Bridgewater Bay Long Exposure for Water H2O Thursday

 

Bridgewater Bay, located in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, is a stunning coastal attraction known for its rugged beauty, striking rock formations, and picturesque ocean views. This secluded bay is a favorite among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, offering a unique blend of natural splendor and adventure.

Natural Beauty and Geography

Bridgewater Bay is characterized by its dramatic limestone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy coves. Unlike the more sheltered beaches on the bay side of the Mornington Peninsula, Bridgewater Bay faces the open ocean, resulting in powerful waves and a constantly changing landscape. The area is shaped by natural erosion, creating fascinating rock pools, sea caves, and arch formations that draw visitors seeking both exploration and relaxation.

Bridgewater Bay is part of the protected ecosystems within the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The region is home to unique flora and fauna, including coastal heathlands and bird species such as the Pacific gull. Conservation efforts ensure that the natural beauty of the bay is preserved while allowing visitors to appreciate its ecological importance.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

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

Mount Martha sunset Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Joel and I did not manage to walk far into Balcombe walking trail. He was so preoccupied with this scene. He set up his equipment like he was setting up a nuclear lab. It only took less than 1 minute to get this frame handheld.

Mount Martha is a quaint beach town wedged between Safety Beach and Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula. This is a popular walk with locals and it's easy to see why - this track follows the Bay Trail and encompasses four leash free beaches as well as providing beautiful bay views.

Hawker Beach, Birdrock Beach and Dava Beach are three different leash free beaches available along this walk and all boast golden sand and clear water. Your dog will love jumping through the waves or digging in the sand and owners will love the shelter of the surrounding cliffs – creating your own sanctuary. Make sure you are aware of the steep beach access along this walk 

The leash free beaches are expansive, with Dava Beach being a continuation of Birdrock Beach (the only way to enter Dava Beach is to first enter Birdrock Beach). Fossil Beach gives you something different altogether, being predominately made up of rocks it gets its name from the abundance of fossils that geologist A.R.C Selwyn discovered amongst the limestone cliffs there in 1854. These fossils displayed evidence of sea life from 10-15 million years ago.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Balnarring Beach, Mornington Peninsula for Skywatch Friday

 

In the first photograph, Joel is visible in the distance, intently focused on photographing seaweed along the shoreline. The air has grown markedly cooler, and the sky bears the pale, steely blue that signals the quiet approach of winter. It is in such moments that the necessity of reconnecting with the natural world becomes most apparent—calming, grounding, and essential to the soul.

Balnarring Beach, located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, stretches along the calm waters of Western Port Bay. Its gentle crescent shape and serene outlook toward Phillip Island make it a place of both quiet retreat and natural charm. The area is known for its safe swimming waters, expansive foreshore reserves, and the peaceful rhythm of tidal life.

The name “Balnarring” is thought to originate from Indigenous words meaning “little” and “gumtree,” a poetic nod to the native landscape. European settlement began in earnest in the 1840s when pastoral stations were established, and by the latter half of the 19th century, Balnarring had grown to include a post office, a school, and a church. The arrival of the railway in the early 20th century further connected the township with surrounding areas, allowing more visitors to discover its coastal beauty.

Balnarring Beach—once also known as Tulum Beach—has long held a quiet reputation as a haven for holidaymakers and nature lovers. In more recent times, it was honoured as one of Australia's cleanest beaches, a testament to the community's stewardship and respect for the land.

Even as seasons shift and the cold edges in, Balnarring Beach remains a place of stillness and reflection—a coastal landscape where history, nature, and memory meet in tranquil harmony.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

The past fortnight has been exceedingly busy for me. Despite the considerable amount of work I have undertaken, the returns have felt rather meagre. Joel and I have been diligently studying investments in the Japanese stock market, prompted by Warren Buffett’s decision to reallocate his wealth into Japanese equities.

London Bridge Remains, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

Situated upon the windswept coast of Portsea, at the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, the site known as London Bridge was once crowned by a magnificent natural arch—an enduring testament to the erosive power and artistry of the sea. Fashioned over countless centuries, the arch stood as both a geological marvel and a cherished local landmark, drawing visitors to behold its stark beauty and the thunderous majesty of the ocean that sculpted it.

The great arch succumbed to the inevitable work of time and tide, collapsing in the early twenty-first century and thus altering the visage of the coastline forever. Yet the place remains imbued with a kind of solemn grandeur. Where once stone spanned sky, now only remnants of its former glory stand—weathered, noble, and quiet.

