The Amazing Webb Bridge

The Amazing Webb Bridge

        Eel is a snake-like fish that is known to be slippery when one tries to hold it. To catch one, an indigenous Australian uses a woven basket. It is called a Koorie Eel Trap. This popular catching device inspired the builders of a bridge in Melbourne to design it like a Koorie Eel Trap. Its unique design has made the bridge a top tourist attraction. 

        The Webb Bridge, one of the many bridges that span the famed Yarra River in Melbourne, connects the Docklands area to the south bank which is near the South Wharf and the South Edge. Representing the nets or woven basket are steels connected to each other to make a Koorie Eel Trap shape. This design is concentrated near the southern part of the bridge. The northern part has plain arches only. Webb Bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only.

        Perhaps this unique architectural design was adopted by the builders to make the walk across Webb Bridge more exciting. This is different from the ordinary bridge we usually see. When negotiating the southern part, one is enclosed within that eel trap shape but does not feel stifled as there are gaps between the steel enclosures. After entering the mouth of the steel cage and as the pedestrian or cyclist negotiates that bend or curve coming from the south, he regains "freedom" as he reaches the upper part of the bridge where there is no more enclosure except for arches. Steel as material for the enclosure gives it the impression of stability and durability.

        At the bend are stainless railings at both sides and at the middle which were installed for safety purposes especially when riding a bike. And as one continues his walk, he is treated to majestic views of numerous tall buildings, a marina, a long highway bridge and other small bridges spanning the ever-flowing Yarra. One realizes that he stands on a vantage point. He then begins to take pictures as everyone else traversing the bridge is trying to capture that one beautiful view, that one beautiful moment. Click, click, click.

- Konted

The Webb Bridge in Melbourne

Entry point as one starts from the south bank of the Yarra; exit point when one comes from the north bank.

The Webb Bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only.

The bridge is shaped like a Koorie eel trap.

The Webb Bridge spans the Yarra River.

Stainless steel railings and a partitioner as one negotiates the bend.

Nearing the summit of the bridge

View from the bridge

View of the West Gate Bridge

Stainless steel railing as divider as the bridge is a shared path. It is installed for safety purposes.

Steel enclosures about to end

As one reaches about 1/3 of the bridge, only steel arches can be seen.

View of the ANZ Bank building from the bridge

Approaching Webb Bridge from the north or the Docklands area.

The ascent is gradual.

View of the southern part of Webb Bridge.

An easy ride

The curve at the southern part of the bridge.

For safety purposes

Lady cyclist makes the ascent at Webb Bridge.

Coffee shop near Webb Bridge

Trident bikers approaching Webb Bridge

___________________

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.

________________________________________________