The South Wharf

The South Wharf

         At the southern edge of the famed Yarra River in Melbourne City is a quay where boats can load and unload passengers and commercial goods. Near this quay are heritage warehouses that closed shop in the early days and  remained as such for many years. Young entrepreneurs recently saw an opportunity and turned these cargo sheds into bars and restaurants. With a good view of the Yarra River as it flows gently towards the bay, these commercial establishments have become an instant hit as they are almost always filled to the brim.

         Catching the fancy of promenaders, joggers and restaurant diners is an artistically designed bridge that connects the south bank to the north landing. The Seafarers Bridge is stunningly beautiful that it is, in itself, a tourist attraction. Row boats and motor boats regularly pass under its high vertical clearance.

         Also at the South Wharf are numerous Direct Factory Outlets (DFOs) selling high quality shoes, sportswear, handbags, jewelries, sporting goods and many more. They are sold at discounted prices. At the DFO area, there are taxis, which are actually pedicabs, that can take you to Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). Stations of trams and buses are about 300 meters away.

         Near the South Wharf are popular tourist destinations like the Melbourne International Trade and Convention Center, Crown Casino Complex, Melbourne Aquarium and the South Bank Mall. Because of its prime location, South Wharf has been drawing the spenders and has become a top tourist attraction. It is the talk of the town.

- Konted

The walkway leading to the South Wharf

One of several landing barges along the Yarra River

Man is about to board his rubber boat at the landing barge near the South Wharf Promenade.

The Seafarers Bridge that spans the Yarra River.

The Seafarers Bridge connects the South Wharf to the North Landing. The bridge has elliptical arches.

There are river cruises for tourists.

Boats moored at the northern bank of the Yarra River

The Seafarers Bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only.

High vertical clearance for boats

A row boat is about to pass under the Seafarers Bridge.

Bicycles as props at the BangPop Thai  Restaurant at the South Wharf.

Bicycles from one end to the other at BangPop Thai Restaurant

The Munich Bar and Restaurant near the banks of the Yarra River

Another landing barge along the Yarra River

Man drags his rubber boat after trying it on the Yarra.

The Boatbuilders Yard is a bar and cafe that boasts of a European style of dining and drinking.

What used to be cargo sheds were converted into bars and restaurants.

At The General Assembly,  it is a combination of good beer and good food.

The Melbourne Public Bar at the South Wharf

Maritime Museum at the South Wharf

Convention Centre Place  houses the Direct Factory Outlets (DFOs)

What is called a taxi is actually a pedicab that transports visitors to any place near the banks of the Yarra River.

Original Converse shoes sold here

Brooks and Puma stores offer discounted prices anytime of the year.

High quality shoes

Tommy Hilfiger store boasts of superior styling and quality

There are many Rivers outlets in the state of Victoria.

For your hiking boots, shoes and other adventure gears.

The world famous Lindt chocolates

Bags, jackets, sunglasses, etc at Kate Spade of New York

Low, low prices at Vans

Man bikes with his son along the South Wharf Promenade.

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The Long Pier Of St. Kilda

The Long Pier Of St. Kilda

         The sea wind was strong that Saturday morning. I had to hold my cap to prevent it from being blown away. As I was moving towards St. Kilda Pier, I noticed seagulls perched on a wooden ramp, seemingly unmoving as sail boats moved about. Teenage boys and girls were busy watching participants display their sailing skills while others waited for their turn. I began taking pictures.

        Moving to the inner part of the long pier, I saw several men fishing near the rails, with great expectations of catching snapper and pilchard. At the breakwater, some men were preparing baits while others were simply enjoying the sights. 

         As I walked near the old Kiosk, which is at the end of the pier, I heard an old man uttering something. He was wearing a fuchsia shirt that matched the colors of his knee high socks and cap. He had blue shorts and was holding a stick. The old man was now yelling while looking at the direction of the bay. It was like he was chanting or doing a morning ritual as he gestured from time to time. I could not understand the dialect or language and I walked past him. Enough of the old man.

         At the right side of the Kiosk was the marina where countless boats and yachts were moored. There was a ramp where visitors were boarding a boat for a short trip around the bay. A few meters away was a speed boat with a very powerful engine. I took my time inspecting it and taking pictures. At the entry point of the marina, which is managed by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, I saw the old man again. He was chanting and this time, it was louder.

         From the boardwalk, I had a great time enjoying the view. The sailboats were moving gracefully and seemed to be moving around an imaginary oval. And sometimes back and forth. Whatever, it was a sight to behold. 

         Suddenly, I got a glimpse of the old man again as he was making his way back to the foreshore. I quickly grabbed my backpack and jogged a little as I wanted to talk to him. To know more about him. But I lost him at the area where people were milling. I looked again and again but could not find him. He was walking with a cane, how could he have outpaced me? Anyway, chances are that he will be back next week and I'll try to be at St. Kilda Pier earlier than usual. Just to quell my curiosity. 

           Meanwhile, St. Michael's team was leading comfortably in the sailing competition, much to the delight of the team members. Trailing were Haleybury and Peninsula.  It was all over but the shouting. Cheers then to all of you.

- Konted

View of Port Phillip Bay from St. Kilda beach

A sailing competition is going on.

Students of Haleybury School are watching from the foreshore.

The  long pier of St. Kilda

View of St. Kilda beach from the pier

Standup paddle boarding

Clear view of the sailboats from the pier

Teams from various schools in and around Melbourne participate in the sailing competition.

Demonstration of sailing skills

Participants heading towards the pier after showing their wares.

Students are trained in sailing and taught to be competitive.

The famous Kiosk at the end of St. Kilda Pier.

Common sight at St. Kilda Pier

Patiently waiting for the big catch

Snappers and pilchards are common at the bay.

The original Kiosk was built in the early 1900s. It continues to serve food delights.

The old man uttering something.

The old man starts to yell as he gestures.

It is as if he is chanting as he looks towards the bay

Dinghies near the marina

Countless boats and yachts are berthed at the marina.

The extended boardwalk at the right side of the Kiosk that leads to the marina.

There are benches near the landing barge. The old man is seen chanting again at right.

The marina is under the management of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.

The old man chants and he does it seriously.

With powerful engine

On standby  at the landing barge

For fishing enthusiasts

Boats at the marina are systematically arranged.

Lady Daka is a nice pleasure yacht

A unique name for a boat -- How Bizarre

Built to withstand any kind of weather

Another beautiful name -- Knee Deep

Expensive yacht

The old man doing it again

Beautiful view of Melbourne's skyline

An Australian bird perches on the stainless railing

The long pier of St. Kilda as viewed from the Kiosk

The breakwater at St. Kilda

 Big rocks at the  breakwater.

Fishing buff readies his equipment and gears at the breakwater.

Two men at the breakwater with high expectations of a bountiful catch as a seagull watches.

The old man chants at the breakwater which is near the Kiosk.

View from the Kiosk and from the breakwater

Waiting for the results of the competition

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