Altona house abandoned, Melbourne

 

I am planning to post a series of abandoned urbex photos around Melbourne. It is not everyone's cup of tea; it is something to document my journey in this genre. 

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

This is linking to Sunday Best

Abandoned in Castlemaine

Abandoned in Clifton Hill, Melbourne

 

One of my pals lived in this burb. We get our expresso in a cafe not far from this location every weekend.

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Check our the abandoned Abandoned posts

Quambatook Abandoned Woolshed

 

The rustic and abandoned signs left inside a woolshed in Quambatook Vic

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Signs2

My corner of the world

Rapid Bay Cove South Australia for Water H2O Thursday

 

Joel and I already finished the trip in SA. It was nice and sweet.

Rapid Bay is such a gem. We actually went into a cave near that coast. It was rather fun. 

Rapid Bay is a perfect blend of natural wonders, with its azure waters, sandy beaches, and towering cliffs creating a picturesque landscape. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply someone who enjoys a peaceful retreat, the area offers ample opportunities for exploration. The shallow waters of the bay are home to a rich marine ecosystem, making it a popular spot for snorkelers and divers eager to see the diverse underwater life. It’s also a great spot for swimming and relaxing on the beach while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Surrounded by the dramatic hills of the peninsula, the bay is a haven for wildlife. The surrounding hills and cliffs provide an excellent backdrop for those keen on walking or hiking, with panoramic views of the surrounding coastline stretching all the way to the horizon.

The most striking feature of Rapid Bay is its abandoned mine and jetty, remnants of the area’s industrial past. The Rapid Bay Jetty, once a bustling port, was originally built in the late 1800s to support the mining and export of limestone, a key resource for cement production. The jetty itself, with its weathered planks and rusting metal supports, now stands as a haunting reminder of a time long past. Once a vital lifeline for shipping limestone to Adelaide, the jetty is now a quiet monument to the region’s industrial heritage.

The abandoned mine at Rapid Bay has an equally intriguing history. The mine, which operated primarily during the 20th century, extracted limestone from the surrounding cliffs. The industry that flourished here brought life to the small town of Rapid Bay, but over time, it waned, and the mine was eventually closed. Today, the old mine site and its remnants offer a glimpse into the hard work and ingenuity that defined the area’s past.

For those with an interest in history or industrial archeology, the mine and jetty provide a fascinating look into the once-thriving limestone industry. The juxtaposition of natural beauty with the eerie, forgotten structures of the mine makes for a truly unique and memorable visit.

Linking Water H2O Thursday

We were in a secret cellar enjoying the drink

Metcalfe Abandoned transport for Sunday

 

Abandoned cars under the Milkyway - Part of the reason for rural charm here

Merry Christmas to all my happy blogger family! I am working continuously on call for 3rd consecutive days so far. Another 9 days to go. 

Sony A7RIV

16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Sunday Best

Abandoned Sign for Sign2

 

On my drive to Port Fairy Victoria. 

More of an abandoned scene

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Sign2

Metcalfe Abandoned Bus for Sky Watch Friday

 

Metcalfe Abandoned bus is sitting there for a long time 

Sony A7RV

FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Sky Watch Friday

Abandoned Gold Mining Equipment in Forest Creek, Castlemaine

 

After seeing some blogger friends posting on mining equipment, I took quite a few abandoned in the wilderness in Loddon Region of Victoria.

Seriously, this shall be protected in a shelter of some sort instead of being left out in the wilderness.

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Castlemaine photos

Abandoned Holden Car for Treasure Tuesday

 

After a busy day, I feel so unmotivated to do my daily walk in the park. 

Sony A7RIV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

For a while, I had an obsession to photograph old, abandoned car. Kind of treasures for Treasure Tuesday

Abandoned Bradmill Factory, Yarraville, Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Bradmill factory, located in Yarraville, Melbourne, has a storied history that spans over seven decades. Established in 1927 as Bradford Cotton Mills in Sydney, the company expanded its operations to Victoria in 19402. By the late 1950s, a new factory was built on Francis Street in Yarraville, and the company rebranded as Bradmill.

At its peak, Bradmill was the largest producer of textiles in Australia, known for its innovative denim production. The factory produced an astounding 36 million square meters of cotton denim annually, enough to wrap the globe. Bradmill's products were renowned for their durability and strength, finding their way into various products, from fire hoses and deck chairs to tents and tarpaulins.

The factory was a hub of ceaseless activity, employing thousands of workers and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition and inflation in the 1980s, Bradmill thrived on innovation. The company ventured into new export markets and developed pioneering products, attracting global attention.

Bradmill's success was not just due to its technological advancements but also its inclusive and vibrant community. The factory employed a diverse workforce of over 30 nationalities, fostering a culture of unity and warmth. Employees shared lunches, participated in music, sports, and outings, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

However, the rise of global competition and changing market dynamics eventually led to the factory's closure in 2001. Despite its closure, the legacy of Bradmill lives on through urban explorers, artists, and reunions that keep its spirit alive. The site has now been transformed into a new community, Bradmill Yarraville, built on the foundations of this iconic Australian institution.