I used to frequent this place often, long before I began to spend my weekends in the company of Joel. In those days, I found in the solitude of London Bridge a peculiar and profound kind of solace. Though the arch itself has long since fallen, the sea, ever faithful to its art, continues its delicate work. At high tide, waters surge into the heart of what remains—a rocky cavernous bowl—filling it with a shimmering pool of seawater that dances and glistens in the sunlight. It is a sight of singular, haunting beauty.

Joel, however, regarded the place with far less affection. To him, it was barren and uninspiring, its charms too subtle, its colours too subdued. I suppose we all have our own preferences. Where I perceived wild poetry, he found only a muted coast. And yet, I cannot help but feel that therein lies its power: in the understated, in the stripped-down silence of land and sea at meeting point.

Though the bridge itself is no more, the spirit of London Bridge endures—etched not only in the weathered stone and the tides that whisper through its remains, but also in the hearts of those who once stood before it and felt, if only for a moment, the immensity of the earth’s quiet grandeur.

Sony A7RIV

FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Sunday Best

Dramatic sunset at Back Beach Mornington Peninsula

 

Sea Cave at Back Beach Mornington Peninsula

Close to sunset

Sony A7RV + 14mm f1.8 GM

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

Pulpit Rock, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne

 

Pulpit rock is a basalt type formed by cooling lava. This is a popular location for angling fishing and photographers. Few get hurled out into the sea every year according to the statistics. During high tide, one would be standing at the sea floor scuba diving. 

Coming here is always a challenge. Photographers are like a pack of wolves here. We gonna get our spots like a prized possession. I often browse for stock market news on my phone, squatting on these uneven rock surfaces. 

Did I mention that there were more tourists than the fish in the ocean here?

Sony A7RIV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Cape Schanck Mornington Peninsula

Pirate's Bay, Mornington Peninsula, Australia

 

This is the coast that is still classified within Melbourne district. And, no, there are no pirates here. In fact, pirates will die coming here. This cave is usually under the sea in high tide. These rocks can cut my shoes so easily like razor blades.

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Mornington Peninsula Posts

No 16 Back Beach Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne

 

Love the spot behind Dragon Head No 16 Rye beach in Mornington Peninsula 

Sony A7RIV 

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Beach posts

The intense blue is particularly nice in Winter 

Not good for my wet feet

p.s. The spam filter on blogspot is a nightmare. I cannot even comment on other blogs anymore. I even struggle to get inside this blogspot. This reminds why I left Blogspot 5 years ago. PTSD!

JimmyRum Distillery visit in Mornington Peninsula for Treasure Tuesday

 

During an outing arranged by Joel, we visited the JimmyRum distillery—a distinctive venue in Dromana on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, known as the region’s first dedicated craft rum distillery. Established with the vision of introducing Australians to a refined appreciation of rum, JimmyRum has since gained a reputation for its inventive small-batch creations and a relaxed coastal ambience.

Upon our arrival, however, we found ourselves unattended for nearly half an hour, seemingly overlooked amidst the flurry of larger rum-tasting tour groups. We very nearly departed in disappointment, until a courteous gentleman eventually welcomed us and offered us a seat, inviting us to wait a little longer.

We partook in their curated rum tastings—Joel selected the extravagant set, while I opted for the fruit-based selection. Despite our differing preferences, we curiously settled on the same bottle to take home: a coffee-flavoured rum, which was not at all what we had initially anticipated. Regrettably, the finer expressions we truly desired proved beyond our budget. Nevertheless, the accompanying cheese balls were delightfully paired, their richness harmonising beautifully with the spiced warmth of the rum.

What began with some hesitation concluded in a most spirited and memorable experience, a testament to the allure and conviviality that JimmyRum has come to embody.

Sony A7RV

FE 16mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Bay of Islands in Blairgowrie Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

There exist three distinct locations bearing the name Bay of Islands within the state of Victoria, Australia. I have had the pleasure of visiting each of them. Of these, the one situated closest to Melbourne holds a particular charm for me. Nestled along the Mornington Peninsula, this coastal enclave offers a striking interplay of sea cliffs, hidden inlets, and crystalline waters—ideal for moments of quiet reflection or aerial exploration.

When my companion Joel and I are not preoccupied with the pursuit of sunset landscapes, we often retreat to this locale to fly our drone and capture sweeping views of the coastline. The rugged contours and tranquil hues lend themselves beautifully to this form of observation.

The second Bay of Islands lies within the famed Great Ocean Road region, west of Peterborough. This is perhaps the most well-known of the three, celebrated for its dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean—remnants of a landscape carved by centuries of wind and wave.

The third, more remote and lesser known, is found near the shores of Corner Inlet in Gippsland. Here, coastal serenity and the subtle presence of birdlife create a setting marked by calm rather than spectacle. Each Bay of Islands bears its own character, yet all share the same elemental spirit—where land meets sea in timeless conversation.

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

For over fifteen years, Joel and I have been endeavouring to pinpoint the exact location of Flinders Blowhole. My initial discovery of this location was through a local photography club, in an era preceding the advent of the digital age. Our reliance on traditional maps often led us astray in the region, resulting in many fruitless excursions devoid of any photographic success.

Last weekend, we embarked on an exploration of a seldom-visited segment of the Mornington Peninsula. Utilising the marvel that is Google Maps, we managed to navigate our way into this region.

However, it was only upon our arrival that we realised we had ventured to an incorrect section of Flinders Blowhole. There exist two other similar tracks leading to different parts of the same shoreline.

Owing to my demanding travel schedule and work commitments in remote Victoria, I have been unable to process all the photographs. Nevertheless, I shall endeavour to share a few with you in due course.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Joel suggested to me that there will be two new Sony lenses coming out. 500-800mm zoom and 16mm f1.8. I want them badly too. 

Back Beach Mornington Peninsula

 

Back beach Mornington Peninsula

That is the sunset I want to see

Pity the entire Easter will be quite stormy. I gonna find something else to do.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Sky Watch

Sea Cave at Mornington Peninsula, Australia

 

Three years later, I realise I had something good going in blogspot. Though I had started my ventures in zenfolio and instagram, blogspot platform has its own advantages. I think I cannot put all eggs in one basket as all my previous successful blogs on here either get bot attacked or domain hijacked. So this is just a space that I post whatever I want from my amateur career in photography 

This sea cave is among the thousands on back beach of Mornington Peninsula. 

Sony A7RIV 

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Bay of Islands, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne

 

Well, that big rock was meant to be my focus of the day for an ultra long exposure. I misread the tides that it was actually a high tide instead of a low one. So I walked to the deck for a timely sunset. The couple was already there trying to suck on each other's tongue. 

So a snap 

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

Mornington Peninsula

Bridgewater Bay, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

It was an overcast day at Bridgewater Bay, Mornington Peninsula.

A different take on the flow effect.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Here are additional photographs captured at Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, where I experimented with varying exposure times to capture the sea's motion. The previous week, the weather was rather unsatisfactory, prompting us to venture into more urban settings. Regrettably, we discovered that most abandoned sites had already been transformed into uninviting concrete structures that nobody desires to inhabit.

Joel is planning to attend yet another concert this Friday. His affinity for death metal has been unwavering, despite his persistent attempts over the years to convert my musical preferences to align with his own. Alas, he has not succeeded, as I remain partial to pop and country music, which does not sit well with him. Consequently, our journeys to various photographic locations often descend into silent disputes, with discussions revolving around politics or science.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Flinders Blowhole Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

This photograph was taken during our previous excursion to Flinders Blowhole on the Mornington Peninsula, a destination chosen for its proximity to our residence in Melbourne. At the time, Joel and I favoured locations that required only a short drive. Presently, Joel finds himself occupied with visits from his in-laws, who travel frequently from Sydney—ostensibly, he believes, to spend time with their grandchildren. As for myself, I am presently taking a respite from coastal outings, having developed a growing interest in exploring the urban landscape instead.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Montforts Beach Sunset Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Montforts Beach, nestled along the wild and windswept southern coast near Melbourne, remains one of the few coastal enclaves where photographers may still pursue the elusive golden hour even during the rise of high tides. This hidden gem, rarely frequented due to its seclusion, offers a dramatic tableau of nature’s enduring craftsmanship. Towering cliffs of ancient sandstone, layered with millennia of geological memory, descend into tessellated basalt formations—remnants of long-extinct volcanic activity that once shaped the Mornington Peninsula. The beach itself, a narrow strip of coarse golden sand, lies hemmed in by rock pools, tidal shelves, and kelp-strewn shallows, all bathed in the shifting hues of the setting sun.

Yet the approach to this remarkable place has grown increasingly difficult. What was once a discernible trail has, in recent seasons, been overtaken by vigorous coastal vegetation. Low-hanging tea-trees twist and arch over the track, their limbs heavy with salt-laden air, while dense undergrowth of banksia, bracken, and coastal wattle obscure the path beneath. The bush seems to reclaim the land with a quiet persistence, and each step forward requires both care and instinct.

On this most recent journey, Joel and I found ourselves disoriented amid the overgrowth. The once-familiar route seemed to vanish into the thicket, and we moved forward more by memory and determination than by sight. Despite the hardship of the passage—scratched limbs, uncertain footing, the whisper of the wind bearing no answer—we pressed on, compelled by the promise of what lay beyond. And at last, as the trail opened up to the vast, moody expanse of sea and stone, we were reminded why Montforts remains, for all its resistance, a sacred haunt of light and solitude.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday