Sydney’s Moon Festival isn’t just a cultural pit stop—it’s a full-blown immersion in reunion, ritual and revelry at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Think lanterns, tea, mooncakes and music against a backdrop of pavilions and ponds. Add in One Dining for dumplings and cocktails in the heart of Darling Harbour, and this isn’t your average weekend.
Location
Address: Pier Street, Cnr Harbour Street, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Website: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Dates
Next Event: Saturday 4 October – Sunday 5 October 2025
Frequency: Annual
Duration: 2 Days
Price
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Adults: $12
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Children (under 12): $8
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Family (2 adults + 3 kids): $30
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Concession/Student: $8 (card holders)
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Seniors: $8 (card holders)
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Children under 5: Free
Memberships: Annual passes available from $39.
Availability: Tickets online & on-site. See website for bookings.
The BioHax Take
Step through the Moon Gate and straight into tradition with a modern twist. This isn’t your standard city festival—it’s intimate, fragrant with jasmine tea, punctuated by dumpling steam, and bathed in lantern glow. The Moon Festival is about family, ritual and reunion, but in Sydney’s gardens it feels like a love letter to both cultures: Guangzhou and Darling Harbour.
Who It’s For
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Families chasing culture (and mooncakes)
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Couples on date-night detours
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Culture vultures and festival hoppers
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Kids ready to craft and play
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Foodies hungry for dumplings and tea
What’s On Offer
Saturday 4 October
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Lantern Decorating Workshop (11am–2pm): Craft your own lantern, symbol of reunion and light.
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Traditional Tea Ceremony (1pm–3pm): Watch masters at work with tea, then sip with mini mooncakes.
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Contemporary Chinese Music (2pm–4pm): Iris Li & Amazonite Fusion Ensemble blend Pipa, hip hop and jazz in an East-meets-West jam.
Sunday 5 October
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Badge Making Workshop (11am–2pm): Create your own festival badge with Jade Rabbits and moon legends.
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Traditional Tea Ceremony (1pm–3pm): A repeat session of ritual and tasting.
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Traditional Chinese Music (2pm–4pm): Curated by Dr Nicholas Ng for an ambient close to the weekend.
Eat & Drink – One Dining
Inside the garden, One Dining turns yum cha into theatre. Think pork buns, dumplings, and jasmine tea by day—or cocktails and canapés by night. With lunch service daily and dinner from 5.30pm–9.30pm, it’s the Garden’s cultural sidekick and a must-visit for anyone wanting modern Chinese flavours with tranquil pond views.
Photo Credit: One Dining - A serene garden-side table at One Dining set with dumplings, wine and modern Chinese dishes overlooking the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Moon Festival?
It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, the second biggest Chinese celebration after Lunar New Year, honouring the full moon and family reunion.
Do I need a ticket for the festival?
Yes—entry to the Garden ($12 adults, $8 children) covers all festival activities.
Are the workshops free?
Yes, workshops are included with your Garden entry.
Can I book online?
Yes, tickets and memberships can be pre-purchased online.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely—lantern and badge making workshops are designed for kids.
What food is available?
Mini mooncakes are offered with tea, plus One Dining serves dumplings, buns, and cocktails.
What time does the Garden open?
Daily from 10am–5pm; One Dining extends service to 9.30pm.
Where is the Garden located?
Pier Street, Darling Harbour (cnr Harbour Street).
Do concession tickets need proof?
Yes—valid ID required for concession/senior pricing.
What happens if it rains?
Workshops and performances are covered; the garden is open in most weather.
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Article originally published: 22 September 2025, by Editor
