flowers, and rock formations. The large lily ponds and their breathtaking flowers are indeed a sight to behold. It sounds like you had a magical encounter with the Eastern Water Dragons basking in the warmth of the rocks. Your kind words inspire us to continue creating a peaceful and beautiful sanctuary for all our visitors to enjoy. We hope to welcome you back for another wonderful experience soon!
Written 23 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken H
Ipswich, UK1,074 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
What an amazing place right in the heart of Sydney. Well worth the $12ea to get in. Well laid out paths leading you through a wide range of planted area's, Chinese buildings and water features. Huge number of large Koi in the pools and gecko's sunning themselves on the rocks. Lots of places to sit and chill. Highly recommended.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so very much for your lovely feedback! We are delighted that you found the Chinese Garden to be amazing and affordable. We are glad that our Koi fish and our semi-aquatic Eastern Water Dragons made you feel welcome, they absolutely love the Garden peaceful environment. Look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best Wishes
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JLotsos
Perth, Australia428 contributions
Jan 2023
These gardens are not very big but big enough to walk around for an hour or two. It is well set out and worth visiting. We didn't go to the restaurant but would love to next time as they looked lovely. We feed the fish and loved our walk around the gardens. It does cost to get in but not too much.
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks JLotsos,
Your wonderful review is great to read. We love to here that people make the most of their time in the Garden by helping feed the fish and immersing themselves in the tranquility. Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a flattering review come back anytime.
Written 8 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'm just curious are you strictly only able to buy tickets online or can you buy them at the gate too? just have been a bit confused as it isn't very specific
Written 31 January 2023
You can buy tickets at the door.
Written 20 November 2023
We’re planning on visiting gardens as we travel north from Melbourne next Spring. In which month is the garden’s display likely to be at its best?
Written 8 November 2019
Hi Susan B,
Thanks for getting in touch!
We believe Spring time is quite beautiful - so that would be September, October and November. In saying so, Summer during January and February is also quite lovely, with water lilies, frangipanis and lotuses in season.
Kind regards,
Front of House Team
Written 8 November 2019
How long does it take on average to visit to see everything?
Written 13 October 2018
I think an hour would be enough
Written 13 November 2018
The entry area and courtyard, cafe area is accessible by wheelchair. Beyond this area there are steps, stepping stones and small hilly sections. The back section is visible from the entry so you could view all the areas, but access only the front section.
Written 4 July 2018
Can you bring your own food in and eat lunch in the gardens?
Written 18 February 2018
I do not think they allow that, but not sure. There is a little spot with tables and chairs, so perhaps they do allow bringing in food, but did not see anyone eating anything there. No places to eat in the gardens themselves, as only a few concrete benches scattered throughout the gardens. There are many restaurants nearby and a huge lawn area outside the gardens.
Written 6 March 2018
hi guys just wondering if there is parking local to the gardens and is it expensive? many thanks
Written 16 December 2016
There are a few parking stations nearby that aren't very expensive.
Written 18 December 2016
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