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.
Grecian or Roman?
Don't you just love the warm earthy tones with a touch of the rustic about them? I do and these wonderful examples are at our local nursery. And yes, that is water springing forth from the urn in the right foreground. I tried for a better shot but as there is a high wire fence around this section, I had to hold the camera between the wire "squares".
Today's Quote: Oh, tenderly the haughty day fills his blue urn with fire ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Queenscliff-Sorrento car and passenger ferry links two attractive seaside destinations - the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. There are two vessels, the "M.V. Queenscliff" and the "M.V.Sorrento" and they depart Sorrento Pier and Queenslciff Harbour every hour between 7am and 6pm, every day of the year. An adult one way fare is $10 for foot passengers and from $55.50 for a car and one adult. Sorrento is a nice day trip and you could drive to Sorrento, spend a couple of hours, catch the ferry to Queenscliff then drive back to Melbourne via Geelong.
The M.V. Queenscliff was put into service on the 22 December 1993. Traffic using the ferry service continued to grow though the 1990s, carrying about 110,000 cars/trucks/coaches/motorcycles and 600,000 passengers each year so by 2000, a second ferry was needed. The MV Sorrento was built in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia at a cost of $12 million.
A Bit of Trivia
On 12 October 2005 the Australian Defence Force staged an anti-terrorism exercise on the MV Queenscliff. Two Black Hawk helicopters were used to fast rope members of the Tactical Assault Group onto the roof of the ferry, and members of the Boat Assault Force boarded the ferry from inflatable dingies
The M.V. J.J. Farnsworth
There was another, smaller ferry which plied these waters for many years and carried passengers only. The M.V. J.J. Farnsworth which travelled Sorrento-Portsea-Queenscliff, closed down in the early 2000's due to the increased frequency of the two larger vessels.
The photo below was taken in the late 1990's. I didn't have a digital camera then and this was taken with an instamatic ($29.95 from the local chemist) I used my digital camera and took a photo of a photo so the quality isn't all that good.
The old ferry
Photo taken at Sorrento pier, one April late 1990's. It was really fun riding in this - if you stood near the front of the boat, as the swell of the water rose, the boat dipped so low you almost touched the water! Great fun but it did make you feel a little giddy.
Today's Quote: The water is the same on both sides of the boat ~ Finnish proverb.
A touch of France in Melbourne - Parlez-Vous Français?
Aix Café Creperie Salon, a popular French Café in busy Centre Place is one of those tiny-perch-on-the-pavement places boasting tables just large enough for a plate, pepper grinder and a wee bowl of sugar cubes.
The raison d'etre for its popularity is the high quality of the delicious crepes - from savoury to sweet. Try an orange blossom honey crepes for breakfast or the Peking duck crepe filled with duck, cucumber, lettuce and plum sauce. Also in the menu are such yummy epicuran delights such as home made soup (great for winter) and baguettes with fillings of every imaginable variety.
Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week, you can't go past this tiny cafe for a delicious meal or snack and at a very reasonable price. With prices ranging from around $4.00 to $9.00, you'll be laughing all the way to the bank!
Today's Quote: Of all the items on the menu, soup is that which exacts the most delicate perfection and the strictest attention ~ Auguste Escoffier
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.
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
City Skyscape
I was doing an early morning waterfront walk in the city of Melbourne last Friday. this was taken on the pedestrian bridge which runs alongside Sandridge Bridge. Shot taken facing east.
Today's Quote: In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true ~ Buddha
The last Sunday in August is the annual Wattle Festival and I went with two gentlemen - Master Five and Master Four to witness the glorious wattle that abounds in the lovely town of Hurstbridge. It is a fun family day with free horse, bus and train rides. Driving through Diamond Creek and along Heidelberg Kinglake Rd is one of my favourtie drives with the sound of birdsong and the fresh smell of trees and flowers playing imaginitive dreams with your senses.
Horse and Buggy
The horse and coach rides must be the most popular because the biggest queue was here. The boys loved riding on the carriage.
Double Decker Bus Rides
The double decker bus was the second favourite and after we had waited patiently, it was our turn but they wanted to ride "on the top" so we waited for the next one. Everyone wants to ride on the top!
Tongan Dancers
The Tongan dancers were wonderful and we sat entranced listening to Tongan music and watched various traditional dances. The ladies were a little cold in the strapless Tapa.
The Hupmobile
A display of vintage cars saw many people having a good look. Here we see Master Five and Master Four sitting in one of them. There were many more things to see and do, but alas we ran out of time. You can read more about them here.
The Wattle Girls
These lovely girls willingly posed for me - aren't they pretty in their wattle clothes?
