Melbourne’s first sea port

Since tankers couldn’t navigate the Yarra River, this maritime village was intended to be Victoria’s port and capital. Due to a shortage of fresh water, Melbourne became the state capital while Williamstown remained an important port and ship building site.

Melbourne’s Yarra River

The Melbourne Baths were originally built to encourage swimmers not to swim in the Yarra River because of its pollution. The river was still a suspicious brown when I decided to mirror its course.

Outdoor sculpture

In the Sculpture Garden of Melbourne’s original National Gallery on the southern side of the Yarra were unique art works scattered among the trees and lush grass.

Following in Aboriginal women’s footsteps

Skirting part of Port Phillip Bay was a walkway through West St Kilda where once Aboriginal women made their spring journey from the Yarra River (near today’s Queens Bridge) to Port Nepean.

Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are on the southern side of the Yarra River, before crossing into the heart of the city. In the distance, Melbourne’s highest buildings peek over the trees but the city is soon forgotten with paths weaving through giant trees.

Melbourne’s Yarra Bend

In the middle of Melbourne, is a piece of natural beauty, Yarra Bend. As the name suggests, Melbourne’s Yarra River runs through the bush land setting.