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

Eastern Long Snake Necked Turtle for Saturday Critter

 

This photograph, too, hails from a bygone era—captured over thirty years ago at Healesville Sanctuary, by the edge of a tranquil pond. It is difficult to fathom that such richness of colour and remarkable clarity could be achieved with a digital SLR of such vintage. The image stands as a quiet testament to the enduring capabilities of early digital photography, as well as to the attentive eye behind the lens.

The true subject of the photograph is a native freshwater turtle, most likely the Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis), a species commonly found in the wetlands, rivers, and billabongs of southeastern Australia, including the sanctuary grounds at Healesville. With its distinctive serpentine neck—often as long as its shell—this turtle has long fascinated naturalists and casual observers alike. When threatened, it emits a pungent musk from its glands, earning it the colloquial name "stinker."

In this image, the turtle appears either basking or gliding just beneath the surface, its smooth carapace catching the light, revealing details lost to the hurried eye. These turtles are an essential part of the aquatic ecosystem, feeding on insects, small fish, and carrion, and contributing to the balance of the watery habitats they call home.

To think that this moment—quiet, ordinary, and now distant—was captured so vividly with the technology of the time is both humbling and wondrous. It reminds us of the enduring value of patient observation and the rich natural heritage preserved within sanctuaries such as Healesville.

Pentax K10D 

Pentax 300mm f2.8 

Linking Saturday Critter

Jungle Babbler (Argya striata) for Saturday Critter

 

The image, captured many years ago with an early-generation digital camera, may well have been part of an informal experiment with my cherished collection of Pentax lenses. At the time, I was testing their optical clarity and rendering in natural light. The subject—serendipitously chosen or perhaps fatefully encountered—was none other than the Jungle Babbler (Argya striata), a bird of considerable charm and quiet dignity.

Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Jungle Babbler is most often observed in sociable clusters, earning it the endearing epithet of “Seven Sisters.” Its plumage, a soft and subtly variegated grey-brown, carries a fine, layered texture reminiscent of brushed velvet. The bird’s eye, pale and unblinking, holds a gaze both inquisitive and reserved, while its slightly decurved bill—sturdy and dark—is well-suited to its foraging habits among leaf litter and low shrubs.

Though common in its range, the Jungle Babbler possesses an understated beauty, particularly evident in close observation. The photograph, though unassuming in origin, managed to capture the delicacy of its feather arrangement and the quiet expressiveness of its face. It stands now as a quiet testament to the capabilities of those fine Pentax optics—and to the enduring grace of this often-overlooked avian companion.

Pentax K10D

A 300mm f2.8 

Linking Saturday Critter

West Gate Park Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

We had initially set our sights on Sandridge Bridge, intending to capture the city skyline at sunset. Much to our surprise and disappointment, the entire area had been cordoned off, denying us access. Undeterred, we sought an alternative vantage point that might render the excursion worthwhile. We turned our course towards Westgate Park, only to discover that it too was undergoing extensive construction works—an added frustration.

Nonetheless, perseverance led us to a suitable spot from which to photograph the twilight. The gentle hues of dusk, softened by the encroaching night, provided some consolation.

Westgate Park itself, situated along the banks of the Yarra River beneath the West Gate Bridge, has long served as a haven for birdlife and city dwellers alike. Once a barren expanse of industrial wasteland, it was transformed during the 1980s as part of Melbourne’s urban greening initiatives. The park is especially known for its striking pink lake—a seasonal natural phenomenon caused by the proliferation of salt-loving algae under specific climatic conditions.

The current redevelopment seeks to enhance visitor access, restore native habitats, and improve ecological sustainability. Though temporarily inaccessible, it promises to return as an even more vibrant urban refuge.

Our evening concluded at a nearby Japanese restaurant, where we sought comfort in freshly pan-fried gyoza. Joel, in high spirits, treated himself to a small carafe of sake—rounding off a day that, though unplanned in its course, retained its moments of charm and reward.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Fitzroy Mural in Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

This mural is situated within a narrow laneway in Fitzroy, Melbourne, now heavily adorned with layers of graffiti and street art. Once a standalone piece, it has since become part of the ever-evolving urban tapestry for which Fitzroy is renowned.

