Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship is a 1.03-hectare garden on the corner of Pier and Harbour streets in Darling Harbour, Sydney. Its standout feature is a concrete-lined lake with koi ponds, set among 17 pavilions and winding stone paths in a Ming-style design.
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About Chinese Garden of Friendship
Lake, Ponds and Koi at Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship has a concrete-lined lake, a pond and brooks covering about 3,300 square metres. The water is recycled, filtered and UV-treated. Koi swim in the ponds, and a free koi fish feeding takes place every day at 11:30am. The feeding can be cancelled in colder months when the lake water drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Visitors must stay on the stone and paved paths, because the lawns, garden beds and lake are off limits.
Pavilions, Dragon Wall and Penjing at Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship has 17 pavilions built with materials from China and New South Wales, linked by winding paths through the greenery. The Dragon Wall is made of 943 pieces of glazed terracotta from China, showing a blue dragon for New South Wales and a brown dragon for Guangdong. Chinese Garden of Friendship also keeps a penjing collection of 17 miniature landscapes in 13 species, begun in 1992. The pavilions can be hired for extended periods.
Facilities at Chinese Garden of Friendship
Visitor tips for Chinese Garden of Friendship
- ✓Adult, child and family tickets can be bought online before the visit, while concession tickets are bought at the garden with proof of concession.
- ✓Food and drink are allowed but picnics are not, so plan to eat at the cafe or One Dining.
- ✓Children under 16 need an adult with them, and skateboards, scooters, large bags and alcohol are restricted at the entrance.
Getting to Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship is on the corner of Pier Street and Harbour Street, Darling Harbour, with its entrance on Tumbalong Boulevard at the southern end of Darling Harbour. Trains and light rail serve the area, and the Exhibition Centre light rail stop is about 300 m away. The closest passenger drop-off is on Harbour Street. Paid parking is available at ICC Sydney, not in the garden.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Sydney
- 📍The Gardens by Lotus (restaurant, about 50 m)
- 📍Tumbalong Park
- 📍Cockle Bay
- 📍Chinatown and Haymarket
Frequently asked questions about Chinese Garden of Friendship
What are the opening hours of Chinese Garden of Friendship?
It is open daily from 10am to 5pm and stays shut on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Is Chinese Garden of Friendship wheelchair accessible?
The pathways and pavilions in the lower garden are wheelchair, buggy and pram accessible, and the forecourt has an access ramp. The upper garden has steps and rocky paths that are harder to reach.
How much does it cost to visit Chinese Garden of Friendship?
Adult entry is $12 and child entry (under 12) is $8, with children under 5 admitted free. A family ticket for two adults and three children costs $30.
Is there a toilet at Chinese Garden of Friendship?
Yes, there is a fully upgraded accessible toilet on site, and it has baby change facilities.