Infinity rooms Port Melbourne for Treassure Tuesday

 

Earlier this year, a considerable number of exhibitions were devoted to the presentation of so-called “infinity rooms,” a form of immersive installation art that captured much popular attention. These exhibitions became something of a cultural trend, attracting large audiences eager to experience the illusion of boundless space created through the ingenious use of mirrors, light, and repetition. Although they were widely discussed and much admired at the time, I did not record or present them here, and thus the phenomenon has remained unremarked upon in this account.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Hosier Lane mural by Superb_Beefalo

 

I was unable to discover much information about the artist. Nevertheless, the work does not appear to be left unsigned. It is a colourful composition, depicting a green dinosaur adorned with a crown, set against a vividly psychedelic background.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Serenity falls, Queensland for Sunday Best

 

Serenity Falls, hidden within the lush embrace of Buderim Forest Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a place where the natural world seems to speak in a softer, older language. The track that winds through the forest leads the visitor past three distinct cascades, each with its own charm, before arriving at the falls themselves—a ribbon of water tumbling gracefully over weathered rock into a shaded pool below. The journey is as captivating as the destination, for the path meanders beneath a canopy of subtropical rainforest that has flourished here for centuries. Strangler figs with their immense buttressed roots stand like sentinels, while piccabeen palms rise in elegant clusters, their fronds swaying with the faintest breath of breeze. Ferns, mosses, and lichens carpet the shaded gullies, their green hues intensified by the constant moisture.

The atmosphere is one of tranquil vitality. Birdsong drifts through the forest, punctuated by the whipbird’s sharp call and the softer murmur of smaller songbirds moving among the branches. Insects hum in the undergrowth, while the cool air carries the faint, earthy scent of damp leaf litter. The falls themselves seem to gather and release this energy, their waters tumbling with a rhythm that both soothes and enlivens. The light filtering through the canopy adds to the tropical impression, creating shifting patterns of brightness and shadow that dance across the rocks and water.

To linger here is to be reminded of the resilience of Queensland’s rainforests, remnants of ancient ecosystems that once spread far more widely across the continent. Serenity Falls is more than a scenic landmark; it is a living fragment of deep natural history, where the subtropical forest continues to thrive in a delicate balance of shade, moisture, and life. To walk its tracks and stand before its cascades is to step, if only for a moment, into a world both timeless and ever-renewing.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Forest Cave Phillip Island for Water H2O Thursday

 

I have sought a somewhat high-key approach in this composition. Though it is not the product of a long exposure, I endeavoured to capture the advancing waves as they swept across the shore, smoothing the sand as though polishing a vast marble floor. The shutter was set at neither too swift nor too languid a pace, thereby rendering a natural softness in the motion of the sea.

This scene unfolds upon one of Phillip Island’s secluded forest-fringed cave beaches, where rugged cliffs and weathered rock bear silent witness to millennia of wind and tide. The dense coastal woodland above, with its canopy of eucalypt and tea-tree, whispers of an ancient landscape that has sheltered wildlife and echoed with the passage of the Bunurong people long before European discovery. Here, in the meeting of forest, stone, and sea, the rhythms of history and nature are inscribed in every grain of sand and every retreating wave.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Lonsdale St Murals for Mural Monday

 

One evening, during an outing, Joel escorted me to a Korean restaurant. At its entrance, and upon the façades of the neighbouring shops, there were displayed murals of considerable charm.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Kitty Miller Bay Phillip Island for Water H2O Thursday

 

Kitty Miller Bay, situated on the southern coast of Phillip Island, is renowned as a premier destination for surfing, drawing enthusiasts with its consistently favorable waves and striking coastal scenery. The bay, framed by dramatic cliffs and pristine sandy shores, bears witness to both natural and human history. Its geological formations tell the story of ancient coastal processes, while the surrounding vegetation reflects the island’s unique flora adapted to the harsh marine environment. Historically, the area has attracted mariners, and remnants of shipwrecks along the shore serve as poignant reminders of the perilous seas that once challenged early navigation. I once visited Kitty Miller Bay in pursuit of capturing a compelling photograph of one such shipwreck, seeking to preserve the interplay of natural beauty and historical resonance in a single image.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Martin Place Signs in Sydney for Sign2

