Melbourne Central Signs for Sign2

 

Melbourne Central is more than just a shopping destination; it's a melting pot of culture, fashion, and urban life, right in the heart of Melbourne. Here’s why you should make it your next stop:

1. Diverse Shopping Experience: From high-end fashion boutiques to quirky independent stores, Melbourne Central offers an eclectic mix of retailers. You can find the latest trends, unique local designs, and everything in between.

2. Culinary Delights: Craving some delicious food? Melbourne Central boasts a plethora of dining options. Whether it's a quick coffee at a cozy café, a gourmet meal at a swanky restaurant, or street food from around the world, your taste buds are in for a treat.

3. Historical Significance: Did you know that Melbourne Central is home to the iconic Coop's Shot Tower? This historic landmark, encased in a modern glass dome, adds a touch of historical charm to the contemporary setting.

4. Art and Entertainment: Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene with the many public art installations and murals scattered throughout the center. Plus, with regular events, pop-up markets, and live performances, there's always something exciting happening.

5. Convenient Accessibility: Located in the CBD, Melbourne Central is easily accessible by public transport. Whether you're commuting by train, tram, or bus, getting there is a breeze.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign 2

Silver Eye for Saturday Critter

The silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), also known as the white-eye, is a small, distinctive bird with a ring of white feathers around its eyes, hence the name. This petite bird, measuring just 11 to 13 centimeters in length, is a common sight in Melbourne's gardens, parks, and bushlands. Its adaptability and varied diet make it a resilient and successful species in urban environments.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

The silvereye is native to Australia and New Zealand, with its presence widely noted across the southeastern regions of the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and the islands of the South Pacific. In Melbourne, the silvereye thrives in both natural and urban landscapes, from dense forests to suburban backyards. Their adaptability to different environments is key to their survival, allowing them to coexist alongside human populations.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Silvereyes are easily recognizable by their olive-green upperparts, grey underparts, and the conspicuous white ring around their eyes. They have a slender, slightly curved bill, which aids in their varied diet. These birds are highly sociable, often seen in flocks, which helps in foraging and protection against predators.

During the breeding season, which typically runs from August to January, silvereyes build small, cup-shaped nests in dense foliage. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks, which fledge about ten days after hatching. This collaborative approach ensures high survival rates for their offspring.

Diet and Foraging

The silvereye's diet is diverse, consisting of insects, fruit, nectar, and small seeds. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in the ecosystem, as they help in pollination and seed dispersal. In Melbourne, silvereyes are often seen flitting around gardens, feeding on native plants like eucalyptus and bottlebrush, as well as exotic species such as berry bushes and fruit trees.

Adaptability and Urban Living

One of the remarkable traits of the silvereye is its ability to adapt to urban environments. In Melbourne, they have adjusted well to changes brought about by human development. They are often observed in public parks, gardens, and even city centers, taking advantage of the food sources provided by ornamental plants and residential gardens.

The presence of silvereyes in urban areas also highlights the importance of creating bird-friendly environments in cities. Planting native flora, providing water sources, and ensuring safe nesting sites can help support these birds and enhance biodiversity within urban settings.

Sony A7RV + FE 200-600mm f5.6-6.3

Linking Saturday Critter

Back Beach at Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Australia

 

Back beach is about 72km long along Mornington Peninsula. It is about 150km out of Melbourne but still getting classified as a Melbourne suburb. Some said Melbourne is similar to Los Angeles in US. It has a wide span really.

Love long exposure. Here we go, another "unnatural" photo. 

Sony A7RIV

FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Photos of Mornington Peninsula

South Melbourne Mural for Mural Monday

 

South Melbourne outside Port of Melbourne Market

Wok fire art

Panasonic G9 

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

Linking Mural Monday

Hyaline Grass Bug in Melbourne for Saturday Critter

 

📸 Macro Marvel: Liorhyssus Hyalinus in Melbourne! 🦟

Captured this stunning macro shot of the Liorhyssus hyalinus, also known as the Hyaline Grass Bug, on the wall in Melbourne. The intricate details of its body and the vibrant colors are truly mesmerizing. 

