• Home
• Things to do in Sydney
• Getting around
• How to use this website
• Sitemap

Bypass Activities and Attractions menu

Things to do in Sydney

Arts and culture

• Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Customs House
• Dendy Opera Quays
• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Theatre Company
• The Rocks Discovery Museum
• The Garrison Church

Outdoors

• Royal Botanic Gardens
• North Head Lookout
• The Rocks Self Guided Walking Tour
• Bridge Climb and The Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitor Centre

On the harbour

• Manly Ferry
• Cruise Sydney Harbour
• Fort Denison
• Sydney Fish Market
• Whale Watching

Darling Harbour

• Darling Harbour
• Chinese Gardens of Friendship
• IMAX Theatre
• Australian National Maritime Museum
• Powerhouse Museum

Chinese Gardens of Friendship

The Chinese Gardens of Friendship at Darling Harbour are a peaceful refuge in the heart of Sydney. Designed and built by Chinese landscape architects and gardeners, the gardens are a symbol of the strong bond between Sydney and its sister city in China, Guangzhou in Guangdong Province. The gardens depict the wild aspects of nature with water features and beautiful trees and flowering plants. Follow meandering pathways to really enjoy the tranquility of trickling waterfalls, small ponds and lush plantings.

Don't miss

• A relaxing tea or lunch in the traditional-style teahouse.
• Features such as Dragon Wall, Twin Pavilion and Dragon Rock.
• A 45-minute audio tour is available in English and Mandarin.

Access for all

Download a copy of the garden map which shows the location of the accessible entry as well as garden highlights. An access toilet is not signed on the map but is located with other toilets on the site.

Getting around

Ramp access is provided into the main entrance. Paved pathways then lead to the pavilions and wind amongst the gardens. Pathways are firm and solid although constructed from stone - which can be a little rough in places. While stairs and bridges can make physical access difficult, wheelchair access is available to most of the areas.

Spectacular Dragon Wall
Image: Patty Mazza

Water features
Image: Patty Mazza

An accessible toilet is provided in the gardens, not far from the Teahouse via a covered walkway. The cubicle is small but more accessible toilets are nearby in the Darling Harbour precinct.

Ramp to level entry
Image: Patty Mazza

Signage to access toilet
Image: Patty Mazza

Tours and programs

A 45-minute audio tour describes the design philosophy and history of the gardens. It is available in English and Mandarin for $4.00 or download the audio tour for no charge.

Eating and shopping

• Relax in the tranquil setting of the Chinese Gardens Teahouse which has level access.
• Explore nearby Chinatown with its restaurants, produce shops and fashion.
• Head for a casual lunch at a restaurant in nearby Darling Harbour or take a picnic to enjoy at Tumbalong Park.

How to get there

Darling Harbour is a short stroll from the city centre with access to Pyrmont Bridge, Ultimo and Haymarket from Market, Druitt and Bathurst streets. The Chinese Gardens are located towards the southern end, opposite Tumbalong Park.

Public Transport

Accessible public transport options include a bus from Circular Quay, Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay (access is from floating pontoon wharves), Matilda City Loop ferry from Circular Quay, light rail to Paddy's Market station or monorail to Paddy's Market station.

Parking

Dedicated access parking is available at car parks in the Convention Centre, Entertainment Centre and Harbourside. Discounted parking costs may be available by validating the parking ticket at individual attractions.

Map