The garden is co-located with the historic Gleniffer Brae house, used for functions and the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

A number of annexes are managed by the garden - Puckeys Estate Reserve in Fairy Meadow, the Korrongulla Wetlands in Primbee and the Mount Keira Summit Park.

It was built as a gift of friendship to symbolise the connection with Wollongong's sister city in Japan, Kawasaki and restored in the early 2000s.

Another is the BHP fountain at the northern entrance facing the university.

The lake is a local attraction and features a boardwalk to a rotunda in the centre.