Posted in Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #16

To finish the Melbourne icon series we have decided to focus on what is perhaps the most iconic mode of transport in the city: the tram.

Over time, the trams have changed, but here’s one of the older types.

One of the old style trams
One of the old style trams

Here are two other photos … one more abstract than the other.

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Tim’s image of the new-look Melbourne tram is here.

Posted in Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #15

It seems that when it’s AFL season the whole population of Melbourne goes, at one time or another, to the MCG.

It’s about to be AFL season … and we’ll be joining the rest of the population there at least once. You simply can’t not go.

This is like a church for many people, who come to worship here.
This is like a church for many people, who come to worship here.

Tim’s shot is here.

Posted in Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #13

We’ve been to some tremendous arts events here.

People climb it to make political points on issues they’re passionate about.

It glows at night, but it doesn’t get all sparkly like the Eiffel Tower.

What is it?

The Arts Centre Spire of course.

A beacon for the Arts
A beacon for the Arts

Tim’s image is on his blog here.

Posted in Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #12

I remember taking a photo of my two daughters in front of Luna Park sometime in the early 90s when we were waiting for the boat back to Tassie. I’d taken photos of others in the same place, but it wasn’t till my most recent visit that I realised that I’d never actually been inside before.

Come in ... I don't bite!
Come in … I don’t bite!

 

So I went inside … here are a few images of what I found in there.

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Tim visited at a different time, and his view is quite different. See it here.

Posted in Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #11

When I first started going to Melbourne regularly I was surprised to learn that there were passenger trains operating in the centre of Melbourne. I knew about Flinders St and Spencer St stations but none of the others.

Imagine my surprise to learn that there was a station called Melbourne Central, that it was underground, and that above it there was a shopping centre that had a shot tower in it. And that the shot tower was covered by a cone.

That was a long time ago, of course. Now Melbourne Central is just one of those places I pass through on a regular basis. But I hadn’t photographed it before.

And now I have.

Looking up from way down below. Melbourne Central shot tower and cone.
Looking up from way down below. Melbourne Central shot tower and cone.

Tim took a great shot of it with his fish-eye lens. Check it out here.

Posted in Festival, Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #10

Tim and I are taking a break today from architectural icons of Melbourne and have decided to focus instead on a cultural icon.

The Moomba parade was held today and as we hadn’t been before we thought we’d see what all the fuss was about.

An hour after finding a spot to view said parade, we found out … bored children and flags.

But then the parade started and we found out what it was really about.

Colour and movement and celebrating the multicultural nature of the city we now call home.

Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne and her brother Stevie were crowned king and queen – a very popular choice. King Stevie was having a ball!

A study in contrasts: the poised queen and a very excited king.
A study in contrasts: the poised queen and a very excited king.

 

Here are some more images of the parade. Tim’s photos of the parade are here.

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Posted in Melbourne

Icons of Melbourne #9

Cloud camouflage …

Eureka Tower rising above Melbourne’s Southbank … the tallest building in Melbourne, but I wonder for how long?

Hiding in the clouds
Hiding in the clouds

Tim also took a shot at the tower. You can see it here.

Posted in Photography

Icons of Melbourne #6

My interpretation of the Bolte Bridge is much more abstract than most of my images.

My camera just wouldn’t focus, but I thought I’d take the shot anyway. Most images of the Bolte Bridge are in sharp focus, so mine is, in a sense, an aberration.

Tim’s shot is here.

Abstract Bolte
Abstract Bolte

I did manage to get one in focus … I really like the stripes on the water.

Bolte Bridge in focus
Bolte Bridge in focus