My photo
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

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!

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.



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.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Crimson Rosella's in our Garden

I'm still trying to capture a really good close up of these wonderfully colourful birds we have as regular visitors in our garden. Here a few of the latest.

Crimson Rosella's often feed from the birdseed holder we have hung in the trees which are right outside our home office.


This was my week in photos. Hope you enjoy. Please don't hesitate to leave a comment and let me know if anyone out there in cyber land is reading my blog. I'm still learning it all and trying to refine and develop my blog into something that others are interested in reading about. Any and all feedback most welcomed ... especially the positive kind. :)

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.




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...
____________________________________________________________________

Friday, September 5, 2008

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 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

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Spring is in the air.

It has been raining quite regularly for the last few weeks in Melbourne. I had been waiting for a few nice days to get out into the garden to take some photos and see what new and wonderful blossoms and blooms had sprung up over the last week or so.

Buddy, Peter and I ventured outside between showers to take a few photos.

This is Buddy happy to be outside with us checking out what's happening in the garden.

These are new daffodils coming up .. I think they may be coming on a little early this year but am happy to see their smiling faces. Daffodils always give me the feeling of happiness when I see them.
One side of our property has a hedge. I was trying to get a photo with a 'vanishing point' within it.



The old glasshouse roof. It does need some work done on it but I'm happy with the old rustic look. A crack here and hole there.

We picked this old red wheelbarrow from somewhere down the road ... it's not functional but it looks nice in the front garden. We plan to put some plants in it. .. It's on the list along with so many other things we would like to do in the garden ... Can't wait for summertime!

Some vibrant flowers looking up at me. Love the colour of these blooms. Im still trying to find out what they are though.

A little post processing and they just pop right out at you!


The garden is starting it's spring parade. Flowers and colours everywhere I look. The rain has been most welcomed and I know the garden is going to be spectacular this coming Spring.


The Bird of Paradise is also joining in the Springtime parade. I noticed it is just starting to bloom and I'm hoping to get some photos with a bird on it this year.

Finally after an hour or so in the garden Peter made a wonderfully delicious dinner for us. Warm beef with garden salad ..... most appropriate after our time in the garden. It was really yummy and I surely am a spoilt girl to have a man that enjoys cooking good healthy meals for me.


The Melbourne Museum


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.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Badger Creek ~ Healesville


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.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Emus at Healesville Sanctuary

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.


Sunday, July 27, 2008

Class of 77


Peter and I went to see my son Jai's year 12 students perform this play "CLASS OF 77" on Friday night. This was Jai's first play direction as a Drama teacher. It was a very entertaining night.

You can see more photos here in my "Class of 77" set on Flickr

Jai played a small part as a body guard. He is in some of the smaller photos within the mosaics.

The shots aren't very sharp as they were the first photos I took with my new Canon Rebel XTi and I didn't get a chance to work out all the settings. All of the photos were taken with the flash off.

The Play:

Class of 77 is a story about the process of change, of growing up and making the best of what we are confronted with in life. Sure, it’s a comedy, it’s a love story, it’s a musical but essentially it’s about not regretting the past, our youth, and making the most of the present. Live in the moment and plan for the future.



The story revolves around year 12 students attending a school in Sydney’s outer suburbs. The 1970’s was the decade before computers, mobile phones, AIDS and political correctness. Hippies, flares, long hair and women’s liberation were in vogue and life was seemingly more carefree. Two of the main characters Michael and Jenny symbolize teenage romance and the emerging independent female. The Torana boys, the nerd, the liberated hippie, the party boy and the strange exchange student were all stereotypes of this decade.



In the second act we meet our characters 15 years later in the de3cadent, swinging early 90’s. They are adults and in a changed world. Some have become very successful, whilst others have had a more difficult time. Old flames are reignited and each of the characters learns something about themselves. Michael and Jenny need to patch up the hurt and mistrust and eventually find their way through. For all, the last song says it all – the best is yet to come!



Written by: David Hines

David’s background is diverse, encompassing all types of music and theatre. Stating with violin at the age of five he has played in several orchestras and was a member of a number of rock bands playing the Sydney circuit in the 70’s and 80’s. Proficient on many instruments David has written and arranged a wide variety of music. In 1982 he won an award for the music used in a series of television commercials for the Commonwealth Games of that year. David has also had a long interest in theatre and dramatic productions including “Beauty and the Beast” “Grease” “Buddy” “Little Shop of Horrors” and many others. David’s 10 minute musical “The Morning After” was a finalist in this year’s “Short, Sweet & Song” festival in Sydney.

Class of 77 is David’s first full length musical and premiered in Sydney in 2006. Since then there have been over a dozen productions in Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. David is currently working on a second musical TIMELESS which is scheduled for completion in 2009.

Links:

Class of 77

IMBD

Monday, July 21, 2008

A Night out with Jimi Hocking



Photo of our favourite blues performer Jimi Hocking taken on one of our nights out.


I thought it might be good for this weeks challenge 'Happiness' in:
Learning Photography with Neil Creek

Everyone looks pretty happy here getting into the music. Going to see Jimi Hocking certainly makes Peter (in the bright blue shirt) and I happy every time we see him play.


Jimi Hocking's Website

Support Australian Independent Artists

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Jimi Hocking - Blues Machine

Jimi Hocking - Blues Machine

I took these photos on one of our blues nights out recently of our favourite blues performer.

Jimi Hocking who is a songwriter, singer and guitarist of the highest calibre, the electric love child of T-Bone Walker, BB King and Jimi Hendrix.

He struts the stage with his band, playing his ‘showy’ guitar style while pulling all the classic stunts ... behind the head ... the duck walk ... even the splits!

Jimi’s affinity with the guitar started as a boy when his father, Kevin Hocking (a well known pianist and composer) realised that Jimi was more interested in Chuck Berry than his piano lessons, and so presented him with a primitive acoustic guitar for Christmas. These humble beginnings led to an ongoing career in music, with Jimi playing electric guitar, acoustic guitar and mandolin.

Read the rest of Jimi Hocking's Bio

A video for 'Skinny White Boy', a song considered by many to be Jimi's signature tune, hits YouTube.


If all that ain't enough, Jimi has also written music for film and TV, and played for many other artists in a career now spanning 25 years. He continues to write, record and perform with astonishing enthusiasm.




Beaconsfield Gold Mine Shaft

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.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Low Head Lighthouse

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


Friday, July 11, 2008

Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne

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.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Around the Bend

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

'Seaside Sheep'

Photo taken at George Town, Tasmania

It is a very picturesque township with lots of opportunities for some great landscape and nature shots.

George Town sits on the eastern banks of the Tamar River about 40 minutes’s drive (50 kilometres/32 miles) north of Launceston. It is the third oldest settlement in Australia after Sydney and Hobart.

At nearby Low Head you can explore one of the best-preserved examples of an early pilot station, built by convicts in 1805. The pilot station is still in operation today. Also, from Low Head you can take a penguin tour to see the world’s smallest penguins clamber to their nests each night.

To the east are the vineyards of Pipers River, and the Bridestowe Lavender Farm.

Just south of George Town along the shores of the Tamar River is the deep-water port of Bell Bay and as you follow the A8 Highway you can stop by the Lavender Garden at Rowella, and the Hillwood Strawberry Farm.

More information about George Town, Tasmania

Learning Photography with Neil Creek:

Neil Creek's Blog