06.09 Altona Beach

We borrowed the rellies car again one weekend in August. It was actually the International Lighthouse Weekend, but we didn't want to travel that far. So we thought that we'd travel down the other side of the bay following the Yarra Scenic Route. This took us through Williamstown, down to Altona Beach and onto Werribee.

The Yarra Scenic Route takes you via the Williamstown coffee strip (we didn't stop, as its only a few minutes from where we live by car) and on to Point Gellibrand.

On Point Gellibrand is the Timeball Tower. The tower was used by ships, when the ball dropped, to reset their chronometer. The group of people at the base of the tower are using the it as an ariel for an amateur radio station - call sign VK3WI.

Altona Beach!

Beach Sculptures!

Just chillin'!

The drive down the coast reminded us of South Australia & Adelaide. The route took us inland, where we drove through the cabbage fields ('phew, was that you?!') to Werribee. So there wasn't much to take photos of I'm afraid!

22 - 25.06 Sara & Mat Visit!

Sara and Mat ventured over from New Zealand to check out the sights and sounds of Australia's second largest city! We had a fantastic weekend of eating, drinking, sightseeing and as the shopping leaves a bit to be desired in Christchurch - shopping!

The weekend started on Friday with checking out the shops in the city a few bargains were had as it's stock take time in Melbourne so all the shops clear out their stock so they don't have to count as much!

Saturday we visited Northcote for an artisan's art market it's a shabby chic area of the city Nathan and I hadn't visited before but had lots of quirky shops and of course some great coffee shops!

Sunday was a boat trip to Williamstown and of course more coffee shops hurrah! It was pretty cold out on the water but we warmed up with walking along Melbourne's 'famous' Bridge Road. We checked out the hot chocolate place near us which sells hot chocolate and puddings, dreamy!

Monday was sadly their last day with us and we checked out Nathan's favourite place - DFO!

We had a great time with our fab kiwi friends, we walked a lot, trammed a lot, talked a lot and ate a lot all in a fantastic weekend! We can't wait to visit NZ very soon!

09.06 The 10km Stroll

Day 1 of the Queens birthday weekend: Someone came up with the bright idea of walking to Williamstown from Docklands on Saturday, so this is the picture story of our little winter adventure!

This is the very start of our walk to Williamstown from Docklands. As you can see Joanna is very excited at the whole prospect. Lets see how long it can last...

Web Bridge connects Docklands Park to Yarra's Edge. The design is said to be inspired by a spiders web - so says the voice-over man on the City Circle tram.

This is a view back to the City from Yarra's Edge. This area is similar to Docklands but, strangely enough, is on the edge of the Yarra River. In the centre of the picture you can see the Rialto Towers and to the far right is Eureka Tower - the city's newest viewing vantage point!

After a very long walk through the industrial area of Port Melbourne we arrived at the Jetty to pick up the Westgate Punt. For $3 each it took us to Scienceworks on the other side of the river so we could continue our journey.

Joanna on the Punt ready to go!

The Port of Melbourne attracts some very large ships to carry whatever is being imported or exported. This beaten up old thing looked like it was carrying aggregates. Fortunately we let this one pass before we set off, I'm not sure that we would have been able to out run it!

A little flower in the Riverside Park.

Colourful boats in Williamstown Marina.

Ferguson Street Pier.

Views of the City from the end of Ferguson Street Pier.

Mast in the Marina.

Williamstown's coffee strip. There are some lovely old buildings here, and plenty of choice on where to eat and drink too! Always a bonus!!

Nathan sitting on Quay with the City in the background.

Joanna waiting for the Ferry home. With the sunsetting the temperature is starting to drop slightly too!

The Seaplane heads out into the bay for takeoff.

Trick shot of the Castlemaine!

In comes our transport home. This cost us $11 dollars to get us back to Yarra's Edge, so slightly better value than the Punt!

The Seaplane arrives back from its scenic flight around the bay. There are a number of different flights you can do; around the bay, to the Dandenong Ranges and down to Sorento too. Perhaps we might treat ourselves in the future!

Sea dog Nathan surveys the horizon for potential development plots, with the aim of producing is own version, Vezlands, of dock-side living.

Newport Power Station, as the sun sets behind it.

Shags roosting for the night on the shipping lane signals.

Port Melbourne is a hive of activity as container ships are loaded with goods! I heard boomerangs and stuffed Koalas & kangroos are in this one!

Almost home! Right in front is Testra Dome & Docklands.

Bolte Bridge at sunset from the Yarra River.

This was the view from Loft 50 on Yarra's Edge, as we decided that we needed a little warming up after our boat ride, so we headed in and got ourselves some warm beverages!

Found the nightscape mode on the camera and managed to take this photo of Bolte Bridge all lit up and reflecting - it does that a lot! Expect some more camera trickery again soon!!

After getting home at 6.30 we managed to find some string and trace our little walk, we then discovered that we had covered 10km on the way to Williamstown!