Miss Wattle 2010
Here we see Miss Wattle 2010 graciously posing before hitching a ride with the horses. She was dressed in a lovely ballgown of green and yellow and sprigged with wattle. She said ballgowns and horses don't go well together and gave us a demonstration of how to fix this problem by tucking her gown into her purple satin bloomers!
Wattle
And of course - the wattle. Did you know there are over 600 different species throughout Australia? One species of wattle, Acacia pycnantha, is the floral emblem of Australia and is featured on our coat-of-arms.
Today's Quote: You are invited to the festival of this world and your life is blessed ~ Rabindranath Tagore
Three Businessmen Who Brought Their Own Lunch: Batman, Swanston And Hoddle
Nicknamed the Metal Men, this sculpture is one of the most popular pieces of public art in Melbourne and must have the longest public art name in the world!
The whimsical, life-size bronze sculpture of three businessmen carrying lunchboxes, is located in the heart of Melbourne, on the corner of Swanston and Bourke Streets. Artist Alison Weaver claims that while the men are named and motionless, they are also intended to be anonymous and to represent being 'trapped in the perpetual motion of consumerism'. Weaver figures these three Melbourne pioneers as 'pedestrians of vast time' who have returned to the city streets, and says her interpretation of them is driven by humour rather than by iconoclasm.
The Businessmen looking East
Created by Alison Weaver and Paul Quin, "Three Businessmen Who Brought Their Own Lunch: Batman, Swanston and Hoddle" was commissioned in 1993 as part of the Swanston Street Art Works Program, and was a gift to the City of Melbourne from the Republic of Nauru to celebrate the City's 150th Anniversary and unveiled on 20th April 1994 by His Excellency, the President of Nauru, Hon. Bernard Dowiyogo M.P.
This life-sized sculpture pays homage to Melbourne’s three pioneers, returning them to the city’s streets as pedestrians observing Melbourne’s development throughout time.
Whenever I see this sculpture, I am reminded of the short poem about businessmen -
She was Susie up in Sydney, she was Penny down in Perth,
She was Betty up in Brisbane the greatest gal on earth,
She was Molly down in Melbourne, the best of all the bunch,
But down on his expenses, she was petrol, oil and lunch!
Today's Quote: All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them ~ Walt Disney
Floral Time-Keeper
Opposite the Victorian Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria are the Queen Victoria Gardens - Melbourne's memorial to Queen Victoria.
This huge floral clock which is opposite the National Gallery of Victoria, has over 7,000 flowering and bedding plants which are changed twice yearly. The clock was donated in 1966 to the City of Melbourne by a group of Swiss watchmakers. Behind the clock stands a bronze equestrian statue, a memorial to King Edward VII - Queen Victoria's successor. The statue, by Melbourne born sculptor Bertram Mackennal, was unveiled on July 21, 1920.
Today's Quote: Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of ~ Benjamin Franklin
Have a seat
These bright, fun "mushrooms" can be found at Docklands Park between Collins Street and Bourke Street. The park is part of a city parkland in Victoria Harbour. There's BBQ’s and a new interactive Play Journey with soft ground so if kiddies fall off the swings or other gadgets they don't hurt themselves. It's a really nice place to have a picnic or sit and read a book. The free City Tourist tram stops at the front at Waterview Walk and there are public toilets as well.
City map
The map above shows the location of Docklands Park.
Today's Quote: French painter Rousseau was once asked why he put a naked woman on a red sofa in the middle of his jungle pictures. He answered, "I needed a bit of red there" ~ Jean Jacques Rousseau
An historic road bridge, Queens Bridge was built in 1899 replacing an earlier wooden footbridge built in 1860 and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Queens Bridge
On the north side of Queens Bridge is Queens Wharf and Enterprize Wharf with Banana Alley to the right. Heading south over the Yarra, the bridge is near the Crown Entertainment Complex at Southbank, and lies between Yarra Promenade and Southbank Promenade. The bridge is an an important traffic link connecting the north of Melbourne with the south. Tram No 55 runs from North Coburg and crosses over Queens Bridge to South Melbourne terminating at Domain Interchange.
This photo was taken from Yarra Promenade and is facing north.
Close up of decorative artwork
Built by constructor David Munro, the bridge is a very flat arch, and has five spans constructed of wrought iron plate girders. The bridge rests on iron cylinders filled with concrete, in groups of eight, with arched bracing between.
Wrought iron plate girder span
This photo shows one of the wrought iron plate girder spans. Photo taken from Batman Park and is facing south west.
Lacework on Queens Bridge
At each end of the bridge is decorative iron lacework, so beloved by the Victorians.
