Exploring The Chinese Garden Of Friendship

The walled Chinese Garden of Friendship respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, a lake, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways.

It’s a place of serenity and calm in the heart and of the city, somewhere special to unwind; to share a pot of Chinese tea and dim sum with friends, or to bring the kids and embark on a search for the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Let’s explore some of the great things on offer.

Highlights Tour

Be introduced to the history, landscape and cultural heritage of the Chinese Garden on a 35-minute guided tour. It’s a great way to begin your exploration of the garden, and learn about Darling Harbour’s hidden pearl.
1 January to 31 December
10.30am, 2.30pm daily (1 Oct – 31 Mar)
12 noon daily (1 Apr – 30 Sep)
Free with garden entry

Daily Fish Feeding

There’s daily fish feeding all year round, allowing you the chance to see the stunning koi fish up close. Help the team attract the fish by clapping loudly, then share in the experience of feeding these colourful ‘living jewels’.
1 January to 31 December
11.30am – 11.40am daily
Free with garden entry

Traditional Chinese Dress-Up In The Garden

Dress up in traditional Chinese costumes and take your own photographs in the garden. Fun for all ages.
1 January to 31 December
11am – 5pm
$10 adult
$5 child

Seasonal Features Tour

Every plant tells a unique story. Changing every season, this tour takes a look at how and why particular seasonal plants and trees have been planted to create this spectacular garden. Autumn features include Camellia, Osmanthus, Ginko tree, Buddhist pine, Manchurian pear, Dawn Redwood and Liquid Amber.
1 January to 31 December
11.45am daily (1 Oct – 31 Mar)
2pm daily (1 Apr – 30 Sep)
Free with garden entry
The Emperor’s Quest

The 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar are hidden in the Chinese Garden. Each one has its own character and a whole treasure chest of legends—and one of the animals is you.

The Emperor’s Quest app, available from the App Store and Google Play, will take you on a fascinating journey into the ancient world of the Chinese zodiac, known as ‘Sheng Xiao’ or ‘birth sign’. Use your special Emperor’s Quest map and viewfinder to follow the winding pathways of the Chinese Garden and seek out all the hidden legends. Once you’ve found all 12 sculptures, the app will reveal a secret surprise. So make sure you complete the quest to discover what it is.

Springtime Flower Pots

This spring, children can make paper flowers and explore the significance of colour in Chinese culture—all against the backdrop of the blossoming garden. At this drop-in activity they’ll cut, colour and shape pots of spring blooms to take home. Suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
26 Sep – 7 Oct
Monday to Friday only (excluding Monday 3 Oct)
1am – 1pm (drop-in workshop)
Free with garden entry

DETAILS

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Darling Harbour
9.30am – 5pm (April – September)
9.30am – 5.30pm (October – March)
$6 adult, $3 child, $15 family (two adults and two children), $3 concession

Chinese Garden Teahouse

10am – 4pm (April – September)
10am – 4.30pm (October – March)

Find out more
Getting to Darling Harbour