Get inside the tide

There has always been something very whimsical about taking the kids to Sealife Aquarium and walking through the glass tube with fish swimming all around you, but we’ve always equally adored time spent in the Botanic Gardens. So you can imagine our delight when we found both these experiences have been combined at The Calyx, home to one of the largest green walls in the southern hemisphere! Here you can step inside a spectacular world of aquatic delights in their immersive exhibition Inside the Tide and explore a marine dream of coral, kelp and coast. Combining the theatrical with horticulture, this exhibition creates a surreal, magical and playful display. Telling the stories of hero plants in three aquatic communities: Kelp Forests, Coral Reefs and Seagrass Meadows, you can wander through what feels like an under the sea experience and watch a pantomime come to life. Come face to face with giant sea creatures like the topiary blue whale, a chandelier of jellyfish or blue ringed octopus, with interactive elements both children and adults will enjoy.

This year’s display has also enlisted the help of hundreds school children from across NSW, who in 2021 created Codium seaweeds when undertaking educational workshops with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney learning about the threats to coastal environments and how to best care for habitats.

Inside the Tide has over 20,000 plants on display and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. Curated by the horticultural team at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and presented in partnership with Erth. While you’re visiting, let your kids explore the kid’s corner where they can discover life’s enchanting characteristics in the ocean. Activities include First Nations fishing, seagrass yoga and much more. On occasion, The Calyx is closed for private events and functions. Updates for closures can be found on their website.

The Calyx will be observing strict physical distancing and hygiene measures to protect the health of visitors and staff and minimise the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a fitted face mask is mandatory while you are in any of the indoor spaces. The Calyx is restricted to 200 people within the venue, so please be patient. When: 10am - 4pm daily until June 2022 Price: Entry by donation Where: The Calyx, The Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney Transport: Public transport recommended as there is limited parking available

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