Chung Tian Temple provides the opportunity to experience not only Buddhism but also a bit of the Chinese culture right on our doorstep. The temple is visited by school groups, tourists and the general public. Entry is by voluntary donation.

We went on a guided tour of the temple and found it very interesting. Right from the word go you experience tranquillity because of the setting. It is surrounded by traditional Chinese gardens with the Australian bush in the background. No traffic noises can be heard.

You enter the temple through massive doors and find yourself in a courtyard with an impressive Blessing Bell. The guide told us that you have to make a wish for somebody else before ringing the bell. Another piece of information she shared that I found quite touching was that they believe that every time the bell is rung, another soul is released from hell.

The museum/gift shop is another treasure of the Temple. There is quite a big collection of statues, calligraphy works, paintings and...