Fitzroy, established in 1839, holds the distinction of being Melbourne's first suburb. Originally developed for the working class, it soon became known for its row houses, bluestone laneways, and bustling community life. By the mid-20th century, Fitzroy had evolved into a melting pot of cultures, attracting waves of immigrants and fostering a rich tradition of activism, creativity, and bohemian spirit.

In recent decades, the suburb has become a vibrant centre for the arts, with its walls serving as open-air galleries for muralists and street artists from around the world. Though once associated with countercultural resistance, the area now walks a fine line between gentrification and artistic preservation. This mural, layered with the marks of many hands, is emblematic of Fitzroy’s ongoing dialogue between history, community, and expression.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Star fish at Mount Martha Melbourne for Saturday Critter

 

While walking along the coast near Mount Martha, I came upon this starfish resting just beneath the water’s surface. Though it is a known marine pest along our shores, I could not help but appreciate the quiet moment when it appeared beside my feet as I was photographing the sea.

The image depicts a sea star—also known as a starfish—positioned upon a bed of green algae and submerged vegetation. Notably, it possesses more than the customary five arms, suggesting it may belong to a multi-armed species such as the Solaster, commonly referred to as the sun star.

These creatures are marine echinoderms, distinguished by their radial symmetry and numerous tube feet, which they employ to navigate the ocean floor. This specimen was observed in a shallow, tranquil coastal pool, where the clarity of the water revealed the richness of the marine flora beneath.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

De Grave Place Melbourne Signs for Sign2

 

The signage around this quarter marks some of my favourite locales—there is something distinctly Melburnian about their character, at least as captured through the lens. Nowhere is this more evident than in Degraves Place, nestled in the very heart of Melbourne’s central business district.

Degraves Place, and its adjoining laneway Degraves Street, take their name from the Degraves family, early settlers and entrepreneurs in colonial Victoria. William and Charles Degraves arrived from Hobart in the 1850s and quickly established themselves as prominent figures in Melbourne’s flour milling industry. Their enterprise, the Degraves Mill, once stood near the banks of the Yarra, a symbol of industrious ambition in the young colony.

Today, Degraves Place is emblematic of Melbourne’s famed laneway culture—an elegant mingling of past and present. Beneath its heritage façades and weathered brickwork lie cafés, galleries, and small boutiques, alive with the hum of conversation and the aroma of espresso. The signs that adorn these narrow passages are not mere markers—they are storytellers of a city that thrives on character, contrast, and continuity.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Sign2

Vue De Monde Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

Roast Eel 

Smoked cocktail

Picked Oyster

Caviar on pumpkin mesh

Merren 3 eats

Pineapple sorbet with floral crisps

Cured Kangaroo meat 

We are getting older 

Souffle 

Joel’s birthday was celebrated just last week, an occasion for which I had secured a reservation no less than three months in advance. The booking, as expected, was gone within minutes of the reservation page opening—testament to the enduring allure of this esteemed establishment, which has held its place among Melbourne’s finest dining destinations for over a quarter of a century. Indeed, having now dined at virtually every hatted restaurant in the city, it feels as though we are truly savouring the richness of life’s finer pleasures.

For this special evening, we were seated at Vue de Monde, a culinary landmark atop the Rialto. The evening unfolded with an elegant succession of courses—each a thoughtful homage to native Australian ingredients and refined technique. There was the delicate smoked eel with white chocolate and caviar, a bold yet balanced expression of contrasts. The Western Australian marron arrived perfectly poached, nestled in a vivid green sauce of Geraldton wax and finger lime. A course of Flinders Island lamb followed, prepared with such precision that it seemed to melt upon the tongue. Even the bread service—a warm, crusty sourdough with house-cultured butter—was elevated to a ceremonial delight.