 

Martin Place in Sydney is a most agreeable promenade, a thoroughfare distinguished alike by its elegance and its historical resonance. Established in the latter part of the nineteenth century, Martin Place was originally conceived as a civic square adjoining the General Post Office, and over time it has become both the ceremonial heart and the financial centre of Sydney. Lined with imposing sandstone edifices in the classical style, it has witnessed countless public gatherings, from patriotic assemblies during the Great War to the sombre commemorations of Anzac Day and the more recent memorials of national grief. Today, amidst its bustling offices, cafés, and the ever-present signs that guide the pedestrian, it remains a place where history and modernity intermingle.

Over the past weekend, I found myself obliged to return to Bendigo, for there were pressing matters awaiting my attention. Several referrals required immediate consideration, and so I undertook the journey back to that regional city in order to attend personally to the urgent cases, ensuring that no delay should impede the care of those entrusted to me.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Lushux's portrait at AC/DC Lane Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

This mural, located in AC/DC Lane in Melbourne’s central business district, reflects the increasing popularity of portraiture within contemporary street art. The work bears the signature of Lushsux, a prominent Melbourne-based graffiti and mural artist celebrated for his large-scale, often pop culture–inspired creations.

Emerging from Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene in the early 2010s, Lushsux quickly gained international recognition for his provocative and often satirical works, which blend popular imagery with political and social commentary. His murals are characterised by bold composition, meticulous attention to facial detail, and a striking use of colour that amplifies emotional impact. Working primarily with aerosol paints, he employs layering techniques to achieve depth and tonal variation, while his choice of subject matter often reflects current cultural phenomena, internet memes, and global media narratives.

By integrating humour, controversy, and technical precision, Lushsux has established himself as one of Australia’s most recognisable urban artists, leaving an indelible mark on Melbourne’s laneways and beyond

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Signs on Flinders St and Swanston St Melbourne for Sign2

 

The first photograph was taken at the renowned Young and Jackson Hotel, an enduring landmark situated in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district. Established in 1861, this historic hotel has long been celebrated for its distinctive Victorian architecture and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its architectural and social significance, the hotel is perhaps most famously associated with tales of the supernatural. According to local legend, the spirit of a former barmaid named ‘Jane’ is said to haunt the premises. It is believed that Jane met a tragic end within the hotel’s walls, and since then, numerous patrons and staff have reported unexplained phenomena—whispers, fleeting shadows, and sudden drops in temperature—giving the establishment an eerie yet compelling allure. These ghostly tales have cemented the Young and Jackson Hotel as one of Melbourne’s most haunting and storied sites, attracting both history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the paranormal.

Following this, the image depicting the juice bars along Swanston Street was taken; these establishments continue to operate, serving a steady stream of patrons.

Sony A7RV 

FE 20-70m f4 G

Linking Sign2

** A glitch that this was posted on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. 

Makatron's basketball mural in Fitzroy Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

In the heart of Fitzroy, Melbourne, a vivid and commanding mural by renowned street artist Makatron stretches across a building wall, celebrating the legacy of basketball legends with unmistakable flair. Boldly coloured and rich in caricature detail, the mural features iconic players from the Chicago Bulls, including the unmistakable figure of Michael Jordan, alongside animated expressions, dynamic poses, and even the team’s red mascot brought to life with oversized sunglasses. Known for his large-scale, pop-surrealist works, Makatron infuses this piece with both nostalgia and urban energy, turning a quiet laneway into a vibrant homage to sporting greatness. The mural not only showcases his signature comic-inspired style but also contributes to Fitzroy’s reputation as a living gallery of contemporary street art

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Killen Falls Ballina NSW for Sunday Best

 

I have visited this waterfall on several occasions, primarily during my locum postings in either Ballina or Lismore, New South Wales. While I have previously shared several images of the falls, I had not, until now, revealed the singular perspective from within the cave behind the cascade. On that particular visit, the conditions were exceedingly damp, the air thick with mist and the roar of falling water echoing within the hollowed rock.

Killen Falls, part of the Emigrant Creek catchment, is a vestige of the region's ancient volcanic history—its basalt cliffs formed by lava flows from the long-extinct Mount Warning shield volcano. The waterfall plunges over a semi-circular basalt overhang, allowing one to stand within the cave and behold the curtain of water from behind, a rare and immersive vantage point in nature.

