The main gates to the Nerima Gardens remains closed due to roosting bats. However, the top gardens are now open, please meet your tour guide at the top gates to Nerima Gardens, past the Curators Hut. There is limited parking at the top gate entry, however, off street parking is available and both are free parking areas.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Tours are back and available to take bookings now!
Enjoy a guided tour of the top half of Nerima Gardens interpreting key design elements that infuse both the Australian and Japanese cultures. Arrive at the Tea House to view the Japanese tea ceremony, a traditional cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea). Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the ceremony, and participants will need to take off their shoes and sit on the floor, which is covered with tatami mats. Observers will have access to bench seating with easy views of the ceremony.
Tours are performed on the last Saturday of each month (March-October) and depart at the top gates to Nerima Gardens (whilst main entry gates are closed due to the roosting bats in the gardens). Duration is up to two hours, concluding at the tea house in Nerima Gardens. Guests should arrive 15 minutes before departure times.
This tour is accessible friendly. However, inclined pathways and boardwalks are traversed. Participants should have general fitness to walk for approximately 30 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat.
Please note that a minimum of eight people per session is required for tours to proceed. Guests will be contacted 72 hours before cancellation if applicable.
Cost:
Adult: $50
Concession/Student: $45
Child (up to 12 years old): $35
Please note: This tour does not cater to infants or toddlers, however, infants are free when accompanied by an adult or carer.
2025 Dates available for bookings at the 9am and 11am sessions:
Saturday 28 June – Cancelled due to bats roosting
Saturday 26 July – Cancelled due to bats roosting
Saturday 30 August – available now
Saturday 27 September
Saturday 25 October
Free parking is available on and around Burley Griffin Drive within Queens Park.