Queens Bridge circa 1900
Melbourne certainly has grown since this photo was taken. (Photo courtesy of the National Library)
SOME FASCINATING HISTORY:
Are you aware that the famous Harry Houdini jumped off the Queens Bridge Melbourne one hundred years ago?
Harry Houdini jumping off Queens Bridge
In 1910 Harry Houdini jumped off Queens Bridge bound in 25 pounds of chains and irons to a crowd of some 20,000 very excited onlookers. Crowds had started gathering early, it was a stinking hot day, so hot you could fry an egg on the footpath, (Melbourne was in the middle of a heatwave) and people from all walks of life lined the bridge and the banks of the Yarra to watch this amazing feat.
Harry arrived by car dressed in navy blue neck-to-knees (bathers), he then had handcuffs attached to his wrists, heavy chains wrapped and padlocked around his head and body and his arms immobilised. After diving into the water, the crowd held its breath. After what seemed an eternity, but was in actual fact only a few minutes, Harry's head surfaced and he triumphantly waved the chains around in his hand. You can read more about it here. (Photo courtesy of the State Library of Victoria)
Today's Quote: The easiest way to attract a crowd is to let it be known that at a given time and a given place someone is going to attempt something that in the event of failure will mean sudden death ~ Harry Houdini
Poles or jousting sticks?
You could be forgiven for mistaking this tall pole of considerable height for a jousting stick reminiscent of the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table!
This sculpture by Indigenous artists Maree Clarke and Sonja Hodge is one of three poles that have been painted with the Rainbow Serpent design and with native Australian animals. The work references Jennifer McCarthy's similar three poles (which I posted about in March) sited outside the State Library of Victoria. The work was part of the Swanston Street Walk Public Art Project and is not considered permanent.
About the artists
Maree Clarke is a Mutti Mutti, Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta woman who has been working to revive the Koori art of possum skin cloak-making. Her designs are influenced by the patterns of the landscape and the stories told by her ancestors.
Sonja Hodge is a Mildura-based artist and helped create the Yuyu cloak for the Possum-Skin Cloak project and worn during the opening ceremony of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Today's Quote: Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures ~ Henry Ward Beecher
Sunday Market
I love going to Open Air Markets, or Farmers Markets as we say. There's something about stepping out into the fresh air, inhaling the sweet smell of Mother Nature with a gentle breeze blowing softly on your face as you stroll along the stalls looking for a bargain, or some fresh produce. Then sitting down later under a shady tree with a picnic lunch and a nice hot cuppa. Mmmm...heavenly
I usually make a day of it and go to one of the country bakeries for afternoon tea and stop off and wander around a country town on the way home.
Today's Quote: As a community gathering place, the farmers market will become a location to discover all of the uniqueness that a farmers market has to offer ~ Victoria Laise Jonas
It was on this day 30th August, 1835 that the city of Melbourne was founded - the day the first European settlers landed on the north bank of the Yarra River from the schooner Enterprize in 1835.
This pioneering group was led by Captain John Lancey with Launceston builder George Evans and his servant Evan Evans, carpenters William Jackson and Robert Hay Marr, ploughman Charles Wise and blacksmith James Gilbert and his wife Mary making up the party.
It was on 30 August 1835 that these first settlers landed and commenced with the building of a thatched storage hut and the clearing of land along the north bank of the Yarra River. This location today is known as Enterprize Park where Williams Street and Flinders Street meet near the old Customs House.
And so we say Happy Birthday Melbourne - 175 Years.
The City of Melbourne had several events and attractions to mark this auspicious occasion.
Traditional Owners
The people of the Kulin nation are the traditional owners of the land that became Melbourne, including the Boonwurrung, Woiwurrung, Taungurung and Djadjawurrung people, who gathered in this place for ceremonies and cultural activities.
At City Square on the corner of Swantson and Collins Streets, was the birthday cake and entertainment.
Below is a photo of Wurundjeri dancers preparing to perform a traditional dance -
The Story of Creation - Bunjil the Creator
I took this with my camera yesterday - it is the story of creation and tells of Bunjil. This is part of the Dreamtime.
Melbourne Day celebrates more than just the day the city was founded. It represents the point at which the proud community of Melbourne began.
And it is a day to celebrate all that makes Melbourne one of the world's most liveable cities.
Melbourne Day Song 30 August 2010
A special song was written to mark 175 years. This is the first public performance and is sung by Melbourne school children from various primary schools.
When I made this video yesterday, I tried to get all the children in the choir on here. Steven Spielberg I am not, but hopefully I will get better with practice.☺
Lyrics Under blue skies
Southern Blue Skies
Melburnians always meet together
Under grey skies,
Southern Grey skies,
Melburnians meet in any weather.