Following this wet and awe-filled exploration, I ventured to a nearby township where I partook in a traditional Jewish breakfast—an experience that remains warmly entwined with the memory of that elemental and storied place.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Balnarring Jetty at Mornington Peninsula for Thursday H2O Thurdsay

 

I am presently undertaking a three-week placement in regional Victoria. The first week involves continuous 24/7 on-call duties, leaving little opportunity for personal time.

The photograph shared here was taken late last year. Joel and I had become quite captivated by the idea of capturing a particular perspective of an old jetty pylon. Though we never quite achieved the precise image we had envisioned, the final photograph possesses a distinct character of its own.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

More Signs from Hay Street Foodcourt in Sydney for Sign2

 

Over the years, during each visit to Sydney for conferences, I found myself returning to the same familiar stores. They offered convenience and efficiency, remaining largely unchanged in appearance. Remarkably, despite the triannual renovation requirements imposed by their leases within shopping centres and food courts, the signage and overall presentation remained consistent, lending a sense of continuity amid the passage of time.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Wynward Station Sydney for Treasure Tuesday

 

During a recent visit to Sydney, I made it a personal mission to locate a particular entrance to Wynyard Station—an architectural curiosity that has captivated the attention of numerous bloggers and photographers alike. This strikingly unconventional design, modern and somewhat whimsical in character, had eluded me on previous occasions, owing to the station's labyrinthine layout and multitude of exits. It was not until my fourth excursion that I successfully discovered the precise location, tucked discreetly within the urban sprawl.

Wynyard Station itself is steeped in history. Originally opened in 1932 as part of the electrified City Railway line masterminded by engineer John Bradfield, the station served as a critical node in the development of Sydney’s underground transport system. The design of the station has undergone several transformations over the decades—from its early utilitarian function to the more recent revitalisation efforts that have introduced contemporary architectural elements. One such feature is the now-iconic "Interloop" installation at the escalator entrance, which reimagines decommissioned wooden escalator treads as a suspended sculpture, blending heritage with modern art in a most imaginative manner.

Since that journey to Sydney two months prior, however, I have found myself increasingly hindered by a malfunctioning camera. My current equipment struggles to capture images with the clarity and tonal nuance I desire. I await, with mounting impatience, the release of Sony’s anticipated successor to the A7RV—the elusive A7RVI. Reports earlier in the year suggested a launch was imminent, possibly heralding the arrival of a 100-megapixel sensor and an even more refined dynamic range. And yet, the months have passed in silence, with no definitive announcements. It is a most vexing delay, particularly for one who values the capacity to record light and form with the highest fidelity.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Rone's Mural in Fitzroy Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Rone: Street Artist of Elegance and Decay in Fitzroy, Melbourne

Rone, the pseudonym of Tyrone Wright, is one of Melbourne’s most renowned street artists, celebrated internationally for his hauntingly beautiful portraits of women that grace crumbling walls and forgotten spaces. His murals evoke a compelling contrast between beauty and decay—a central theme that has come to define his aesthetic. Nowhere is this more evocatively expressed than in the streets of Fitzroy, Melbourne’s cradle of bohemian culture and urban creativity.

In Fitzroy, Rone’s work is woven into the very fabric of the suburb. His large-scale murals typically depict elegant female faces rendered with painterly precision—eyes soft, melancholic, and distant, as though they belong to fading memories of another time. These portraits often occupy weathered surfaces, where peeling paint and exposed brick are not flaws but integral elements of the work, symbolising impermanence and the quiet erosion of beauty by time.

One of Rone’s most famous Fitzroy murals was painted on the side of the Young Husband Wool Store, and another memorable piece graced a wall along Napier Street. Though some of his Fitzroy works have since disappeared—painted over, demolished, or reclaimed by the environment—their spirit lingers in photos, archives, and in the visual memory of the community. These transient masterpieces underscore one of Rone’s key messages: beauty is fleeting, and so is the space it occupies.