The degustation concluded with an exquisite arrangement of petit fours: wattleseed macarons, eucalyptus marshmallows, and a hand-churned ice cream, theatrically frozen in liquid nitrogen at the table. Each dish was presented with care, matched by service that was both attentive and effortlessly refined.

To commemorate the occasion visually, I brought along my new Sony 16mm f1.8 lens. Its compact form and brilliant aperture made it an ideal companion for capturing the quiet drama of the dining scene—the glint of glassware, the sheen on porcelain, the gentle fall of candlelight on plated artistry.

Sony A7RV

FE 16mm f1.8 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Spencer St Mural by Adnate for Mural Monday

 

Adnate, a well-known Australian street artist celebrated for his large-scale portraiture.

Adnate, whose real name is Matt Last, hails from Melbourne and has gained international recognition for his powerful and emotive murals that often portray Indigenous Australians, elders, and youth with dignity and strength. His work typically blends realism with street art techniques, using spray paint to capture striking expressions and profound cultural narratives.

In this image, Adnate's signature style is clear—deeply human faces with intense, expressive eyes, rendered with photorealistic detail against a more abstract or symbolic background. The mural’s subjects—likely community members or individuals of personal or cultural significance—are depicted with great reverence, a hallmark of Adnate's work.

You can find his other murals in cities around the world, but many of his most iconic pieces are right in Melbourne, on the walls of buildings just like this one, often contributing to broader dialogues about identity, history, and resilience.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 14-24mm f2.8

Linking Mural Monday

Bridgewater Bay Blairgowrie for Skywatch Friday

 

Winter sunsets often display warmer and more vivid hues than those of summer. This is partly due to the sun being farther from the Earth during the winter months. I find particular enjoyment in photographing sunsets during this season, as Joel and I are then able to visit the local fish and chip shop afterwards, with the sun setting conveniently around five o'clock.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Skywatch Friday

London Bridge, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Joel and I once again found ourselves in this picturesque corner of Melbourne, drawn by the timeless beauty of the coast at Portsea. The tide had risen halfway, lapping gently at the shore, and we took the opportunity to capture another image of the sea cave before the encroaching waves swallowed the space entirely.

This site, known as London Bridge, holds a quiet majesty shaped by millennia of natural forces. Carved by the relentless action of wind and water, the arch once formed a striking natural bridge jutting into the Bass Strait. For decades, it stood as a proud sentinel of the Mornington Peninsula, a favourite among visitors and locals alike.

However, in 2005, the bridge partially collapsed—its central span giving way to the ocean’s persistent erosion. What remains now is a rugged, windswept fragment of its former grandeur, a solemn reminder of nature’s power to both create and undo. Today, as the sea reclaims the cave below, we are reminded not only of the fragility of these coastal formations but also of the fleeting moments we are fortunate enough to witness.

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Nico's sandwich Deli Signs in Fitzroy for Sign2

 

For reasons known only to him, Joel has developed an unwavering fondness for the sandwiches served at Nico's in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Though the area is notoriously devoid of parking, he insists upon making the pilgrimage, often compelling me to circle the surrounding streets for what feels like hours in search of a suitable space. The inconvenience, however, seems a small price to pay in his eyes, for the sandwiches at Nicco's are, by many accounts, nothing short of extraordinary.

Renowned for their impeccable flavour and generous portions, Nico’s has earned a devoted following and frequently draws a queue that winds well beyond its modest storefront. Indeed, numerous patrons—both local and visiting—have hailed it as offering some of the finest sandwiches in the city, a reputation that appears well deserved given the crowds it consistently attracts. Despite the logistical challenges of the location, it is clear that the culinary experience alone justifies the effort.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Signs 2

I had intended to take a leisurely stroll through The Rocks in Sydney this evening; however, my plans were unceremoniously thwarted by the sudden onset of rain, which began to pour down in earnest.

