Located in the Royal Botanic Garden the Calyx is a place of living art, with constantly changing displays. In botany, a calyx is the collective name for sepals of a flower, the usually green part that supports the petals. The Calyx in the Garden is a place where new displays are presented several times a year, making return trips worthwhile and interesting.
The last time we visited the display consisted of carnivorous plants, which was fascinating. We didn’t realise that there was so many varieties. Planted to produce a colourful display from leaves and flowers the green-wall had only recently been finished. Many plants were yet to reach their potential, but we intended to visit at a later date to see the final product. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has intervened and a lockdown means we are unable to travel to Sydney.
A small café located here is a great place to relax after looking at the displays.
Some Carnivorous Plants From Our Last Visit
Pitcher Plants The Calyx
Grevillea
Pitcher Plants The Calyx
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in the Hunter Valley near Jerrys Plains, The Clydesdale Experience is a fantastic way to spend three hours. Not only do you get to see the horses up close, but you see them work and learn their history, all in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
Visits are by appointment only, which can be done through their website.
Meet the Clydesdales
Greeted by our hosts on arrival, we then met the four Clydesdales that currently call the farm home. While getting up close to the horses, we learned about them and the owners’ history with the breed. For such large animals, they were extremely gentle, although we were reminded to be careful as they are very strong.
Wilfred
Morning Tea
After meeting the Clydesdales, our hosts put on morning tea and coffee. Very nice coffee and homemade scones and cakes, which were delicious! Two of the horses joined us in the shade while our hosts explained all about Clydesdales.
Hunter and Leroy at Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Working the Horses
After morning tea, we went out to the ploughing field where we had a demonstration of what Clydesdales could do. We started with a demonstration of old horse powered machinery, where the horse powers a pump or grain crusher.
We then saw ploughing and were able to take part by guiding the plough. This was great fun, and everyone had a turn.
All of this in the wonderful Hunter Valley with the Wollemi National Park as a back-drop.
Leroy About to Start Work
Barney
Harvey Relaxing After a Hard Day Supervising
What Did We Think of the Clydesdale Experience?
This was an amazing experience, with friendly hosts and wonderful horses making it a great time. If you want to learn about Clydesdales, how they work or just want to get up close to them, this is a great experience. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are several ways to get to Eagle Rock, but we chose to start from Wattamolla car park. With great parking and toilet facilities, its a good place to start and finish the walk. A daily entry fee per car is payable and a ticket can be purchase in the carpark from a vending machine.
The Track
From the carpark, follow the coast track through coastal scrub and amazing ocean views. The 45 minute walk is generally flat, but there are several section with steep steps to climb. When we walked, the track was in excellent condition, with much of it on formed board walk. Steps are made of sandstone, carved into the slopes, while some areas travel over bare rocks. Where no track is obvious, like over rocks, it is well sign posted, making it easy to follow.
Several small creeks are crossed along the way, with steppingstones made from carved sandstone.
Flat Section of the Coastal Track Through Coastal Scrub
Board Walk on the Coastal Track Through Coastal Scrub
Sandstone Stairway on the Coastal Track
Stepping Stones Over a Creek
Stepping Stones Over a Creek
Coastal Views
The track passes coastal cliffs with magnificent ocean views, where we stopped to take photos and admire the scenery. The cliffs are high, so stay away from the edges. During the whale migration season, this is a favourite place for people to watch them going by.
Boardwalk Near the Cliffs
Coastal Cliffs
Eagle Rock
One of the iconic sites in Royal National Park, Eagle Rock looks out over the ocean creating a great silhouette for photos. The path widens slightly when you are opposite, so that you can stop and take photos without blocking the path.
Eagle Head Royal National Park
Close-up of Eagle Rock
Water Falls
Curracurrong Creek forms a small waterfall that plunges into the ocean near Eagle Rock adding another interesting sight when it’s flowing after rain.
The Curracurrong Creek Waterfall
Curracurrong Creek Waterfall
What did We Think of Eagle Rock?
This was a very enjoyable walk, with the track moving from coastal scrub to rugged coastal cliffs, with amazing views. With the waterfall and Eagle Rock at the end you get more interesting sights to see, making for a great day out.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.