“What can we do?” “What can we see?” “Where can we go?” The questions were delivered in fast succession. “But we haven’t been anywhere for ages?” “My passport hasn’t been used for months!”
With school in term, a spout of illness on my part for a week or two, and only the weekend free (and then only after sport) we were all starting to get a little stir crazy. The kids were thinking big: Spain, England….Japan. We had one Saturday. T and I decided on China.
Well, when I say China I mean a place that will make us feel like we have stepped into another part of the world. Perhaps only a small piece of Guangzhou. We had school a day later, so a trip overseas didn’t really make sense.
Years ago I had a favourite place to head to with friends and it included some pretty amazing costumes. The kids had never stepped foot inside this special site and, with the need for a little culture, it was the perfect destination for us to head.
A quick trip to Darling Harbour, a walk past the Darling Quarter playground (the kids dragged their feet) and we found the Chinese Friendship Gardens. The Chinese Friendship Gardens were a gift to Sydney from Sydney’s Chinese sister city, Guangzhou in China and was officially opened in 1988 during Australia’s bicentennial celebrations. It was developed as a symbol of the bond established between China and Australia.
Years ago I had a favourite place to head to with friends and it included some pretty amazing costumes. The kids had never stepped foot inside this special site and, with the need for a little culture, it was the perfect destination for us to head.
A quick trip to Darling Harbour, a walk past the Darling Quarter playground (the kids dragged their feet) and we found the Chinese Friendship Gardens. The Chinese Friendship Gardens were a gift to Sydney from Sydney’s Chinese sister city, Guangzhou in China and was officially opened in 1988 during Australia’s bicentennial celebrations. It was developed as a symbol of the bond established between China and Australia.
Just walking through the main gates and you will feel like you have teleported across to China, trekkie style. The Garden is walled and features waterfalls, hidden pathways, exotic plants, Koi carp, weeping willows, a Teahouse, lakes and so much more.
I wondered if the kids would truly appreciate what we were seeing and would take their time exploring it, or if they would want to rush through it so they could get back to the Darling Quarter Playground. We were lucky to discover The Emperor’s Quest which is both a map that children receive on entry and a cleverly designed app. It led the kids on a a hunt for 12 sculptures, each representing one of the animals of the zodiac, around the entire garden. They thought it was fantastic (it is recommended for kids 5-12 years).
Just after we found the “Ox” sculpture, we also discovered a little hut that looked intriguing. We pushed the door and walked inside and found a room full of costumes in vibrant colours. For $5.00 the kids could dress up as a warrior, emperor or empress. While Master R declined the opportunity, Miss N was super keen. The costumes are worn over your existing clothing, so there is no undressing. Miss N was asked to choose her colour of choice (she chose a pale purple) before she was dressed in each layer of the costume. Unhappy with the fan she was provided, Miss N asked if she could have possibly have the sword so she could be a warrior empress instead. Her wish was granted.
Dressed in costume, we then explored the rest of the garden with both kids searching and finding the rest of the animals, answering the quiz on the app as we walked around before reaching the Tea House. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. Maybe you can teleport yourself to China one weekend?
The Chinese Friendship Gardens are open every day of the year between 9.30am and 5pm (5.30pm during daylight saving) except Good Friday and Christmas Day. A family ticket current costs $15.00.
Just after we found the “Ox” sculpture, we also discovered a little hut that looked intriguing. We pushed the door and walked inside and found a room full of costumes in vibrant colours. For $5.00 the kids could dress up as a warrior, emperor or empress. While Master R declined the opportunity, Miss N was super keen. The costumes are worn over your existing clothing, so there is no undressing. Miss N was asked to choose her colour of choice (she chose a pale purple) before she was dressed in each layer of the costume. Unhappy with the fan she was provided, Miss N asked if she could have possibly have the sword so she could be a warrior empress instead. Her wish was granted.
Dressed in costume, we then explored the rest of the garden with both kids searching and finding the rest of the animals, answering the quiz on the app as we walked around before reaching the Tea House. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. Maybe you can teleport yourself to China one weekend?
The Chinese Friendship Gardens are open every day of the year between 9.30am and 5pm (5.30pm during daylight saving) except Good Friday and Christmas Day. A family ticket current costs $15.00. 
I sometimes wish we lived in Sydney just to do these things. You guys lead such an exciting life. 🙂
Michelle, I bet there are lots of things to do around your area too. In fact, I think those in the country have lots of opportunities that we city folk miss out on eg. Fosicking, watching baby animals arrive; herding animals etc. I might have to write a post about that!!!
Love it. They were growing roots! Had to get out and do something!
It looks fabulous. Love your site and your post. I have never been to Sydney yet but when I would come, I would probably be visiting this place. Thank you for the info and keep in touch.
I would like to go there!