The Wurundjeri
And the Boonerwrung
People of the Kulin Nation
We've had settlers here,
Welcomed migrants here,
People from all destinations.
More people who care!
More people who come
To share this day!
Melbourne then and now
The city has changed a great deal in the last 100 years or so. Today, Melbourne is a great city with a passion for life, a zest for living and the best place in Australia for fashion, dining, cultural and theatre events, sport and recreation. So come on down to Melbourne and enjoy a day in one of the most convivial of cities.
Today's Quote: When you look at a city, it's like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it ~ Hugh Newell Jacobsen
Heads or Tails?
It has been a very nail-biting weekend here in not just Melbourne, but all over Australia. The Federal election took place on Saturday the results being what looks like a hung Parliament with the two major parties (Labor and the Coalition) each having 70 seats.
The results so far are Labor - 70, Coalition - 70, Greens - 1, Independants - 3, undecided - 6. Whoever governs Australia will do so with a minority government. Both leaders, Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott will be courting the Independant candidates.
Melbourne Daily Photo is a non-political blog so I will not be taking political "sides", however, if I was Prime Minister, here's what I think -
If I was Prime MInister
Of all the Aussie states,
I'd live on chocolate truffles
And swing on all the gates.
I'd have lots of money
What I wanted I would get
I'd buy me a brand new car
And then a Lear jet.
I wouldn't have to worry
When the water bill fell due,
Or phone, or gas, or SEC
They'd all be paid by you. (The tax-payer)
I'd be living like a king
Rub shoulders with the best
And then I could look down my nose
At all the poor in jest.
And so you see dear people
As dear old Malcolm said,
"Life wasn't meant to be easy"
You elected me instead.
Note: Malcolm Fraser was a former PM from 1975 - 1983.
SEC - State Electricity Commission
Today's Quote: The best argument against democracy was a five minute conversation with the average voter ~ Winston Churchill.
The old and the new
This was taken at Flinders Street Station from Platform 5 and is facing south west. The tall modern buildings in the backdrop and the warm red brick of the old - there's a big difference in building styles.
The buildings are from L to R - Eureka Tower, PWC tower (Price Waterhouse Coopers), Freshwater Place and part of Crown Towers. The building on the far left of which only part is visible is the Langham Hotel.
The view of the platform is of the "other" end - the ramp leads down to the Elizabeth Street exit which is on your right. If however you should decide to turn left you will find yourself going along a walkway which will lead you to Southbank and the Yarra - see photo below.
Today's quote: Railway termini are our gates to the glorious and the unknown. Through them we pass out into adventure and sunshine, to them, alas! we return ~ E. M. Forster
In the city of Melbourne is the Telstra Corporate Centre. Built in 1992 and standing at 219m high with 47 floors, it's in our top ten tallest list. It was designed by Perrot Lyon Matheison, the architect of Rialto Towers and is the world headquarters for Telstra. It is also a Melbourne landmark.
Of interest is the lift core - it is exposed through the middle of the building and used as a tower feature.
The Telstra building is located at 242 Exhibition Street.
Above:Telstra Corporate Centre
Below is the building in front of this modern glass skyscraper.
Above:In front of the Telstra building
Note the difference in design, height, medium and architecture. I was facing east taking both photos.
Today's Quote: We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us ~ Winston Churchill
Are they real?
Yes, indeed they are. These bright and colourful fruits and chillies are at the Queen Vic. (Queen Victoria market) I wouldn't mind eating some of them, although I think I might give the chillies a miss.☺
Today's Quote: Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili ~ Harry James.
Tinkle Town
On the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets, these underground toilets are on the southern side of the Melbourne Town Hall. The female loos were installed in 1914, but the chaps had to wait a bit longer - male loos were installed in 1960. They are open 24 hours and an attendant is present from 7am - 7pm. Baby change facilities are available during these hours.
Note the impressive wrought iron gates and art deco lighting.
Did you know the City of Melbourne, which manages 54 public toilets, promises no person will have to walk more than 250 metres to find a "throne room" in the CBD? This photo was taken in Collins Street facing east.
Today's Quote: Psychiatry's chief contribution to philosophy is the discovery that the toilet is the seat of the soul ~ Alexander Chase
Across the Yarra
Another view of our Southgate Footbridge across the Yarra which connects Southgate with Flinders Street. This shot was taken from the banks of Southbank and you can see the city buildings - our famous red brick of Flinders Street Station with it's iconic dome, the spire of St. Paul's Cathedral, and modern day sky scrapers with their mirrored windows.
Today's Quote: The bridges that you cross before you come to them are over rivers that aren't there - Gene Brown
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.
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