Liorhyssus hyalinus is a fascinating plant bug, often found on various grasses and plants. Its transparent wings and distinctive markings make it a favorite subject for macro photographers.

Pentax  K20D

Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Having completed the final season of Cobra Kai in one uninterrupted viewing session, I observed that the young characters' movements are rather slow, and the fight sequences appear somewhat amateurish. Nevertheless, the show possesses an undeniably captivating quality that renders it irresistibly addictive.

Melbourne North sunrise for Eileen's sky watch Friday

 

Just in time coming back to Melbourne stormy weather. A nice stormy weather before sunrise in Melbourne North. 

There are 1 giga of travel photos in my hard disc. I gonna process them gradually over time. Funny that I received a call from my good pal for a nice Japanese dinner in the city. It is true that friends are older the better. I miss the home feeling. 

Sony A7RIV

FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM

Linking Skywatch Friday

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.

Hofbräuhaus Melbourne - German pub in city CBD

 

Hofbräuhaus Melbourne is the iconic location that serves black beer and pork sausages. My Jewish pal loves the location very much that I always get dragged here for his feast. 

The vibe at night is always something special. Maybe it is because the place carries so much memory in it.

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

Other Melbourne posts

Melbourne Jail Ceiling

This is Melbourne Jail taken a while back. Fish eye view can add some interest to the frame.

Pesgrave Place Signs at Melbourne for Sign2

 

Some more Melbourne Street scenes

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2

p.s. Joel and I are heading interstate to Adelaide from tomorrow til Sunday. So there may be hit and miss with posting and commenting

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

Hosier Lane Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

He is quite popular as an emu artist lately.

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 GM

I am so looking forward to coming home to Melbourne later this week. I am missing out mushroom season and autumn leaves turning there. 

Linking Mural Monday

Red Spice Restaurant in QV Melbourne

A very nice meal in QV Melbourne. The twice cooked pork was simply gorgeous.

Gala in Ringwood, Melbourne for Eileen's Saturday Critter

 

Gala is everywhere in Melbourne Suburbs. 

This frame looks like some sort of Chinese Ink Painting 

Sony A7RIV

FE 200-600mm f5.6-6.3 

Linking Eileen's Saturday Critter

Shishamo BBQ

This photo was captured in the middle of Japan - Honshu where local vendor sells various local produce from the region.

I just want to make a note regarding a list of places I want to visit over the next few weeks in Melbourne.

1. Soft Tacos Chingon Cantina y Tanqueria - 413 Swan St, Richmond Ph 94295695

2. Meyer Lemon Tart - Albert St Food & Wine 382 Sydney rd Brunswick Ph 83546600

3. Aylesbury Duck Wayside Inn - 446 City Rd, South Melbourne Ph 9682 9199

Hosier Lane, Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

It has become a considerable challenge to discover commendable murals upon Hosier Lane in Melbourne. Numerous vagrant individuals now inhabit the byways. The murals I encountered were swiftly besmirched by graffiti within a mere week. I frequently observed tours proceeding along Hosier Lane, yet the countenances of the participants often bore expressions of fatigue and disinterest.

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Monday is Invasion Day. I gonna head out to photograph violence in city streets. 

Lonely fountain in the concrete jungle, Spencer street, Melbourne

 

Solo stroll in the street sometimes gets moody shot after a bowl of ramen!

It has been so cold last few days. It takes 10 minutes to defrost the windscreen. 

Sony A7RIV

FE 50mm f1.2 GM

Melbourne Posts

Melbourne Skyline for Treasure Tuesday

 

Treasure pano in the sky for Melbourne

DJ mini PRO4

6mm f4.5

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Melbourne Street Signs for Sign2

 

Some signs spotted in Melbourne CBD

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 

Sign2

Melbourne murals for Mural Monday

 

Some of the strange murals witnessed in Melbourne

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-6

Linking Mural Monday

Mum sustained some facial bruising and kneecap strain. And some teeth chipped in. That gave me a fright.