Rone’s Fitzroy murals are more than art; they are monuments to emotion, atmosphere, and the tension between urban life and artistic stillness. In a city constantly changing, his work offers a quiet pause—inviting passersby to stop, feel, and remember.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Bridgewater Bay Blairgowrie for Water H2O Thursday

 

There has been scarcely any significant low tide in recent months along this stretch of coast. Thus, I seized a brief moment to capture a photograph from the stairway, looking down toward the shore. Nearby, one of the sand cliffs has given way, its collapse engulfing the entire shoreline beneath a shroud of earth and debris.

This took place at Bridgewater Bay, situated in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. Renowned for its rugged coastal beauty, Bridgewater Bay features sweeping limestone cliffs, secluded rock pools, and crescent-shaped sands that are accessible only during favourable tides. In calmer times, its natural amphitheatre and tidal platforms attract walkers and beachcombers alike. Yet nature’s forces here are ever at play — carving, shaping, and at times overwhelming the very landscape they adorn.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Hay St Market Signs for Sign2

 

Hay Street Market, once a bustling hub of local trade and cultural exchange, now bears more resemblance to a modern-day food court. Situated in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown, the area was historically known for its vibrant produce stalls, specialty grocers, and merchants who reflected the multicultural tapestry of the city. It was a place where fresh goods, traditional herbs, and authentic Asian delicacies brought the community together.

In contemporary times, however, the market has undergone a notable transformation. Surrounding the precinct are an array of souvenir shops, many offering mass-produced trinkets—magnets, toys, and keepsakes bearing the ubiquitous stamp of "Made in China." The once-proud market stalls now compete with the encroaching tide of commercial tourism.

And so, with a touch of irony and nostalgia, we remark: Here they are—the signs. A subtle nod to the market’s evolution, marking a shift from local authenticity to a more touristic fare.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Bar Mural in St Kilda Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

The magnificent mural depicting a giant bat with richly textured wings and dreamlike imagery is most assuredly Release the Bats, a work by the accomplished Australian artist Hayden Dewar. Completed in August 2023 under the commission of the Port Phillip Council, the mural adorns the wall at 6 Belford Street in St Kilda, Melbourne. Dewar, known for his vivid visual storytelling and imaginative use of colour and form, has here rendered a surreal grey-headed flying fox soaring through a vibrant landscape interwoven with motifs drawn from the local environment—native flora, references to Luna Park, the surrounding live music culture, and the coastal charm of St Kilda.

Joel and I had come to the area that day for an Italian luncheon and, by happy fortune, managed to secure a rare parking space nearby. The artwork, set against the bright tones of the streetscape, provided an unexpected and captivating visual delight—its fantastical scale and layered symbolism leaving a lasting impression.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Tenby Point, Gippsland for Water H2O Thursday

 

Tenby Point is but a modest township situated on the fringe of metropolitan Melbourne. Access to the beach lies discreetly beside the rear gate of a local residence, with space for merely two vehicles. The area is best approached during low tide, for the path leads across muddy flats rather than firm sand. The seabed itself is composed entirely of soft, viscous sludge—mud that I invariably carry into Joel’s car. For this reason, we seldom visit during summer. Instead, we favour the winter months, when the weather deters us from venturing far afield, and proximity becomes a comfort.

The aged pylons that rise solemnly from the tide are favoured subjects for photography. There is, I believe, a quiet significance to our collective urge to document them—perhaps a longing to preserve a vestige of a bygone era, or a reverence for the passage of time made manifest in timber and tide.

Presently, I am soon to commence another locum shift in regional Victoria—a favour rendered to a friend. Consequently, my blog may, on occasion, fall silent for a day or two, owing to the unpredictable demands of being on call at a country hospital. I only hope this venture does not once again lead me down the path of indulgence and weight gain, as such postings sometimes do.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Martin Place Sydney Signs for Sign2

 

Many of the buildings and interiors bore a striking resemblance to those found in Melbourne. At times, I found myself reflecting on how modern cities, despite their geographic distances and cultural distinctions, often share a uniformity in design and atmosphere. The steel and glass façades, the sleek minimalist interiors, and the ubiquitous presence of international retail chains contribute to a certain sameness that transcends borders. It is as though the identity of place is increasingly shaped by global architectural trends rather than local character. One might wander from one metropolis to another and, for a fleeting moment, forget which city they are truly in.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2