The Love Locks At The Yarra River
On the railings of the Yarra Footbridge, which connects Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) to the Southbank, are thousands of padlocks affixed by supposed lovers with their names or initials inscribed on the surface of the locks. These love locks are romantic expressions or manifestations of undying love, of unbreakable love, of permanent commitment. The keys are then thrown into the Yarra River, never to be retrieved.
Tributaries like the Marybrinong River, Moonee Pond Creek, Diamond Creek, Koonung Creek and the Olinda Creek, among others, unite as one beautiful river called the Yarra River. The more than 200 kilometer long river starts from the Yarra Ranges and flows to Port Phillip Bay. Yarra means " ever-flowing river".
In the old days, the early settlers and other migrants pitched camp along the banks of the Yarra River. Trade and commerce flourished, and after several years, the City of Melbourne was born. Today, commercial buildings, sports arenas, art precincts, parks and gardens are situated on the lower stretches of the Yarra. The river has become a symbol of Melbourne City. It is a top tourist attraction.
- Konted
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| The Yarra River is beautiful anytime and any day. |
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| There are benches along the banks of the Yarra River. To my wife Gene G. : "Come let me love you, let me give my life to you...let me drown in your laughter, let me die in your arms....let me lay down beside you, let me always be with you...come let me love you, come love me again." |
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| There are numerous stainless bicycle racks along the stretch of the Yarra River |
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| Rowing is a preferred activity on the Yarra River as the headquarters of various rowing clubs are located near the banks of the river. |
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| There are river cruises on the Yarra for tourists. |
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| A row boat side by side with a motor boat near the sports precinct |
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| A good view of Melbourne's Central Business District |
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| The Princes Bridge that connects Swanston Street to Toorak Road at the city proper. |
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| View of Melbourne Cricket Ground from the Princes Bridge. At right are quarters of the various rowing clubs of Melbourne. |
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| Warming up |
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| View of the Yarra River from the Princes Bridge. At left is the Southbank while at right is Melbourne's Central Business District. |
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| View of Melbourne's Central Business District from the south bank of the Yarra River. |
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| Seen at right is the Crown Casino Complex. |
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| The Yarra Footbridge |
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| The Yarra Footbridge connects Melbourne's Central Business District to the South Bank. |
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| Countless love locks affixed to the railings of the Yarra Footbridge. |
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| More love locks as one walks to the other side. |
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| The love locks have inscriptions on the surface of the locks. |
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| These locks are manifestations of eternal love. |
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| Clearly inscribed: I love you |
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| With their anniversary date etched on the padlock. |
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| Apparently they have separated temporarily with the intention of meeting again. |
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| Recently affixed to the railing as the date indicates. |
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| Specially engraved |
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| Extraordinary padlock |
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| One of the big padlocks |
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| Padlocks of varying sizes and designs |
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| A padlock with a dog leash attached to it. |
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| Bending to read the inscriptions |
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| The kind and friendly Australian who gave a backgrounder on the love locks at the Yarra Footbridge. |
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| My favorite bench by the banks of the Yarra |
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