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

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

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

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

Chinese Friendship Garden in Sydney for Sunday Best

 

The Garden of Friendship, located beside the hotel at which I was lodging, was conveniently within walking distance, thus meriting a brief but deliberate visit. Though the entrance fee of twenty-four Australian dollars seemed somewhat steep—indeed, one might argue that such a public cultural space ought to be freely accessible—the experience nevertheless offered a serene and aesthetically rich retreat.

Designed in the classical style of traditional Chinese gardens, the Garden of Friendship is a harmonious composition of stone, water, and plant life, arranged in accordance with Taoist principles. The architecture and décor reflect the elegance and symbolism characteristic of Ming Dynasty landscapes: curved bridges, ornamental pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and intricately carved woodwork, all working together to evoke balance and contemplation.

Historically, the garden stands as a gesture of goodwill and diplomatic kinship. It was opened in 1988 as part of Sydney’s Bicentennial Celebrations, a gift from the people of Guangdong Province in southern China to the people of New South Wales. Its very name, the Garden of Friendship, underscores its role as a living monument to the enduring ties between Australia and China. Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the garden serves not only as a cultural showcase but also as a space for quiet reflection amidst the city’s bustle—a tranquil haven that bridges two worlds.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Joel and I went out to visit a cheese factory. No photography but it was really nice to taste a variety of them. 

Angel Place, Sydney for Treasure Tuesday

 

I paid a visit to Angel Place, a discreet and evocative laneway nestled near Martin Place in the heart of Sydney. My chief desire was to behold the suspended birdcages that grace the alleyway—a haunting and poetic installation known as Forgotten Songs. Conceived by artist Michael Thomas Hill and first installed in 2009 as part of the City of Sydney’s Laneways revitalisation program, this artwork commemorates the songs of fifty bird species once heard in the city before urbanisation drove them away. The empty cages, hanging above the narrow lane, evoke both memory and absence, as recordings of birdsong filter gently through the space, varying between day and night to reflect the natural calls of diurnal and nocturnal species. The experience was as moving as it was visually arresting—a poignant tribute to lost nature amidst the city's towering architecture.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Pinnacles Milkyway Cape Woolamai for Skywatch Friday

 

I have not engaged in much astrophotography over the past two years. The notion of spending an entire night outdoors—particularly at such an exposed and windswept location as the Pinnacles at Cape Woolamai—has ceased to hold the charm it once did. What was once a beloved pastime now feels more akin to an obligation. The glow visible on the horizon is the light pollution emanating from the distant city of Melbourne, which has, regrettably, diminished the appeal of this location for many photographers.

Captured using a Sony A7R V paired with the FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens.

Linking Skywatch Friday

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

Darling Harbour Night Signs for Sign2

 

Whilst on an evening stroll, delighting in the shimmering night lights of Sydney, I happened upon a number of curious signs as well. The gentle hum of the harbour was accompanied by the warm glow of shopfronts—those modest night establishments nestled along Darling Harbour, still open and inviting well into the late hours. Their illuminated windows offered a quiet charm, a testament to the city’s enduring vitality after dusk, where commerce and leisure intertwine beneath the soft reflections of water and light.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Signs 2

Circular Quay at night for Sunday Best

 

The Vivid Sydney 2025 festival, though notably more subdued in its scale and spectacle compared to previous years, still offered moments of charm and quiet wonder. While the grandeur of earlier editions may have been tempered, it remained a pleasant experience to wander through the illuminated streets, capturing the glow of the light installations that adorned the city. The event, now a well-established fixture in Sydney’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2009, continues to draw visitors with its blend of creativity, innovation, and public art—even in its more restrained form.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best