Chinese Garden of Friendship

I was very impressed with this garden. They have done a really good job of creating it. Beautiful is one word I can use to describe it. Peaceful is another. To look down on it all from the highest spot and to look across the pond at all is very calming. How could one ever not feel happy and at peace while in here… but we did come on a brilliant sunny day. Would it be any different on a rainy day? Except wet. The cost to get in is worth it, there is a tearoom should you wish to have some refreshment, and once you have paid the entry you could exit and enter as much as you wish throughout the day. And it’s just a stones throw from Chinatown if you feel like some nosh once you finished relaxing in here. Well worth taking the time out to visit.

I hadn’t been to the Chinese Gardens in years (at least a decade??) and my husband who has lived all of his life in Sydney hadn’t never visited at all. We decided to take advantage of the afternoon tea special, with a pot of tea and either scones or dim sum, in addition to entry (for a total price of around $ 13).
Firstly though, we had a wander around the gardens. It was much as I remembered, a peaceful oasis on the edge of the city. Inside, it certainly feels bigger than it really is, helped by the winding paths and different elevations. Despite being a hot and sunny day, there was plenty of shade to keep us quite cool. My favourite spot was up next to the waterfall, where the noise from the cascading water blocked out the sounds of the city. Although, the tall construction towers from the convention centre impose more than the old building.
The tea selection was diverse and both of us enjoyed our pot. The dim sum were not the best that I’ve had, but still good for the price. I’d probably choose the scones over them next time. They also hire Chinese costumes (for a measly $ 10 extra, $ 5 for children), which would be fun to do another time if we had more time.

Cute place, beautiful garden! The people are very nice and it’s a great venue for wedding (saw one there it looked stunning!!) only sad thing is the close proximity to the city, and how much you can hear the traffic.

Beautiful gardens to walk around to escape to husstle and busstle of sydney.
I didnt mind paying the small entrance fee to nosy around. On this day i visited there were workshops for children making chinese lanterns … i wish i could have had a wee shot.
Well worth a visit when in the area.

Such a great, peaceful place right in the middle of the city. For $ 6, it’s totally worth a visit and somewhere I bring anyone who comes to visit Sydney. The gardens are beautiful, well looked after and it’s a bit surreal to see the buildings in the background. You can get some great pictures. I’ve never really spent more than half an hour here though — beautiful, but not really somewhere you need a great deal of time to see

I’d say the gardens are a nice surprise to the chaotic city. The water, trees and gardens are all very nice. However I can’t fully say that you feel like you are ‘away’ from the hustle and bustle of the city, and for that I give it 4 out of 5. Worth seeing though.
Oooh — don’t forget the mosquito repellent.

Cool name ain’t it. But unfortunately it wasn’t a big garden.
Located near to Darling Quarter (you can park here) is this garden. Entrance fee is only $ 6 for an adult (price subject to changes) which was a real deal.
It has some nice corners for picture taking and a place where you can rent the traditional clothing for $ 10. There is a few up and down pathways which you might need to keep noticing on where you are stepping. I like the ambience of this place and the waterfall as well.
Unfortunately, some of the ponds were pretty cloudy that you can hardly notice the Kois in them. I was fortunate enough to see a mother duck together with its ducklings paddling on the water.
Most of the area are open areas and it is definitely not a good place if it rains. So do check the weather before coming here. It is also walkable distance away from Sydney’s «Chinatown».

Lovely place to walk off yum cha. It was a cool, overcast day but not raining at the time, so actually great weather for wandering. During school holidays it is crowded but not so bad that you can’t find pockets of peace. Lots of Koi carp, lizards, ducks and we saw a tortoise (or turtle) in the lake.
A family ticket is $ 15 for 2 adults and 2 kids. I had 2 kids with me but 1 was over 12 so I had to pay for 2 adults and 1 kid which worked out the same price.
There were free school holiday activities for younger kids and you can hire traditional costumes and wander around in them.
I’ve been there at quieter times and on the weekend there isn’t so much traffic noise from the surrounding streets but whenever you go, it is a lovely pocket of tranquility in a busy city.

Very peaceful place and lots of lizards everywhere. Plenty of places for great pics. Its really relaxing and there are quite a few places to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Admission is 6 dollars and well worth it.