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
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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.
Sitting on the waterfront at Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia provides a venue for international and local artists.
Getting There
In walking distance of Circular Quay, public transport is the easiest way to get here. Ferries, buses, trains and light rail all stop here, making it easy and convenient. Several carparks are located nearby if you want to drive.
The Museum
Near the entrance a metallic sculpture provides some great photo opportunities, because its design allowing unique views of the Opera House.
During our visit one gallery was dedicated to David Malangi Daymirringu’s aboriginal artwork. They follow important sites, ceremonies, and stories that encompass ancestral knowledge connected to the artist’s Manharrngu clan of central Arnhem Land. Some of the photos below show his amazing work.
As expected the remaining art on display ranged from weird and unique to strangely interesting. A fun place to walk around, especially if you want to see what current artist are producing.
A cafeteria on the roof gives great views of Sydney Harbour as well as Circular Quay. We sat here for a while enjoying morning tea and watching the ferries going in and out of the Quay.
What Did We Think?
This was an interesting visit. The highlight was the indigenous artwork on display, which looked amazing. It was nice to see that the museum takes great pride in its support of aboriginal and Torres Strait artists. Open everyday except Mondays.
Outside of the Museum of Contemporary Art with the Opera House
Outside of the Museum of Contemporary Art
David Malangi Daymirringu
By Indigenous Artist David Malangi Daymirringu
David Malangi Daymirringu
Kate Just Anonymous is a Woman
Robert MacPherson Tree Rain:16 Frog Poems (Yellow Monday) for J.C., 1990
Anna Kwasner
Judith Wright Nature/Nurture
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.