Star War Lego Exhibition in Melbourne Museum for Treasure Tuesday

 

Last weekend, under a persistent rain, I persuaded Joel to accompany me to an exhibition, for which the admission was thirty-five Australian dollars per person. The venue was teeming with children—so many, in fact, that it quite diminished the enjoyment of the experience. Joel was particularly vexed by the presence of plastic panel barriers before most exhibits, which rendered it impossible to capture clear photographs.

In his frustration, he hastened our departure, and we made our way to Mensho Ramen in the Central Business District. There, we endured a queue of nearly forty-five minutes in the open air before partaking in a bowl of richly stewed pork bone broth—without noodles, of course, as both of us are presently adhering to a ketogenic diet.

Joel possesses a far greater familiarity with the Star Wars franchise than I. In an effort to redress this disparity, I have undertaken to rewatch the entire series, hoping at last to comprehend the intricacies of its narrative—an endeavour long postponed due to the many years I devoted to specialist examinations and the pursuit of my professional career.

In 2025, Melbourne Museum proudly hosts the world premiere of LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition, a groundbreaking collaboration between LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught and the iconic Star Wars franchise. This immersive exhibition, running from May 4th to January 26th, 2026, showcases over 8 million LEGO® bricks meticulously assembled into life-sized models of beloved characters, starships, and scenes from across the Star Wars universe. Highlights include a towering four-metre-high AT-AT and the iconic X-wing Red 5, constructed from 64,759 bricks over 382 hours. Visitors can engage in interactive zones, participate in hands-on building activities, and explore the Droid Hall of Fame, featuring a shimmering C-3PO crafted from 'Pearl Gold' LEGO® bricks. This exhibition offers fans of all ages a unique opportunity to experience the Star Wars galaxy through the creative lens of LEGO® artistry

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Collins Street Road Sign in Melbourne for Sign2

 

These are simply candid street photographs taken along Collins Street. As some signs appeared incidentally within the frames, I have chosen to feature them as part of this week’s theme.

Earlier this week, I received a call from Joel, who shared with me a rather troubling incident involving his son. The boy, during a philosophy class at school, had quoted the words of the philosopher Nietzsche, saying, “We have killed God. Humans have killed God...”—a reference, of course, to Nietzsche’s profound critique of modernity and the decline of religious faith in Western society.

Regrettably, the teacher, evidently young and unfamiliar with Nietzsche’s work, misconstrued the remark as an act of blasphemy. Rather than recognising the statement as a pivotal moment in philosophical discourse, she responded by issuing the boy a detention.

It is both disheartening and perplexing that one entrusted with the instruction of philosophy should possess so little acquaintance with its foundational thinkers. How is one to teach the great questions of existence, morality, and belief without a proper understanding of those who have shaped the discipline through the ages?

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2 and FACE OFF

I am enjoying Micky 17 on Max. What a good story!

Fitzroy St Murals for Mural Monday

 

These photographs, taken during my former wanderings through the storied precincts of Fitzroy in Melbourne, form a modest yet treasured archive of days past. Though some images have weathered time gracefully and others appear worn or unrefined, each holds a certain charm for me—vestiges of solitary afternoons spent observing the character of the city through the lens of my camera.

Fitzroy, long regarded as Melbourne’s cradle of bohemian culture, has earned renown for its vibrant and often provocative street art. From the 1970s onwards, its laneways and brick facades became the canvas for an evolving urban dialogue—first through political slogans and stencil art, and later through intricate murals and large-scale commissions that drew artists from across the globe. The suburb’s walls speak in colour and form, telling stories of rebellion, community, and cultural transformation.

In such an environment, every corner bore the potential for artistic revelation. My photowalks, humble though they were, sought to capture fleeting intersections between light, decay, and expression. Some of the images reflect this energy vividly; others merely hint at it. Regardless of composition or clarity, these photographs are to me what relics are to a historian: fragments that, when assembled, speak not only of place, but of time and of one’s quiet presence within it.

They may not all gleam with technical finesse, but they are, in their own right, memory’s keepsakes—witness to an era in which Fitzroy’s streets breathed with defiant creativity and untamed spirit.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday