Circular Quay at night for Sunday Best

 

The Vivid Sydney 2025 festival, though notably more subdued in its scale and spectacle compared to previous years, still offered moments of charm and quiet wonder. While the grandeur of earlier editions may have been tempered, it remained a pleasant experience to wander through the illuminated streets, capturing the glow of the light installations that adorned the city. The event, now a well-established fixture in Sydney’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2009, continues to draw visitors with its blend of creativity, innovation, and public art—even in its more restrained form.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Crimson Rosella in Queensland for Saturday Critter

 

The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a strikingly colorful parrot native to eastern and southeastern Australia, including the rainforests and woodlands of Queensland. In this region, particularly in the higher altitude areas such as the Lamington and Bunya Mountains, the crimson subspecies (P. e. elegans) is most commonly observed. These birds thrive in temperate forests, often found flitting through eucalyptus canopies or foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, berries, and insects. Juveniles display a greenish plumage that gradually transitions into the vivid red and blue adult coloring over their first year. The Crimson Rosella plays an important ecological role in seed dispersal and is known for its melodic calls and strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting hollows in old trees each breeding season. Despite some habitat pressures, the species remains common and well-adapted to both natural forests and urban gardens throughout its Queensland range.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Montforts Beach Sunset Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Montforts Beach, nestled along the wild and windswept southern coast near Melbourne, remains one of the few coastal enclaves where photographers may still pursue the elusive golden hour even during the rise of high tides. This hidden gem, rarely frequented due to its seclusion, offers a dramatic tableau of nature’s enduring craftsmanship. Towering cliffs of ancient sandstone, layered with millennia of geological memory, descend into tessellated basalt formations—remnants of long-extinct volcanic activity that once shaped the Mornington Peninsula. The beach itself, a narrow strip of coarse golden sand, lies hemmed in by rock pools, tidal shelves, and kelp-strewn shallows, all bathed in the shifting hues of the setting sun.

Yet the approach to this remarkable place has grown increasingly difficult. What was once a discernible trail has, in recent seasons, been overtaken by vigorous coastal vegetation. Low-hanging tea-trees twist and arch over the track, their limbs heavy with salt-laden air, while dense undergrowth of banksia, bracken, and coastal wattle obscure the path beneath. The bush seems to reclaim the land with a quiet persistence, and each step forward requires both care and instinct.

On this most recent journey, Joel and I found ourselves disoriented amid the overgrowth. The once-familiar route seemed to vanish into the thicket, and we moved forward more by memory and determination than by sight. Despite the hardship of the passage—scratched limbs, uncertain footing, the whisper of the wind bearing no answer—we pressed on, compelled by the promise of what lay beyond. And at last, as the trail opened up to the vast, moody expanse of sea and stone, we were reminded why Montforts remains, for all its resistance, a sacred haunt of light and solitude.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Chippendale Street Signs and Street shots in Sydney for Sign2

 

I wandered the length and breadth of Chippendale, that forlorn quarter of the city where time appears to have faltered. The streets lay largely deserted beneath a sallow sky, and the air was sharp with the cold breath of a season undecided. A strange hush hung over the suburb, as though it had slipped quietly out of the world’s memory. Buildings, once purposeful, now stand in mute disrepair—facades cracked, their windows dimmed like the eyes of the long-silent. Ivy creeps where human presence has receded, and the alleys whisper with a desolation too old to name. There is in Chippendale an ineffable melancholy, a kind of quiet sorrow that clings not only to its weathered walls but settles too upon the soul of the passerby.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Chippendale Murals in Sydney for Mural Monday

 

Whilst in Sydney, I set myself the quiet task of wandering from suburb to suburb in search of mural art. I made no attempt to hire a motorcar, nor did I feel drawn to the coastlines or national parks; rather, I devoted myself to the intricacies of the city’s urban sprawl, traversing it solely on foot. Yet the endeavour proved less rewarding than I had hoped. The streets of Sydney, for all their breadth and bustle, yielded few treasures compared to the vibrant abundance of murals that grace Melbourne’s laneways.

The first piece I encountered was by Adnan—an artist of considerable renown, whose work carries the weight of legend. But beyond that, the city’s walls had largely been marred by careless tags, their original images so disfigured that one could scarcely make out what once lay beneath. Still, there was a strange solace to be found in Chippendale, a suburb now softened by gentrification. Among its quiet decay, I captured with my lens the solemn beauty of forsaken buildings—forgotten places, imbued with a melancholy charm all their own.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Cape Schanck Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

Cape Schanck, situated on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, is a place of remarkable natural beauty and a favored destination for photographers. While it is particularly renowned for its breathtaking sunrises, I must confess that, on the rare occasions I find respite from work, I struggle to rise at such an early hour. Nevertheless, the allure of the cape endures.

Joel holds a particular fondness for Cape Schanck, in no small part due to its convenient proximity to Melbourne—a mere 45-minute journey under favorable conditions. The walk down the rugged staircase, though physically demanding, offers invigorating exercise and rewards one with sweeping coastal vistas.

Rich in both natural splendor and historical significance, Cape Schanck has long captivated visitors. Its dramatic cliffs, shaped by millennia of wind and sea, stand as silent sentinels over the restless waters of Bass Strait. The iconic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, built in 1859, adds a further layer of charm, bearing witness to the maritime history that continues to define the region.

In all, it is a place where land, sea, and sky converge in a timeless dance—a setting that stirs the soul, whether viewed through the lens of a camera or the quiet contemplation of the heart.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

I find myself experiencing a degree of muscle strain, the result of the many walks I undertook throughout Sydney’s central business district. Tomorrow, I shall return home to Melbourne.

Sydney Harbour night view for Water H2O Thursday

 

The Aster Bar, perched atop the 32nd floor of the Sydney Intercontinental, proved to be a splendid setting for an evening of quiet repose. Though Joel withdrew from the trip, claiming Sydney had grown tiresome to him, I found contentment in solitude, relishing the panoramic view all to myself.

Regrettably, the long exposure photograph did not come out as I had hoped; I ought to have set the exposure time beyond two minutes, rather than the mere thirty seconds I employed. Moreover, the balcony's corner—where I had positioned myself—was frequently besieged by other patrons seeking the same vantage, some attempting to displace me outright. Still, despite the challenges, I did manage to capture at least one photograph of the moment.

Aster is an exclusive rooftop bar located on the 32nd floor of the InterContinental Sydney, offering a refined drinking and dining experience. Guests can indulge in creative cocktails, artfully plated small dishes, and personalized service while enjoying expansive 270-degree views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The bar's interior combines contemporary elegance with a breezy outdoor terrace, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for patrons. Aster is open to the public, with reservations recommended due to limited space

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Nico's sandwich Deli Signs in Fitzroy for Sign2

 

For reasons known only to him, Joel has developed an unwavering fondness for the sandwiches served at Nico's in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Though the area is notoriously devoid of parking, he insists upon making the pilgrimage, often compelling me to circle the surrounding streets for what feels like hours in search of a suitable space. The inconvenience, however, seems a small price to pay in his eyes, for the sandwiches at Nicco's are, by many accounts, nothing short of extraordinary.

Renowned for their impeccable flavour and generous portions, Nico’s has earned a devoted following and frequently draws a queue that winds well beyond its modest storefront. Indeed, numerous patrons—both local and visiting—have hailed it as offering some of the finest sandwiches in the city, a reputation that appears well deserved given the crowds it consistently attracts. Despite the logistical challenges of the location, it is clear that the culinary experience alone justifies the effort.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Signs 2

I had intended to take a leisurely stroll through The Rocks in Sydney this evening; however, my plans were unceremoniously thwarted by the sudden onset of rain, which began to pour down in earnest.

Fitzroy street murals Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Though somewhat daunting to behold, these nevertheless offer a faithful representation of the area. I am presently in the Sydney Central Business District, where the conference has coincided with the Vivid Sydney light festival. I expect to remain out for the greater part of each evening. It has been almost impossible to make booking of the hotels. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

I am currently watching a new Australian drama on Netflix entitled Survivors. It is truly a pleasure to hear the familiar Australian accent and behold the well-known landscapes. One cannot help but feel there ought to be more locally produced programmes of this kind. Joel has suggested that I subscribe to Stan, which, he assures me, offers a wide array of Australian series, including those in the Walking undead series. He appears to advocate for nearly every available pay television platform.

Lamington National Park Queensland for Sunday Best

 

Lamington National Park is a place I feel compelled to return to — not merely in passing, but with the attentiveness it rightly deserves. On my last visit, circumstances allowed only the faintest impression of its grandeur. A series of storms had rendered much of the park inaccessible: roads were closed, trails impassable, and several of its most cherished locations had been entirely shut off to visitors.

Notably, the renowned waterfall — long a favourite among wanderers and naturalists — had also been cordoned off, its path rendered unsafe by flood damage. Thus, what was intended to be a day of exploration and renewal became, in essence, a six-hour round journey for little more than a glimpse beyond the gates.

It was a sobering reminder of nature’s dual aspect — both sanctuary and force. Lamington, after all, is no mere patch of wilderness. Nestled within the ancient remnants of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, it is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Giant strangler figs, prehistoric Antarctic beech trees, and elusive species like the Albert’s lyrebird dwell within its misted valleys and forested plateaus.

Established in 1915 and inscribed as a World Heritage site, the park holds not only ecological significance but cultural memory — having been long traversed and cared for by the Yugambeh people, whose deep knowledge of the land predates our maps and boundaries.

That my journey yielded so little, at least in the outward sense, was not a loss entirely. It served as a quiet testament to the park's wild integrity — that it cannot, and should not, be summoned at will. Like all places shaped by ancient time and living weather, Lamington must be approached with patience, humility, and a readiness to wait for its invitation.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

The Roman, Mayan, French, Habsburg, Ottoman, Romanov, Iranian, and Soviet dynasties each met their decline through the folly of decadent rulers who divorced themselves from reality, squandered the wealth of their realms, and withdrew into echo chambers wherein truth and falsehood became indistinguishable.

Brisbane Street Signs for Sign2

 

I have shared little thus far from my journey to Brisbane last year, though I recently came across a number of street photographs I had taken during the trip. Next week, I shall be travelling to Sydney to attend a geriatric conference. With some fortune, I hope to witness and capture the city’s illuminated evening events while I am there.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Nullawil Silo Art, Victoria Australia for Mural Monday

 

The Nullawil Silo Art, located in the small rural town of Nullawil in Victoria, is part of the renowned Australian Silo Art Trail. Completed in July 2019 by street artist Smug (Sam Bates), the mural features a striking and realistic depiction of a farmer and his working kelpie dog. The artwork celebrates the strong bond between rural Australians and their working dogs, symbolizing themes of resilience, community, and country life.

Painted on a disused grain silo, the mural has become a cultural and tourist landmark, drawing visitors to the otherwise quiet town. It reflects both artistic excellence and the spirit of regional Australia, contributing to the growing movement of turning industrial structures into large-scale public art. The Nullawil silo is praised for its incredible detail, lifelike quality, and emotional warmth.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Upon returning home to Bendigo, I discovered that a fuse in the motherboard had likely blown. The house, being quite old, has required increasingly frequent maintenance, and the costs have begun to accumulate significantly over the years. It seems that last month’s wages will once again be consumed by repairs. Small wonder, then, that so many around us have resigned themselves to merely “lying flat,” doing only the bare minimum to keep the machine of life running.

La La Creek in Warburton Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

The journey from Melbourne to La La Creek in Warburton is oftentimes a test of patience. Each township en route enforces a strict speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour, and the frequent deceleration through these settlements serves only to prolong the wearying passage. Yet, upon arrival, all such inconveniences are swiftly forgotten.

La La Creek, nestled within the tranquil folds of the Yarra Ranges, offers a quietude that soothes the spirit. In winter, the air is brisk and pure, and the perennial murmur of the creek weaves through the forested glen like a thread of silver sound. The absence of mosquitoes during the colder months renders the experience all the more agreeable, allowing one to linger undisturbed by the banks of this gentle watercourse.

Once a source of life and sustenance for the Wurundjeri people and later a site frequented by timber-cutters and bushwalkers alike, the creek now flows in peaceful retirement, its mossy stones and fern-fringed edges recalling a natural history both rich and enduring. Here, beneath towering mountain ash and alongside trails softened by fallen leaves, one finds a serenity rare in the modern world.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Balnarring Beach, Mornington Peninsula for Skywatch Friday

 

In the first photograph, Joel is visible in the distance, intently focused on photographing seaweed along the shoreline. The air has grown markedly cooler, and the sky bears the pale, steely blue that signals the quiet approach of winter. It is in such moments that the necessity of reconnecting with the natural world becomes most apparent—calming, grounding, and essential to the soul.

Balnarring Beach, located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, stretches along the calm waters of Western Port Bay. Its gentle crescent shape and serene outlook toward Phillip Island make it a place of both quiet retreat and natural charm. The area is known for its safe swimming waters, expansive foreshore reserves, and the peaceful rhythm of tidal life.

The name “Balnarring” is thought to originate from Indigenous words meaning “little” and “gumtree,” a poetic nod to the native landscape. European settlement began in earnest in the 1840s when pastoral stations were established, and by the latter half of the 19th century, Balnarring had grown to include a post office, a school, and a church. The arrival of the railway in the early 20th century further connected the township with surrounding areas, allowing more visitors to discover its coastal beauty.

Balnarring Beach—once also known as Tulum Beach—has long held a quiet reputation as a haven for holidaymakers and nature lovers. In more recent times, it was honoured as one of Australia's cleanest beaches, a testament to the community's stewardship and respect for the land.

Even as seasons shift and the cold edges in, Balnarring Beach remains a place of stillness and reflection—a coastal landscape where history, nature, and memory meet in tranquil harmony.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

The past fortnight has been exceedingly busy for me. Despite the considerable amount of work I have undertaken, the returns have felt rather meagre. Joel and I have been diligently studying investments in the Japanese stock market, prompted by Warren Buffett’s decision to reallocate his wealth into Japanese equities.

Granite Island, Victor Harbour, South Australia for Water H2O Thursday

 

These photographs showcase areas of Granite Island that were not included in my earlier publications. The striking red mosses adorning the granite rocks are a distinctive and captivating feature of the island’s natural landscape. Granite Island, located just off the coast of Victor Harbor in South Australia, is famed for its extensive granite outcrops formed millions of years ago, which have shaped its unique terrain and ecosystem. The island boasts a rich history, having been inhabited by the Ngarrindjeri people for thousands of years before European settlement, and today serves as a protected reserve supporting diverse native flora and fauna, including the well-known little penguin colony. I find great enjoyment and solace in experiencing the island’s remarkable natural beauty and the opportunity to immerse myself in its serene environment.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Barham NSW Water Tower Art for Mural Monday

 

I frequently journeyed through Barham, New South Wales, situated just beyond the northern border of Victoria. Recently, the town’s silo was adorned with a splendid work of art, masterfully completed by the artist who undertook the Barham Silo project. I find the artistic touch both inspiring and deeply evocative, adding a remarkable cultural dimension to the rural landscape.

The recently completed mural on the Barham water tower in New South Wales stands as a testament to the artistic prowess of Gus Eagleton, a distinguished Australian muralist renowned for his large-scale public artworks. Completed in April 2025, this monumental piece is part of the River Country Art Trail, an initiative that brings vibrant art to regional communities. Eagleton's decade-long career in contemporary muralism is marked by a keen ability to intertwine local narratives with striking visual elements, thereby enriching the cultural tapestry of the locales he engages with. His work in Barham not only enhances the town's visual landscape but also reflects its unique identity and community spirit.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

This is linking Mural Monday

Lake Pukaki in New Zealand for Water H2O Thursday

 

I recall journeying back from a rather disheartening excursion to Mount Cook, where the snow had fallen in relentless torrents, rendering the experience bleak and inhospitable. However, as we descended from the alpine heights and approached the shores of Lake Pukaki, the snow began to ease, as though nature herself had granted a brief reprieve. The lake, famed for its striking glacial blue waters, lies in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin and has long been revered both for its natural grandeur and its role in the hydroelectric schemes of the mid-20th century. It was there, against the backdrop of this storied and serene body of water, that the storm seemed at last to lose its grip.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Bi Shan Yan shrine Taipei for Treasure Tuesday

 

In my youth, my father would often take me to Bishan Yan Shrine, a site nestled in the hills of Neihu District, Taipei, renowned for its venerable history and spiritual significance. Established during the Qing Dynasty and later renovated under Japanese rule, the shrine has long stood as a place of reverence, dedicated to Kaizhang Shengwang, the revered pioneer deity of Zhangzhou.

It was before the consecration space of this hallowed site that my father, a man of great hospitality and energy, would lead his kitchen crew in preparing humble yet heartfelt feasts. I recall vividly the times he boiled instant noodles in a great cauldron, serving more than thirty people amidst the wooded serenity of the temple grounds.

Though the atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter, our merriment once drew the ire of the shrine keeper, who, in his duty to uphold the sanctity of the place, admonished my father with sternness. Even so, out of respect and resolve not to waste food, we remained until every last portion had been consumed, after which we departed quietly, leaving behind only the traces of memory and incense in the mountain air.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

This is linking Treasure Tuesday