Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.




Waltzing Australia

Sunday 12 September 2010

Seafarers Bridge, South Wharf

"Seafarers Bridge" reflects rich maritime history.

Looking through the arches

This beautifully arched pedestrian bridge built at a cost of $15 million dollars opened to the public in January 2009, but remained unnamed until December 2009. (People just called it the "Big white bridge"!) Melbourne City Council invited Melbournians to suggest fitting names for the bridge - there were 539 submissions and from these the name "Seafarers Bridge" was chosen and approval was obtained from the State government to officially christen the bridge. (Remember the "good old days" when a person of note would cut a satin ribbon and smash a champagne bottle against it?)!


Acting Lord Mayor Susan Riley said “The name draws on the rich maritime history of the area and is a fitting connection to the nearby ‘Mission to Seafarers’ centre located at the bridge’s northern landing.”
This photo and the one above are facing north.


Facing north east

Chief executive of the Mission to Seafarers Andrea Fleming said she was delighted with the decision. Ms Fleming went on to say “Since 1857 seafarers have strolled the banks of the Yarra River whilst taking shore leave in the Port of Melbourne. We are thrilled with the naming of the bridge which contributes to the significance of the maritime precinct, the work of the Mission to Seafarers Victoria and the seafarers whom the organisation serves.”

Mission to Seafarers
The Mission to Seafarers is an international organisation which cares for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths. The Melbourne Mission, created in 1905, is a volunteer-managed facility providing a home away from home for approximately 12,000 seafarers visiting the Port of Melbourne annually. See Australian locations of the Mission.


Facing north west
The bridge crosses from near the newly constructed world-class Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, in the South Wharf precinct and forms a vital connection between the river-front and the city’s waterfront at Docklands. It is very popular with pedestrians and cyclists.


Click here to view other participants of Louis La Vache's Sunday Bridges
Click here to view other participants of Scenic Sunday


Today's Quote: Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known ~ Winnie the Pooh

27 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Gorgeous bridge. Great images. Thank you for all the info.

Randy said...

What an amazing structure!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Wonderful bridge and a fitting name.

Julie and I enjoyed and admired the artistic designs of the pedestrian bridges across the Yarra River in your beautiful city when we stayed at a hotel right across the river from the Flinders Street rail station that you have in the masthead of your website.

Jim said...

It's an awesome bridge.

Rob Siemann said...

Wow, nice bridge, nice photos!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

The arches make this bridge very unusual.
I have not seen a bridge like this.

diane b said...

Nice bridge and interesting info. Similar to our new pedestrian bridge wonder if they had the same designer.

Davine said...

I love this bridge - it always makes me feel like it has just unfolded.

Kate said...

I very much enjoyed the different perspectives in which you showcased this bridge. So much fun when residents are able to help name a structure.

Francisca said...

Funny how modern bureaucracy can take the charm out of an event. The city did, though, come up with a fine name for this fine bridge. I like how you captured it on a day with the chartreuse in the sky.

Birdman said...

That one against the gray sky is a keeper.

Lesley said...

Love the sails of the arches!

Donna said...

Love your blog! Thanks for visiting mine, although, I didn't Mean to make you cry!Lol
9-11 was our day of terror...I pray it Never happens again...
Donna

EG CameraGirl said...

This bridge is spectacular from every view!

Kaori said...

I love the first photo, feels like I'm actually crossing it :D

Unknown said...

a captivating sleek bridge. the different angles are fantastic--great shots!

Pat said...

That is quite a spectacular bridge! Thanks for showing us the various angles of it.

joo said...

What an amazing bridge! I do love it!

VP said...

I like the name because I love anything about maritime history and this bridge is anyway a wonderful one. A great submission for this Sunday!

Unknown said...

This is an amazing bridge! You've shown us wonderful perspectives. Well done!

VioletSky said...

Well named.
It looks a fun bridge to walk across, to see all the angles of the arches.

Halcyon said...

This is a beautiful bridge. Definitely not like anything I've seen around here. :)

Linnea said...

Most unusual bridge! I like that it's a pedestrian bridge too.

johnny said...

Este puente es arte e ingenieria juntos perfectamente.
Saludos

arabesque said...

whatever angle you took, it's a magnificent bridge! ^0^

how did you took the shot and not a person in sight? ^-^

Anonymous said...

a really love it!!

mia said...

Beautiful shots!!! I love the perspectives and angles :)

Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.