The Calyx- Why Go?
The Calyx Sydney review- Located within Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, the Calyx is the garden’s newest attraction. It’s a spacious greenhouse, featuring a rotating range of special exhibitions, free of charge to enter (although donations are accepted). It’s managed by the NSW Government, and is not a for-profit enterprise. It only opened in 2016, and this brand new structure offers stunning architectural design, both from inside and outside. I discovered it at some point last year when it was still under construction, and was excited to check it out once open.
If you’re planning a visit to the Garden, definitely check out the Calyx. The current exhibit, Pollination, offers insanely gorgeous floral displays, perfect for photography lovers, and brightly coloured displays that will brighten you up, even on a gloomy day. The displays are curated by the Garden’s horticultural team, and are some of the biggest floral displays in the country. Perfect for relaxing and recharging, the flowers definitely put you in a springtime mood- the orchids were in beautiful shape recently.
It’s a free activity and doesn’t take more than an hour to see it all, so well worth a lunchtime stop, or pop in if you’re heading to the Botanic Gardens anyway.
Below- Floral displays from Pollination.
How to Get There
Located towards the southern end of the Royal Botanic Gardens, along Mrs Macquaries Road, the Calyx is easily found from any garden entrance as all exhibits are signposted well. It is easily walkable from Sydney’s CBD, or is close to Martin Place, Museum, Circular Quay, or even Town Hall train stations.
They are open from 10am-4pm every day, though occasionally close if a private event is scheduled.
Top Tips
The Calyx also offers a gift shop and cafe, which can also be hired for special events. Pollination runs until July 2018, but check out the Garden’s website for up to date information about their happenings. The staff do ask for your name and email on arrival, which means there can be a slight queue on the weekends to enter. Although, if you prefer not to give your email, that’s fine too.
What is a calyx? According to Wikipedia, it’s the sepals of a flower.
Looking for more spring activities in Sydney? Check our our best suggestions here.
(Featured image courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens)