Fairfield Park Boathouse

On Sunday Peter and I spent a lovely afternoon at the
Fairfield Park Boathouse
which is situated on the Yarra River and is only 10 minutes from the city of Melbourne.

Although rain was forecast for the day we decided to go anyway and hoped the weather would allow us to enjoy a boat ride while we were there. As you can see by the photos it had turned out to be quite a nice day after all and not a drop of rain.

When we arrived we had a cafe latte by the river and took in the view, then ordered lunch which was really nice and it was great to sit outside by the rivers edge watching others out rowing around in their boats, kayaks and canoes.

While sitting there we also noticed that quite a few people had bought their dogs with them too. If we had of known one was able to bring their dogs (on a leash) we would have taken Buddy with us ... next time we definately will. Some dogs were having the best time swimming around and playing with their families. I would imagine this place to be very busy during the warmer months of the year.

After lunch we hired a row boat and cruised along the Yarra River for about an hour. Peter did all the rowing while I happily snapped away with my camera. I ended up with a few nice selection of photos from the afternoon.

Peter took a few photos of me while I was enjoying our boat ride on the Yarra River. I wasn't too thrilled with having my pic taken at the moment as I haven't been well for the last few months and on a good dose of cortisone which unfortunately has a nasty side effect of bloatiness.

I've been feeling quite dull and drab lately too ... so Peter on enhanced my red coloured hair the day before as it always peps me up. I didn't realise how bright it was until I saw these photos. I love it though and it did help me feel much better.

There are many beautiful scenes to photograph along the river. This bird has a nice cosy spot in front of his house on Yarra and as we started to get closer it started warning us away ☺

There were also many varieties of ducks and other wild native birds.

I would highly recommend this place to be on your itinerary of attractions to visit for travellers to Melbourne and if you already live here and you want to escape to tranquility for the day ... it's a must do!

More Information

The Fairfield Park Boathouse boasts a Superior Table with all the varieties of the season served in an historic riverside garden setting. It’s fresh, casual and inexpensive.

Enjoy an informal outdoor dining experience where you can relax by the river in summer or sit by the cozy wood fires and admire the view in winter.

Fairfield Park Boathouse offers an extensive range of culinary delights.

From the grill they offer seasonal seafood, high grade meat and poultry, gourmet sausages, home made hamburgers and childrens meals, all cooked in front of your eyes on the outdoor grill.

The Tearoom also has many irresistible offerings including our famous Devonshire Tea.

History of
Fairfield Park Boathouse

Fairfield boathouse was established in 1908 by John St Clair as a picnic, camping and refreshment room area. John St Clair was a piano tuner from Smith street Fitzroy, with a vision. He firstly wrote a letter to the Premier suggesting that he open a refreshment room and boat shed area, with motor boats at Fairfield Park.

The Premier had to seek the approval form Yarra Bend Hospital of the Insane because the proposal for the boat shed was actually on the hospital grounds. The Premier gave his permission for the boat shed project to go ahead. Mr St Clair built the boat shed and six years later Fairfield Park was set aside from the same grounds. However Mr St Clair had seven troubled years with Crown Bailiffs over building permits. Eventually in 1915 the Heidelberg council bought him out.

In 1923 the boathouse was raised by 12 feet to help minimise flood damage, a frequent threat to boathouses along the Yarra.

Boat and canoe carnivals and open air carnivals were common sights at Fairfield until the 1950’s. Boating popularity declined until finally the Fairfield boathouse was closed in 1980 as it was declared unfit for human habitation.

In 1985 the boathouse was restored and re-opened. The derelict building had recently housed squatters and possums. The project took 30,000 hours of restoration work. Meticulous work and an eye for detail was required for rebuilding. Even the gardens have been restored to encourage native birds.

Sky High Mt Dandenong

I took these photos from Sky High Mt Dandenong on Sunday 31st August.

It has been raining quite a bit lately here in Melbourne and these photos were taken on a particularly wet and misty day.

I had been stuck in bed for a good week with a bad back and a bout of the flu and was eager to get out of the house for a while.

Peter and I decided to go to the Sky High Bistro for their Sunday Buffet Lunch which was really nice. The food was fresh and very tasty and I would love to go again in a few months time during clearer days and when I'm feeling much better.



I still wasn't feeling my best when we went but tried to enjoy it as best I could. Naturally I had my camera with me and hoped the weather would clear a bit before we got up into the Dandenong Ranges but it didn't and was bitterly cold and extremely windy outside where I was taking photos from. I tried a few with my 300mm zoom to but Melbourne turned out to lost in the misty fog so I have done some post processing on them to bring out the buildings and landmarks as best I could.

Some information about Sky High

One of Victoria’s Premier Tourist Destinations

* Viewing platforms with stunning views that sweep across Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay , to the You Yangs on the Southern horizon.

Get Some Perspective & Escape the noise and pressures of the concrete jungle. Less than 1 hour from the Melbourne CBD you can be SkyHigh – on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges, amid cool fern glades and lush towering native forest, looking at the big picture, from the Mornington Peninsula across the majestic sweep of Port Phillip Bay, surrounded by Melbourne’s growing urban fringes, to the You Yangs on the southern horizon. After sunset the southern sky, brilliant in the clear mountain night, is imitated by a spectacular carpet of city lights.

First established as a survey point in 1861 this historic area, which has recently undergone a lavish and sympathetic redevelopment, affords a unique overview of Greater Melbourne. Enjoy the unparalleled vista from the SkyHigh Bistro or fire up a public barbecue, spread a rug and picnic on the elevated viewing terrace.

SkyHigh has something for the whole family including, an exquisite English garden, Adventurous SkyHigh Maze and links to trail walks in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. If you really want to see Melbourne from above...
____________________________________________________________________

Crazy Days in a Haze

The Black Hole
I've been temporarily out to lunch and laid up in bed with the flu and a bad back... sciatica is suspected. I felt like I was going into a black hole when I took this shot or perhaps it was the effects of my pain medication :)

An assignment done for Learning Photography with Neil Creek.

This photo was Neil's pick of the week. I was quite chuffed and a little excited when I first saw he had picked it as his favourite for the week. I value his opinion and find I am learning so much through his tutorials and challenges.

This is what he had to say about the photo:

"Why I chose this: This photo, titled “The Black Hole” works for me on several levels. Without knowing what the photo is of, it does distinctly remind me of the computer graphics visualisations of black holes that I have watched on many documentaries. This appeals to my interest in astronomy. The soft, slightly blurred circular lines of colour draw the eye right into the photo, as does the underexposed exposed background. When one reads the description and lean that the subject is simply a spot lit mirror ball, one is impressed from where the complex yet subtle image came from.

Reading further into the description and learning of Chrissy’s state of mind when taking the photo opens up a whole new level of appreciation for the photo, as it offers a glimpse into a world of drug and pain affected perceptions." Neil Creek

I tried really hard to do this project from my bed while laid up .. its the best I could come up with at the time considering the strong effects of pain killers.

I put my disco light on one night after taking my medication and this is what I came up with trying to use the manual settings on my new Canon. I’m still working it all out and hope I am close to what was required for the assignment.

I've spent many hours now studying my new Canon Rebel XTi instruction manual for this project with Neil Creek.

I was 2 days overdue .. but I submitted it anyway, just to let Neil know I was still around and following his tutorials and challenges which I have found to be a great way to learn photography.

The Project: 1 second shutter speed.

The above shot depicts the pain in my back at the time of taking it. Pain relief was felt when I saw the result of the photo. I personally love it and if you look really close you can see me in the centre of it taking the photo.

Camera:	Canon EOS 400D Digital
Exposure:	2.5 sec (5/2)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	53 mm
ISO Speed:	100
Exposure Bias:	0/3 EV
Flash:	Flash did not fire

I love the effect I have created here with a slower shutter speed. I'm still fiddling around with all the manual settings on my new camera.

The little light worms down the bottom of the photo are cute too ... looks like they are on a mission. ............ or maybe I've had way too much medication .. ☺

I haven't done many adjustments to this photo .. a tad saturation, a crop and a 1% rotation.

Camera:	Canon EOS 400D Digital
Exposure:	1 sec (1)
Aperture:	f/5.6
Focal Length:	55 mm
ISO Speed:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Flash did not fire

Seen in the group"Learning Photography with Neil Creek"

The Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum by Chrissy Downunder

A fun day spent at the Melbourne Museum with Peter and my sons, Jai and Beau. At the time I was using a Ricoh Caplio R40 Point and shoot, but now that I have my new Canon Rebel XTi I can't wait to spend another day at the museum taking photos. I hope they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner there though ..... I have a feeling I'll be there all day next time. So many interesting things to see, touch, learn and photograph.

Click on the links to photos below to see more information about each one.

1. What's for Dinner .. Dino?, 2. Balance on Butterfly, 3. Melbourne Museum ~ Angles in Colour, 4. Windmill Angles, 5. Dinosaur Display at Melbourne Museum, 6. Australian Coat of Arms, 7. In Days Gone By, 8. The Melbourne Story, 9. Parallel Lines, 10. Checking out the ants, 11. Reflections on Phar Lap, 12. Spiderman - Melbourne Museum, 13. Cable Tram - Melbourne Museum

Share your Melbourne Story experience with the world!

If you have any photo's of the Melbourne Museum .. share them in the Visitor's Photo Album.

Melbourne Museum has created a group on the photo-sharing website Flickr, enabling visitors to share their unique images of this exciting new exhibition, allowing others to see through their eyes.

If you’re a seasoned Flickr user, jump straight in to the Melbourne Museum Group .. join up and start adding your photos. Be sure to tag your images with 'themelbournestory' to make them appear in this Visitor's Photo Album.

Those unfamiliar with Flickr should take their tour and then sign up.

Note: images displayed on Flickr remain the copyright of the original photographer.

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Tasmania

Tasmania by Chrissy Downunder

1. Lighthouse at Low Head - Tasmania, 2. Settling on Shadows, 3. Bennetts wallaby at Narawntapu National Park - Tasmania, 4. Beaconsfield Gold Mine Shaft, 5. Marsupials Grazing, 6. 'O', 7. Jetty, 8. Meditate, 9. 'Seaside Sheep', 10. Welcome Stranger, 11. Macro Mushroom in Tassie, 12. Tall Teatrees, 13. A Perfect Day, 14. Photography - Of Old, 15. Narawntapu Nat Pk - Peter in Teatree Forest, 16. The Old Miners Cabin, 17. Greens Beach, Tasmania, 18. Neglected, 19. Forgotten, 20. The Miner, 21. Peter and Pademelon, 22. Goosey Goosey Gander - Whither shall I wander?, 23. Shy Pademelon, 24. ♠ Macro Mushroom ♠, 25. Rustic

Here are a few photos I took while visiting my dad in Tasmania. If you click on the link to the photos above you will find out much more information about them along with links to the various places and attractions I have been to.

Badger Creek ~ Healesville

Badger Creek ~ Healesville by Chrissy Downunder

Click HERE to see the SLIDESHOW

If you click on the individual photos you will be able to see more information about each one of them. Be sure to check out the Lyrebird picture too .. My dad Frank sent me a really cool documentary clip on YouTube about the Lyrebird with David Attenborough.

1. Reflections, 2. Ferned Framing ~Badger Creek, 3. Tall Trees at Badger Creek, 4. Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, 5. Badger Creek ~ Healesville, 6. Rockery ~ Badger Creek, 7. Moss ~ Badger Creek, 8. Natural Beauty ~ Badger Creek Reserve, 9. Ferns Forever, 10. Fungi that caught my Eye, 11. Badger Creek ~ Healesville, 12. The Lyrebird is the world's best impersonator., 13. Through the trees ~ Badger Creek

I took all these photos at Badgers Creek in Healesville, Victoria.

Peter and I have enjoyed a few trips there now and they are all very memorable days. We usually try to get there before midday as it can be quite busy if you want to grab a spot on one of the bbq's including a big round communal one which is always popular if you are one who likes to meet and chat with others. We have met and enjoyed others at this bbq. A lot of people like to stand around this bbq to keep warm too. It throws out a lot of heat.


1. Peter and Chrissy at Badger Creek, 2. Parrots at Badger Creek, 3. Badger Creek Reserve Carpark, 4. Fungi 2, 5. Kookaburra's, 6. Peter at the BBQ ~ Badger Creek, 7. Crimson Rosella, 8. Badger Creek Reserve Picnic Area, 9. Fungi 3, 10. Through the Trees at Badger Creek, 11. Kookaburras at Badger Creek, 12. Ferns n Trees at Badger Creek, 13. Crimson Rosella at Badger Creek

After having our BBQ we then wander along a track which takes you through some of the most amazingly beautiful forest and creek areas I have ever come across.

I was a Scout Leader during the time my boys we growing up in Queensland and I have visited and camped in some really nice bushland and forest areas in my time but Badger Creek would have to be one of my favourites.

I was happy with the set of photos I took which are from July 2007 and during winter here in Australia.

Highly reccommended for a great day out with nature. BBQ facilities and picnic grounds available for public use, but I must stress .. on the weekend .. get there early on a nice day.
A great place to visit, take in and chill out for the day .. especially for photographers .. amateur and professional alike. Wonderful lush areas of trees ferns etc to capture.

Check out more if you like on: MY WAYN
Slideshow and Album

More info about Badger Creek Weir here:
Aussie Heritage
Total Travel - Victoria - Yarra Valley

The Mosaic was created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Emus at Healesville Sanctuary

Emus
Chrissy Downunder

I took this photo at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria.

An adult Emu may reach 2 meters in height and can weigh up to 45 kilograms, making them the tallest bird inhabiting Australia. They are outweighed by only one other bird in Australia- their relative, the Cassowary.

The feathers of an Emu are double shafted, giving the birds a loose, shaggy look. Emus are brown in colour, although the intensity of this colour varies according to the season of year, changes in surroundings and the behavior of nearby birds.

Although they have feathers, they cannot fly because their wings are too small. Also due to the structure of the feathers they are no longer capable of creating lift. This open structure serves the sole purpose of insulating against the elements. Emus have three toes, the underside of these toes is flattened with a small pad, to aid traction over rough terrain.


Habitat

Emus are found throughout Australia in almost all habitat types.


Diet

Emus feed mainly on grass, flowers, seeds, fruits and insects. Emus also consume stones which aid in the digestion process.


Breeding

Emus are sexually mature at around 2 years of age. Breeding season will usually occur between April and November. Normally Emus are silent, but during breeding season, the female will make a deep booming noise. Emus will lay a clutch of 6-11 eggs which are dark grey-green in colour and are about 13.5cm in length and 9cm wide.

It is up to the male to take care of the eggs during the 60 day incubation period and he is the sole parent for up to 2 years after the eggs hatch. After laying her eggs the female will find another wandering group and usually another mate with which she will lay another clutch of eggs. Female Emus can lay several clutches of eggs to numerous males in one breeding season.

Your 1st DSLR .. How did you feel?

Photo is of me using my Dad's Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi

Discussion of Flickr:

Learning Photography with Neil Creek

I'm interested to know how others were feeling and the level of their anticipation about having their first new DSLR's.

My Dad cruised into town this week (from Tassie) and had his Canon 400D with him. I tried really hard to greet him with much excitement and enthusiasm as I did while spotting his camera sitting on the back seat of his car, knowing that I too will be the proud owner of one soon.

Over the last day or two he has checked out what I have been up to lately with my photography and was quite impressed with the photos I have been taking with my little Ricoh CaplioR4 point n shoot.

For the last year I have been dreaming about owning one like his.

He sees the passion I have developed over the last 6 months …. so this morning he announced to me he feels I should have one sooner than October (my birthday) which has been a promised combined gift from him, Peter and my two grown up sons.

I am soooo excited and it feels like when I was a young teenager dreaming and thinking about my first true love …

.... do you remember those feelings of waking up every few hours through the night and the first thing that pops into your head is your new lover?

Does this sound like I have a problem I need to see a therapist about?

I can't sleep .. I can't eat .. I'm dreaming day and night about this camera and it consumes my thoughts constantly .. for heaven's sake :) ..... Do I need to see a therapist perhaps or is this a normal reaction and emotion felt by people passionate about photography? Lol

I'm hoping to have photos for this weeks challenge 'HAPPINESS' with my new camera. ..... The order is in and I will have one within the week!

Beaconsfield Gold Mine Shaft

Beaconsfield Gold Mine Shaft
Chrissy Downunder

Took this photo in 2007 when I visited The Beaconsfield Grubb St Historical Gold mine Museum.

I liked the old rustic look of the wall and the window arches.

The Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum is adjacent to the Beaconsfield Gold Mine, which you can see from a viewing platform.

This is the site where, in April 2006, a rock fall trapped three miners one kilometre underground. Miner Larry Knight was tragically killed, and the subsequent rescue of Brant Webb and Todd Russell, who remained trapped for 14 days, became known worldwide as the ‘Great Escape’.

The Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum is located at Beaconsfield, northern Tasmania.

The Museum is located within two restored heritage buildings on the site of the 19th century Tasmanian gold mine. The rich Tasman reef was discovered here in 1877, and until its closure in 1914, the mine produced gold worth AUD450 million in today’s value. The museum features an extensive collection of mining memorabilia, artefacts and machinery.

Explore the Grubb Shaft Mine; see the iron smelter, water wheel and working model of the mine's dewatering pump, one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. You can also visit the miner's cottage, local store and the old Flowery Gully School.

Beaconsfield is a 30-minute drive north of Launceston (43 kilometres/27 miles) in the Tamar Valley.

Low Head Lighthouse

Low Head Lighthouse
Chrissy Downunder

This photo was taken from Greens Beach looking across at the Low Head lighthouse in the distance.


Quite picturesque I thought and I was happy with how I captured the rolling waves.

More information about Low Head in Tasmania

Low Head Lighthouse

Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne

Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne

Chrissy Downunder

Royal Exhibition Building
is situated in Carlton Gardens just across the Melbourne museum. It is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the world's oldest remaining exhibition pavilions.

A World Heritage site is defined as a place that is important to all peoples of the world.

The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens is the first non-Aboriginal cultural site in Australia to win World Heritage listing. It joins our nation’s other World Heritage listings, which include Aboriginal cultural sites such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and the continent’s many natural heritage areas—from Kakadu in the north to the Tasmanian Wilderness, from Shark Bay (Western Australia) to the Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast.

Around the Bend

Around the Bend by Chrissy Downunder

Around the Bend on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Part of our regular walk. I love this pathway fence.

The Mullum Mullum Creek Trail is a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians, which follows Mullum-Mullum Creek in the outer eastern suburbs in Melbourne Victoria Australia

The path has two distinct sections which are not connected. The upper section is located in Ringwood. The lower section is located in Donvale and Warrandyte and is highly recommended due to the excellence of the environment.

The upper section of the trail will be extended and link up with the Koonung Creek Trail, when the EastLink project is completed. The gap will be narrowed further still by the extension of the lower section from Tindals Road to Park Road.

Mullum Mullum Creek Trail

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Length Upper 5.4km, lower 6.4km
Difficulty Easy
Hills Undulating
Hazards Horses
Connecting Transport
Train Ringwood station
Tram None

I'm Learning Photography with Neil Creek

Neil Creek's Blog

Healesville Sanctuary: Double Take

Distorted Double Take

Chrissy Downunder

Family day out:
with Peter Frank (my dad) and my two sons Jai and Beau☺

Healesville Sanctuary
Healseville Victoria.

Took this photo with my dads
Canon Digital Rebel XTi.

SPECS

Camera Type:	DSLR
Megapixels:	10.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom:	Unknown
LCD Size:	2.5 in
Media Type:	CompactFlash, Microdrive

I'm happy with the effect the 'distortion' mirror made. I didn't create the effect through a graphics program, this is how it turned out. All I did was crop and sharpen just a tad.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Sanctuary

Tall Trees at Badger Creek

"It's one thing not to see the forest for the trees, but then to go on to deny the reality of the forest is a more serious matter"
Paul Weiss

More photos of Badger Creek here

Go here for more info about Badger Creek Weir

Total Travel

Eastlink Sculpture & Artwork Drive

Eastlink Opening Day
Sculpture & Artwork Drive
Chrissy Downunder

It was a chilly, cloudy and overcast yesterday

FANTASTIC!

A perfect day for photography.
I took this photo with our Caplio R40

One of the artworks along EastLink at Ringwood. The blue tinge was caused by the tinted front windscreen of our car, but I quite like the effect.

I was quite happy with the result. I didn't do too much processing .. A tad brightness and small crop ..

Eastlink Maps

Eastlink Gallary Statues & Artworks:

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Chrissy Downunder

Healesville Sanctuary

Australia's premier wildlife park
is nestled in the foothills of the Yarra Valley, just one hour from Melbourne. Koalas, dingoes, kangaroos and the unique platypus are just a few of the 200 species of Australian wildlife flourishing in a stunning Australian bushland environment.

Don't you just love some of the old Aussie nursery rhymes. This is what I had singing in my head when taking a shot of this Kookaburra. I had to zoom in, so unfortunately the pic is a bit grainy .. although I don't mind the effect.

For those of you who don't know this catchy little tune, you can listen to it here at All Downunder

Put these words to the tune and you will see what I mean about having it playing in my head.

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

We Luv The Blues - Jimi Hocking

Peter and I enjoy dining out in a variety of restaurants in and around Melbourne. We love seeing live bands particularly blues. We love to get out and about ... dancing, drinking, mixing with friends generally raging the night away at one of our great little clubs, taverns, hideouts or Live Blues venues.

'Jimi Hocking' is one of our absolutely favorite blues performer, we would even consider ourselves to be groupies :) ... love his music and have been seeing him and his band 'The Blue Machine' play in Melbourne regularly (at least once a month) for the last 3 years. If you love blues .. you will adore Jimi's music, he is a great act!

He not only rocks you with his music, he will have you raging out on the dance floor, he tells some funny lead in stories to his songs which will have you laughing. He a very entertaining artist and it's always a fun night out.

Extract from Jimi's Site: "I've posted a free MP3 from each album that's still in print, so you can get an idea of the flavour of each recording. These are hosted by the good indie folks over at Somersault Music, and they'll ask you where you're from before you start downloading. You don't have to say, but I like to get some idea where in the world my music is going. And in these global, downloading days I mean that literally"

Just click a song title below to download the MP3s - if you like what you hear, swing over to Somersault Music to pick up copies of the albums.

Yank It Up
The Golden Rule
Skinny White Boy
Do You Know My Name
Always In Between
Concrete Shoes
The Broken Arm Song

Check out his gig guide here.

I will be adding some reviews to cool places to eat .. drink and rage out at soon."

Dinosaur at Melbourne Museum

I took this photo on Sunday April 27 2008 at the Melbourne Museum.

This photo has been Cross Processed.

I am trying to find out more information about this dinosaur which is displayed at the Melbourne Museum. Any information ... anyone may have would be greatly appreciated ... feel free to message me or leave a comment :)

Dinosaur at Melbourne Museum on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Angles at The Melbourne Museum

I took this photo at the Melbourne Museum.

If you have any photo's of the Melbourne Museum .. share them in the Visitor's Photo Album
Share your Melbourne Story experience with the world!

Read the full article here:
Angles at The Melbourne Museum on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The Melbourne Story

I took this photo at the Melbourne Museum.

This trompe l’oeil painting by Carol van Rees is based on a photograph taken in 1870-75, by the American & Australasian Photographic Company (Beaufoy Merlin and Charles Bayliss).

Read the full article here:
The Melbourne Story on Flickr - Photo Sharing!