Warrnambool - Miura Friendship Garden
Miura Friendship Garden is a peaceful Japanese-inspired garden in Albert Park celebrating the sister-city relationship between Warrnambool and Miura, Japan. Japanese garden design principles are expressed using Australian indigenous plants and locally sourced stone, with different areas representing the geographical and cultural connection between the two countries.
Miura Friendship Garden is located in Albert Park, Grafton Road, Warrnambool. Enter from Grafton Road. The garden backs onto Warrnambool Community Garden but has separate access.
Features:
- Garden designed according to Japanese landscape principles
- Australian indigenous plants and locally sourced materials
- Elevated drooping she-oak forest
- Mendicant’s hut overlooking the garden
- Dry landscape representing the Australian hinterland
- Wave-shaped correa planting symbolising the ocean between Australia and Japan
- Western District landscape containing eucalypts, banksias and callistemons
- Crane and Turtle stones representing fidelity and longevity
- Quiet areas for contemplation, nature observation and photography
History:
Warrnambool and Miura established their sister-city relationship in 1992. The garden was blessed by Kannushi Yoneda, a Shinto priest from Miura, on May 4, 1998. In August 2026, a new Banksia serrata grown from seed collected from the garden’s original banksia was planted to renew this symbol of friendship.
Facilities and Access:
- Walking paths through the garden
- Mendicant’s hut providing a sheltered viewing point
- Best accessed on foot through Albert Park
- Vehicle access from Grafton Road may be available during dry weather
- No play equipment or dedicated visitor facilities
Accessibility:
Detailed accessibility information is not published. The garden is best accessed on foot, and vehicle access is dependent on dry ground conditions. Some natural surfaces may be uneven.
Access for Dogs:
Miura Friendship Garden is within Albert Park, which is a designated off-leash area excluding the sports grounds. Dogs must remain under effective voice control, owners must carry a lead and all waste must be collected. Keep dogs away from planted garden areas. Dogs are not permitted in the neighbouring Warrnambool Community Garden.
Location
Albert Park, Grafton Road, Warrnambool 3280 View Map
Web Links
→ www.warrnambool.com/miura-friendship-garden