The Bradmill factory's history is a testament to the power of innovation, community, and resilience. It remains a cherished part of Melbourne's industrial heritage, inspiring future generations with its story of excellence and togetherness.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Treasure Tuesday

The rest of the photographs are in this album Abandoned Bradmill

After enduring several hectic days at the clinic, Joel, too, faced a particularly challenging Monday. Consequently, we engaged in an extended conversation before retiring for the night, which proved to be an excellent opportunity to alleviate our frustrations.

Abandoned jetty at Rapid Bay for Water H2O Thursday

 

Rapid Bay's jetty was originally constructed in 1942 to facilitate limestone mining operations. However, as the years passed and industrial needs changed, the once bustling jetty was abandoned in favor of a newer, more modern structure. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic of the past, with its skeletal remains stretching out into the turquoise waters of the bay.

This forgotten jetty has become a magnet for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. Divers flock to its underwater world, where schools of fish, colorful coral, and sometimes even the elusive leafy sea dragon can be spotted amidst the submerged pylons. For photographers, the jetty offers an endless canvas of rustic beauty. Each visit reveals a different facet, from the play of light and shadows to the dramatic backdrop of rolling waves and sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Abandoned papermill, Fairfield

 

This stair was actually quite wobbly to climb. The whole suburb is now turned into apartment complex. There was an abandoned mental health facility that was now demolished turning into an estate of some sorts.

Sony A7RIV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Sony is releasing A7RV for which I already place a pre-order. Can't wait to have the new toy to come!

This is linking Imagin-ing

Abandoned Gold fields, Castlemaine, Victoria

 

Castlemaine is now a hub for the alternative and the yabbies. The town is surrounded by abandoned goldfield equipment leaving them to rust and decay. 

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

This is linking Sunday Best

Easey Street Tram restaurants

 

On Thursday last week, I took cameras to camera clinic for infra-red modification. Joel was meant to do this a few months ago. He procrastinates too much. So I do it for us instead.

Next to the shop, this iconic restaurant that comprised of 3 abandoned trams were standing right there before me. I happened to have my new toy sigma 24mm f3.5 pancake. So I was snapping away like my fingers having spasms. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 24mm f3.5

Linking Randomosity

Springvale Lunar New Year Parade (small one) for Treasure Tuesday

 

Early one morning, I accompanied my mother to shop in Springvale. Although I did not intend to participate in any Lunar New Year celebrations, the convenience of the visit made it inevitable. Interestingly, it seems that most of the parades are now organised by Australians. It appears that many Chinese individuals have integrated so thoroughly into Australian society that they have abandoned the cultural heritage they once cherished in which it includes me lol. 

In my youth, I participated in traditional dragon dances, visiting various shops to collect red packets. If a shop owner was hesitant to offer one, I, along with the band, would persist, briefly disrupting their business until they obliged.

Too much energy in the morning. A long day to go!

I enjoyed Vietnamese Pho weekly. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Mungo Shearer Shed, New South Wales, Australia

 

It was always an obsession to seek the rusted and decayed and the abandoned. In this part of the world, this is where people come here to disappear from the earth. 

Funny I used to travel and explore alone. After a few occasions that I nearly left stranded in the middle of nowhere, I cut back on the activity. 

Now I do miss these sceneries. 

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

This is in participation of the Best Sunday Event Barrier Event

Christchurch mural for Mural Monday

 

These were kind of cute on the abandoned buildings after the earthquake in Christchurch NZ

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Abandoned Woolshed, Woomelang

 

I took a drive while on a contract to visit a home 1 hour away from here. Love the rustic look of the place

Sony A7RV 

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Random-osity

From Richmond Alley for Mural Monday

 

A little nostalgic. I spotted in an alley next to an abandoned warehouse in Richmond. This was from a few years ago. 

Pentax K10D 

DA 50mm f2.8 limited

Linking Mural Monday

Abandoned Old Gillies Pie Factory in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Old Gillies Pie Factory in Bendigo, Victoria, stands as a testament to the city's rich industrial and culinary heritage. Established in the mid-20th century, this factory was once the heart of a thriving pie-making enterprise that left an indelible mark on the local community.

Origins and Growth

The Gillies Pies brand was founded by three brothers—Les, Alan, and Norm Gillies—who relocated from Charlton to Bendigo following the 1940s drought. They began their venture with a modest bakery on Mitchell Street, gradually expanding their operations to meet the growing demand for their delectable pies. In 1958, the brothers acquired the Black Swan Hotel building, transforming it into a mass production facility. This site would later become known as the Old Gillies Pie Factory.

Community Impact

The factory wasn't just a production site; it became a local institution. The "pie window" at Gillies Corner, their second shop, often saw queues of eager customers winding down the street, drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pies. At its peak, Gillies Pies employed around 200 people, with retail outlets spreading across Victoria and distribution reaching as far as Melbourne.

Decline and Closure

Despite its success, the company faced challenges in the latter part of the 20th century. Operations eventually ceased, and the factory fell into disrepair, becoming a canvas for graffiti and a spot for urban explorers. In 2016, the last link to the iconic brand was severed when the remaining factory operations in Bendigo were shut down, marking the end of an era.

Preservation Efforts

In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve the legacy of the Old Gillies Pie Factory. Local history enthusiasts have lobbied for the site's restoration, aiming to maintain its "naturally decrepit" state as a nod to its historical significance. These endeavors highlight the community's desire to honour and remember the factory's role in Bendigo's history.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Treasure Tuesday