Sunday, 12 April 2015

The Durable Baby Austins


The Durable Baby Austins

         As I stepped out of St. Paul's Cathedral, I noticed people gathering across the street. It was at Federation Square, the most popular public square in Melbourne. And there was a mini classic car show featuring the once famous " Baby Austins". I was excited and made a dash for it.

        "Baby Austins" refer to the compact economy cars that ran the streets in many countries in the 1950s and 1960s. The Austin A30 was introduced to the public in 1951. It was manufactured by the Austin Motor Company and then by the British Motor Corporation. It did well in the market and in 1956, the Austin A35 became the new version of the A30. The Baby Austins were considered then the rivals of the Morris. The Austins and Morris Mini later on became sister cars due to the merging of companies.

        Here in Australia, many Baby Austins were seen cruising the highways, byways and city streets in the 50s and 60s as the Austin Motor Company and the British Motor Corporation had manufacturing plants here. Today, there are still Austins that are seen on the road and still in mint condition.

        Owners of these priceless classic cars have grouped together to form the Australian A30 Car Club which is affiliated with the mother club in London. Club members are busy organizing classic car shows in different parts of Australia. The members have developed camaraderie through worthwhile projects like this one at Federation Square. Kudos to the club members. And a toast to the durable Baby Austins.


- Konted

Mini car show held at the Flinders Street side of Federation Square.

The Baby Austins look more diminutive when viewed from the rear.

2-door  Austin A30

Appreciating the Austin A30 as a compact economy car

4-door Austin A30. The first Austin A30 was introduced to the public in 1951 to compete with the Morris Minor.

The Austin A30 has a  4 -cylinder, 803cc engine. Austin above has white side wall and is still in mint condition. The 2-door Austin A30 was made available in 1953.

The Austin A30 delivery van was introduced in 1954.
A 1955 Austin A30 AS4 4-door sedan

Owned by T. & D. Bacon, it was totally restored after 3 years of diligent work. The owners boast of having toured Tasmania on board this 1955 Baby Austin.

Austin pickup. It has an "Austin of England" insignia.

Austin A30 Countryman Estate

The Austin A30 Countryman Estate was introduced in 1954.

2-door Austin A30

Note on the windshield:  "Please look and admire but do not touch."

This Austin A30 has a personalized plate: Bluey

Nice green

Red and white combination

More Austin A30s at Federation Square

Baby Austins with similar colors nicely arranged

With a roof rack

Austin A30 Country Estate with single tone color

1952 Austin A30

1952 Austin A30 with a 948 cc motor. It is owned by April Davie.

The owner calls the car "Kermit".

Original features still intact

This Baby Austin was driven from Perth to Melbourne, covering a distance of almost 3,416 kilometers.

Organizers of the mini car show

Baby Austin owners compare notes.

Souvenir shot for the lady

Almost of the same age

The Australian Austin A30 Car Club members are busy organizing car shows.

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Tuesday, 31 March 2015

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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