Sights of Melbourne - Part 1

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Melbourne has a surprising number of buildings and areas that date back to before the 1900's that have managed to survive over the years. A lot of it is due to the fact that they seemed too lazy to tear down the rundown buildings for many years and then when they finally got to the point where something had to be done, it was at a stage where they were trying to preserve the history of the areas so would either fix them up or keep them as is and protect the site from demolision.

The Docklands

When they drew up the Melbourne grids in 1837, the surveyors left the marshland empty and in time, the area became the location of some of Melbourne’s first industries, especially those connected with the livestock trade. With the building of the southern cross railway station in 1859 and with the straightening of the Yarra rivers course (they also widened and depened it too to prevent the massive flooding that was occuring back then as well) the Victoria Docks were built and became a major transportation and industrial hub for the city. Around the 1970's, with the increase in ship sizes and with most off the transporting done on containerships, the use of the docks declined and in the 1980's, the government decided to redevelop the valuable space.

The Docklands are just to the west of the CBD and contain three wet lands areas as well as numerous pieces of art work. There are some nice paths all along the docklands which are great for biking or just going for a stroll. The docklands are home to some very stylish alfresco dining and is getting quite a few residential buildings as well. The Telstra Dome was also built in the area and 2 of the main broadcasting networks have buildings in the docklands as well. Along the paths there are a few pieces or urban art to catch your attension like the cow up a tree and the blowhole which is always spinning in the wind. The wetlands aren't looking very wet at the moment since there is a pretty good drought affecting Victoria.

The drought has caused quite a few forest fires and they are figuring that they will burn the entire summer here. Tasmania just had a couple fires start up there too. I know that Australia has quite a few firefighters from New Zealand out trying to help and have asked for assistance from the US and Canada. Currently no towns are in too much danger but they lost the building that was from the movie The Man from Snowy River. The building was built for the movie but they did it with the traditional woods and techniques so it became sort of a landmark. In Melbourne itself, there is always a haze over the city in the mornings due to the fires which clears up around mid-day usually. There are some days that stay completely hazy though.

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Photos

Eagle and Rail Shed
They have a giant eagle watching over the Docklands area. To the right you can see what is believed to be the longest rail shed in the southern hemisphere.

Waterfront City
Located at one end of the Docklands, there are many stylish restaurants in this area as well as residential apartments.

Cow up a Tree
The docklands area is full of artwork along the 3km of waterfront that this section of the city covers.

Blowhole
Another piece of artwork called blowhole which moves in the wind. It is situated besides a kids playground.

Webb Bridge
A pedestrian bridge at the opposite end of the docklands from waterfront city and heads towards Victoria Harbour.

Sea Shepherd
Currently parked in the Docklands but about to head out on another voyage is the Sea Shepherd. The ship looks for other ships that are whaling and forces them to stop if need be since it is illegal in all the areas around Antartica.

Sea Shepherd Kill List
Over the years, the Sea Shepherd has sunk 10 other whaling vessels. The country of origin and ship name are painted on the side of their boat. The skulls are pirate whaling vessels.

Spanish Festival
Missed this photo in the previous blog. They had a stage at one end of the block where they performed the traditional dances from various countries.

Comments

[Jessica]

Hey
Hey Garrett, Just read through your journeys. Great to see you're having fun and I sure wish I was there with ya!!! Keep updating and I'll check you out whenever I can. PS. I never got that picture of Ryan in my kids jungle gym... Jess

[Cecilia]

Where's Part 2?
Hey Garrett, we are awaiting part 2 of the "sights of Melbourne." Very interesting so far - looking forward to regular updates and pictures.